The Beggar
by Swans
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 2023
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
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  1. user1983073
    Jun 27, 2023
    0
  2. Lajaleaa
    Jul 19, 2023
    6
    At this point I think it is clear that Swans make an album every time they trip on acid, and, I guess, it is fine they want to paint their complete trip or most of it with their instrumentation and composition. Joining them in their trip can be interesting, but I do feel this is not just a very "exclusive" experience, but I also think it is both empty of catharsis or "movement" andAt this point I think it is clear that Swans make an album every time they trip on acid, and, I guess, it is fine they want to paint their complete trip or most of it with their instrumentation and composition. Joining them in their trip can be interesting, but I do feel this is not just a very "exclusive" experience, but I also think it is both empty of catharsis or "movement" and saturated with ambientation and "aura". This can only mean one thing: you hate it, or you love it, and I'm seeing how people are loving and appreciating this album, which is great, but I'll have to disagree.
    Swans seems to be a very "we sell an experience" situation, which can put the focus away the quality of the product and its process. I appreciate the experience, actually, I think they work better with longer tracks that can actually allow them to express their complete feeling with a lot more of narrative, but the smaller tracks make me feel in a senseless loop of empty sermons that failed to get me closer to the main entity. I'm sorry, this might not be the right church for me.    … Expand
  3. Motorik6
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Back on form after the transitional Leaving Meaning.
    A gamut of depth and variety.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Beats Per Minute
    Jun 29, 2023
    90
    It’s noteworthy that this latest record is on par with those two [Soundtracks for the Blind and The Seer] in quality, because it marks his largest leap forward in a long time. By imagining a future without himself, Michel Gira has opened up an eternity of possibilities. He’s let the light shine in – and that is deeply moving. He’s found peace.
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  2. Glide Magazine
    Jun 23, 2023
    80
    The Beggar is a challenging listen over its two-hour run time, but the sonic soundscapes SWANS create throughout deliver what the band set out to do; juxtapose the beautiful and grotesque while stretching out their droning sound to the breaking point.
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  3. The Guardian
    Jun 23, 2023
    80
    The Velvet Underground-worthy Los Angeles: City of Death is the closest this Swans incarnation comes to rock and unusually for a band of this vintage, they’re still springing surprises, such as the way Michael Is Done suddenly erupts into beatific rapture reminiscent of early Brian Eno.
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