Time Is Money (Bastard)

"Time Is Money (Bastard)" is a song by American experimental rock band Swans. It was released as a 12-inch single in 1986, through record label K.422.

"Time Is Money (Bastard)"
Single by Swans
Released	January 31, 1986
Recorded	June–August 1985 at Intergalactic Studios, New York City, United States
Genre	Industrial
Length	18:40
Label	K.422
Songwriter(s)	Michael Gira
Producer(s)	Michael Gira, Jorgé Estabon
Swans singles chronology
"Young God" (1984) "Time Is Money (Bastard)" (1986) "A Screw" (1986)
Audio sample
"Time Is Money (Bastard)" file help

Background

Notable for the first official appearance of Jarboe,[1] this single also marks a turning point in the band's sound, moving away from the slow, churning noise rock of their early work to a more minimal, industrial sound. Both mixes of the title song utilise sampled beats (in this case a nail gun) in addition to live drums. The down-tempo B-side "Sealed in Skin", however, pushes the band's sound even further as the first in their catalogue to use piano.

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]

Trouser Press described "Time Is Money (Bastard)" as a "great single",[2] and Ned Raggett of AllMusic called the song "an underground industrial/dance hit" and noted its aggressively explicit lyrics.[1]

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Michael Gira; all music is composed by Swans.

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Time Is Money (Bastard)"	5:36
2.	"Sealed in Skin"	6:00
3.	"Time Is Money (Bastard)" (Mix)	7:04
Total length:		18:40

Personnel

• Michael Gira – vocals, production
• N. Westerg (Norman Westberg) – guitar
• Ronaldo Gonzalez – drums
• H. Crosby (Harry Crosby) – bass guitar
• Jarboe – scream
• Jorgé Estabon – engineering, production assistance
• P. White – sleeve artwork
• M.G. – album cover design

Charts

Chart (1986)	Peak position
UK Indie Chart[3]	8

References

1. Raggett, Ned. "Time Is Money (Bastard) – Swans: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards : AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
2. Leland, John; Sheridan, David; Kenny, Glenn; Frampton, Scott. "trouserpress.com :: Swans". trouserpress.com. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
3. Lazell, Barry (1997). Indie Hits 1980-1989. Cherry Red Books. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 5, 2014.

External links

• "Time Is Money (Bastard)" at Discogs (list of releases)