Description
Swing Swang Swung is the fourth album by the American hard rock band Guardian, released by Pakaderm Records in 1994, in co-operation with Myrrh Records, manufactured and distributed by Word. The album was recorded by J.R. McNeely at The Snack Bar in Brentwood, Tennessee; with John and Dino Elefante producing. Mixed by McNeely at the Sound Kitchen in Franklin, Tennessee. String arrangements and direction by Tom Howard.
This isn’t the first time that Guardian has experimented with the “semi-unplugged” format. The band had intended to release an acoustic EP following its ‘Fire and Love‘ tour, but those plans were put on hold, in favor of its «Take Up Your Cross» contribution to the 1991 Pakaderm sampler ‘Portrait of a Spirit’. But its desire to experiment was evident in ‘Miracle Mile’ cuts such as «Sweet Mystery» and «The Captain». Guardian’s original concept has finally found fruition in ‘Swing Swang Swung’.
In contrast to the aforementioned efforts, which seemded like a labored attempt to embrace acoustic music, this album is simply a bunch of guys sitting around jamming – ‘SSS’ was mostly recorded in various rooms of producer John Elefante’s house (including the garage). The musical touchstone for this sessions were mainly the acoustic textures of Led Zeppelin’s third album, the bluesy approach of The Rolling Stones’ early ’70s work and ’60s psychedelic pop – most prominently The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’; Tom Howard‘s string arrangements and Elefante’s Mellotron parts especially emphasize the ’60s connection. So why the “swing” in the album’s title? – coming completely out of left field is a jazzy version of the country classic «The Preacher and the Bear». With writing and vocal contributions from all four members and loose, uninhibited performances, ‘SSS’ is just plain fun and may indicate that Guardian’s best work is yet to come. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, October 1994]
It goes without saying that Guardian has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years. Since releasing their first album in the pretty boy glam metal era of the early 80s, the group has unleashed a steady stream of albums which has caused Guardian to stand out as one of the better mainstream Christian rock acts. But with ‘Swing Swang Swung’ the group has shaken off the shackles of being strictly a by-the-numbers hard rock band, and recorded an album filled with a variety of tones and colors which now leaves these former Californians poised for greatness.
The much-improved songwriting of last year’s ‘Miracle Mile‘ only hinted at what this new release delivers. Just to give a few examples, the almost funky «Endless Summer» features a monster bass line from David Bach, whereas in contrast, «Rich Man Over The Line» reminds the listener of none other than The Beatles. And in its quieter moments, such as «See You In Heaven» (a song guitarist Tony Palacios wrote about his mother passing away when he was young), Guardian reveals a sensitive and vulnerable side never before seen in its recordings to date.
The group gives eerie indication of being in full control of its creative powers, and unafraid to try its hand at any musical style which suits its fancy. It also seems uninhibited by what its loyal hard rock contingent might think about these tangents. In lesser hands, this might have come off sounding like those dreadful moments on the old Barbara Mandrell show where she would madly jump frome instrument to instrument, all in the same song, only to leave the poor listener with the feeling that he or she had been unwilling forced to watch an unwatchable sideshow at the circus.
To some longtime fans, this musis appear to be a highwire act indeed, but in retrospect, when looking at the band’s recorded output, it really all sounds so natural. Untalented bands were probably forced to stay in that fist-pumping, spandex-outfitted, stadium rock of the Poison and Stryper era. But bands that sing well, play as equally fine on acoustic instruments as they do on the plugged-in kind, and can write smart rock songs like Guardian does, are destined to spread their wings and soar above the rest of the flock.
This is kinder, gentler, rootsier, somewhat acoustic – though not the completely “unplugged” version of Guardian that was rumored to be presented here. Though not as loud as the usual Guardian album, this disc still rocks the house. It swings where it once might have banged, and it jumps where it previously would only have jerked. Kudos must also be given to producers John & Dino Elefante, who get extra credit versatility points, especially if you listen to this one back-to-back with the recent Bride album.
In addition to showing us their acoustic and sensitive sides, Guardian has, with the song «C’mon Everyone», revealed an until-now unexposed funny bone. The song at first appears to be nothing more than faith-esteem building sing-along – until the band tacks on silly back-up vocals and funny spoken asides, poking fun at how often simple praise songs are sometimes forced into sounding like self-important grand statements. Guardian knows better than to take itself too seriously. After all, it’s only rock n’ roll, people!
Only rock n’ roll, but you gotta like it. You might even love it. Expect many to be singing – and swinging – Guardian’s praises for a long time to come. [Dan MacIntosh, Syndicate # 41, 1994 (Iss. 5, Vol. 9)]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/swing-swang-swung/125264245)
CD tracklist:
01. The Way Back Home – 4:31
02. Endless Summer – 4:32
03. C’mon Everyone – 4:48
04. Like The Sun – 5:19
05. Rich Man Over The Line – 4:03
06. Your Love – 4:47
07. Don’t Say That It’s Over – 4:47
08. See You In Heaven – 4:39
09. Let The Whole World – 5:02
10. Preacher And The Bear – 3:15
11. Still On My Mind – 3:45
12. Why Don’t We – 1:28
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Myrrh Records.
Syndicate Magazine # 42, 1994 ( (Iss. 6, Vol. 9) featured a cover story on Guardian.
“See You In Heaven” (MUSIC VIDEO)
Interview with Tony Palacios of Guardian, 1994
A full-page advertisement for Guardian’s Swing Swang Swung was featured in the October 1994 issue of CCM Magazine.
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