The Swales have released two LPs on Bar None records, but the band composition on these albums are drastically different. In fact, the only constant so far has been Bob Carr (lead singer, songwriter, guitar).

The Swales lineup for the debut album Pleasureland. The Swales were, left to right: Lawrence Bonforte (bass, bongos, vocals), Eric Harris (drums, congas, keyboards, vocals), Bob Carr (lead vocals, guitar), and Rich Weiner (lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals).

Pleasureland also featured backup on a few of the tracks from Bob's siblings, Mike and Paula Carino. Paula now has her own band. She sings, plays rhythm guitar, and writes for Regular Einstein. You can see them play clubs in New York City, especially the Sidewalk Cafe.

What happened between the 1992 lineup and 1995's What's-His-Name (the title get's more and more appropriate)? Eric left originally to join Chocolate USA, but now plays guitar for Olivia Tremor Control, and Rich laid his guitar down and called it quits in the middle of a recording. Larry left to become a full-time carpenter.

"But I'm just a carpenter and you're just another silly girl."
--from "On Your Side", appearing on both albums, a 7" single, and the demo tape.

"There's a wrench in my hand and it's good for nothing anymore
There's a hammer in my hand and it's good for nothing, good for nothing"
--from "Cradle" off of What's-His-Name

Carpentry is abound in the Swales music, whether directly stated or in the working class spirit at the heart of their songs. In fact, the current Swales lineup helped build a studio for Bar/None in exchange for recording time while making What's-His-Name.

They had used up their recording advance when they recorded two albums worth of tunes, half of which Bob cut because he felt they weren't up to par with his better songs. The result is one of the finest collections of music you will ever hear.

The Swales, from What's-His-Name to present. They are, clockwise from top left: Bob Carr (lead vocals, guitar), Mike Santoro (bass), Mike Daly (lead guitar), and Ken Tondre (drums).

What's-His-Name has been met with more critical praise than even Pleasureland. Their releases are some of the most unique collections of tunes modern music has to offer.

After What's-His-Name's release in late 1995, the band headed out for TWENTY WEEKS of touring in support. They hit small clubs as well as larger venues, especially with their opening slot on a They Might Be Giants tour. The Swales have proven themselves to be a veritable live act, packing a lot of energy into their songs.

As for the Swales third album, I recently got some info from Bob Carr. Right now the band members are a little scattered. Bob is currently in a "self-imposed hibernation" for until the end of February, reading (he mentions Henry Miller, Neitchze, Walt Whitman, and William Blake among others), and writing some journal entries. "The end result of this," he writes, "will be Swales Third Album."

In the fall of 1996 the Swales recorded a five song EP (notes in Discography) meant to be released in early 1997. This project was scrapped, though, and the songs, which you may have heard live, were put on hold until the next album.

In Spring 1997, Ken split with the band on good terms, heading off to Austin, TX. Not long after, I got the following e-mail from Bar/None:

I wanted to let you know that I did attempt to visit your site numerous times. From what I saw it looked really nice!

I do have some bad news for you. Yesterday was d-day (decision day). Bob Carino (Bob Swale) decided to call it quits. Swales are no more. Sorry to bring you down like this, but I felt you should be one of the first to know. He felt his heart just wasn't in it anymore.

Bottom line, there just wasn't enough going on to warrant continuing. They'd put a considerable amount of effort into Swales, and at a certain point you've got to drop it and move on to something else. Bob will continue writing songs, raise his kid (be a sorta Mr. Mom). Mike will continue to gig around, he'll be playing with Drag City recording artist Edith Frost for a couple of weeks in June.

Once again, thank you for your interest in the band and support. It did not go unnoticed.

Please stay in touch.

Ken
Bar/None

As you see, the Swales' third LP was never realized. On 1 May 1997 the band split amicably, departing for brighter skies and "Swales" went on to bliss.

Where are they now? Bob and Marijeanne Carino are busy with new son Matthew, who will turn one this October. As far as the Swale within, Marijeanne writes:

"I guess I can sum up the break-up by saying that 'it was time to move on.' Bob is continuing to write, although his outlet is short stories rather than songs. He's hoping to write a novel down the road. And who knows, he may get back into music at some point."

Mike Daly, Mike Santoro, and Ken Tondre continue to live the lives of professional musicians extraordinaire. Last I heard Ken was pounding the skins with classic Teret's Syndrome vigour on a touring schoolbus in Texas. Mike S. now plays with True Wheel. Mr. Daly, meanwhile, toured with Edith Frost for a while. He was later seen kickin' it new-school-country-rock-etc with the fab sounds of Whiskeytown, doing the organ and lead lap steel guitars. They even played in my hometown but my sorry underaged self couldn't get in.

And what about me? After taking an obscenely-long sabatical from updating this page, I'm about to start my third undergraduate year at Duke University, majoring in mathematics. How do I fit into all of this? My current duties include co-songwriting, guitar and backing vocalist for Lexington, KY's musical duo Moochie and the Dean Jones Band. We haven't branched out of the coffeeshop and friends' houses yet, but look out. If we get permission you can expect some Swales covers, too.

Don't forget to click "feedback" and sign the guestbook, tell us what influence the Swales had on you. Thank you and God bless!

Contributing info? Suggestions? Mail me.
Last updated Tuesday, 25 August 1998.