Description
Zwan – Mary Star of the Sea (2003) | Alternative Rock Album | CD
Product Information
- UPC: 093624843627
- Format: CD, Album
- Release Year: 2003
- Country: Germany
- Label: Reprise Records / Warner Music
- Genre: Alternative Rock, Post-Rock
- Style: Spiritual Rock, Shoegaze Influences
Album Overview
Mary Star of the Sea is the only studio album by Zwan, the short-lived but critically acclaimed supergroup formed by Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins) after the Pumpkins' initial breakup. Released in 2003, the album blends uplifting, spiritual rock with Corgan's signature melodic songwriting, featuring soaring guitars, layered harmonies, and poetic lyrics exploring themes of faith, love, and redemption.
Key Highlights:
- All-star lineup: Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin (ex-Pumpkins), Matt Sweeney (Chavez), David Pajo (Slint), and Paz Lenchantin (A Perfect Circle).
- 13 tracks ranging from jangle-pop anthems ("Lyric") to epic, 14-minute spiritual journeys ("Jesus, I / Mary Star of the Sea").
- Produced by Corgan & Bjorn Thorsrud, mixed by Alan Moulder (My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails).
Track Listing
- Lyric – 3:18
- Settle Down – 5:26
- Declarations of Faith – 4:18
- Honestly – 3:45
- El Sol – 3:39 (Trad. arr. by Corgan & Sweeney)
- Of a Broken Heart (feat. Ana Lenchantin on cello) – 3:54
- Ride a Black Swan – 4:54 (Trad. arr. by Corgan & Sweeney)
- Heartsong – 3:08
- Endless Summer – 4:22
- Baby Let's Rock! – 3:41
- Yeah! – 3:06
- Desire – 4:15
- Jesus, I / Mary Star of the Sea – 14:04
- Come With Me – 4:01
Key Features & Interesting Facts
1. Spiritual & Uplifting Themes
Unlike the melancholy of The Smashing Pumpkins, Mary Star of the Sea embraces joyful, faith-inspired lyrics, reflecting Corgan’s personal spiritual awakening at the time.
2. Epic Closing Track
The 14-minute "Jesus, I / Mary Star of the Sea" is a psychedelic, gospel-infused masterpiece, blending Corgan’s songwriting with traditional hymn structures.
3. Short-Lived Supergroup
Despite critical acclaim, Zwan disbanded in late 2003 due to internal tensions. This remains their only official release.
4. Production & Sound
- Recorded at Sunset Sound (Los Angeles) and Chicago Recording Company.
- Mixed by Alan Moulder, known for his work with My Bloody Valentine and Nine Inch Nails, giving the album a lush, dreamy sound.
- Features cello by Ana Lenchantin (Paz’s sister, later of Pixies).
Credits & Personnel
- Billy Corgan – Vocals, Guitar, Songwriting
- Matt Sweeney – Guitar, Vocals
- David Pajo – Guitar
- Paz Lenchantin – Bass, Vocals
- Jimmy Chamberlin – Drums
Produced by: Bjorn Thorsrud & Billy Corgan
Mixed by: Alan Moulder
Mastered by: Howie Weinberg
Artwork by: Geoff McFetridge / Champion
Why You Should Own This Album
✔ A lost gem – One of the best post-Pumpkins Corgan projects.
✔ Unique sound – Jangly, uplifting rock with spiritual depth.
✔ Collector’s value – Only Zwan album ever released.
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Hashtags
#Zwan #MaryStarOfTheSea #BillyCorgan #AlternativeRock #PostRock #SmashingPumpkins #LostClassics #2000sRock
