Soundtracks for the Blind cover

Soundtracks for the Blind

Swans · 1996

141 min · 26 tracks · alternative rock · progressive rock · post-punk

A sprawling, atmospheric soundscape intertwining haunting melodies with relentless, abrasive textures.

Why listen to this

Best for
wave-like intensity fluctuations haunting melodies with tension immersive soundscape exploration
Context
Released on October 22, 1996, 'Soundtracks for the Blind' marked a significant phase in Swans' evolution as it was their first album after a hiatus and the band's transition towards more experimental soundscapes. This album came following their acclaimed release 'The Great Annihilator' (1995) and showcased a departure from their earlier intensity into more ambient and immersive territories.
If you like
alternative rock, progressive rock, post-punk
What next
Various Failures — Continues the atmospheric and experimental sound, introducing new textures and dynamics.

Soundtracks for the Blind is an album by Swans, released in 1996. A sprawling, atmospheric soundscape intertwining haunting melodies with relentless, abrasive textures. 'Soundtracks for the Blind' is notable for its critical acclaim, often hailed as a pivotal work in the genre of experimental rock. The album's unconventional structure and sonic exploration influenced a generation of artists within avant-garde and post-rock scenes, affirming Swans' status as innovators in the music landscape. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Soundtracks for the Blind sound like?

A sprawling, atmospheric soundscape intertwining haunting melodies with relentless, abrasive textures. Rooted in alternative rock and progressive rock. Start with "Red Velvet Corridor".

Is Soundtracks for the Blind a good place to start with Swans?

Yes, Soundtracks for the Blind is recommended as a starting point for new Swans listeners. A sprawling, atmospheric soundscape intertwining haunting melodies with relentless, abrasive textures. Released on October 22, 1996, 'Soundtracks for the Blind' marked a significant phase in Swans' evolution as it was their first album after a hiatus and the band's transition towards more experimental soundscapes. This album came following their acclaimed release 'The Great Annihilator' (1995) and showcased a departure from their earlier intensity into more ambient and immersive territories.

Who is Soundtracks for the Blind for?

Soundtracks for the Blind works well if you're into wave-like intensity fluctuations, haunting melodies with tension and immersive soundscape exploration.

How many songs are on Soundtracks for the Blind?

Soundtracks for the Blind has 26 tracks, running approximately 141 minutes.

Tracklist

26 tracks·141:49

New here? Start with Red Velvet Corridor.

Disc 1

  • 1 Red Velvet Corridor Start here 3:04
  • 2 I Was a Prisoner in Your Skull Standout 6:39
  • 3 Helpless Child Standout 15:47
  • 4 Live Through Me 2:31
  • 5 Yum‐Yab Killers 5:07
  • 6 The Beautiful Days 7:49
  • 7 Volcano 5:19
  • 8 Mellothumb 2:45
  • 9 All Lined Up 4:48
  • 10 Surrogate 2 1:51
  • 11 How They Suffer 5:52
  • 12 Animus 10:42

Disc 2

  • 1 Red Velvet Wound 2:02
  • 2 The Sound Standout 13:11
  • 3 Her Mouth Is Filled With Honey 3:18
  • 4 Blood Section 2:39
  • 5 Hypogirl 2:44
  • 6 Minus Something 4:14
  • 7 Empathy 6:45
  • 8 I Love You This Much 7:23
  • 9 YRP 7:46
  • 10 Fan’s Lament 1:28
  • 11 Secret Friends 3:08
  • 12 The Final Sacrifice 10:27
  • 13 YRP 2 2:09
  • 14 Surrogate Drone 2:09

Release Date

October 22, 1996

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

141 min 49 sec