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Swingin' with Raymond

by Chumbawamba

Released: October 23, 1995

Folk, anarcho-punk

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"Swingin' with Raymond" is the seventh studio album by anarchist punk band Chumbawamba. The musical style of the album is divided into two distinct halves. The first half, titled "Love It," consists of tracks 1 to 6 and features folk-styled love songs sung by Lou Watts, accompanied by acoustic guitars and violin.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album cover features a photograph of Raymond…

The album cover features a photograph of Raymond Mills.

The second half, titled "Hate It," includes tracks…

The second half, titled "Hate It," includes tracks 7 to 13 and showcases the band's other vocalists, with faster rhythms, trumpet, and louder guitars.

Nickson praised this section for its strong melodies…

Nickson praised this section for its strong melodies and choruses.

The cover art visually represents the contrast between…

The cover art visually represents the contrast between the two halves, featuring a man with "LOVE" and "HATE" tattooed on his knuckles.

Some versions of the LP were released as…

Some versions of the LP were released as two separate discs, one for each part.

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Chumbawamba - Swingin' with Raymond

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Then

Reception

Swingin' with Raymond peaked at number 70 on the UK Albums Chart, spending only one week on the tally. Chris Nickson, an Allmusic critic, described this section as "ironic," noting that the songs explore the love of ideas, turning love itself into a concept.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Swingin' with Raymond" is the seventh studio album by anarchist punk band Chumbawamba. The album cover features a photograph of Raymond Mills.

The musical style of the album is divided into two distinct halves. The first half, titled "Love It," consists of tracks 1 to 6 and features folk-styled love songs sung by Lou Watts, accompanied by acoustic guitars and violin. Chris Nickson, an Allmusic critic, described this section as "ironic," noting that the songs explore the love of ideas, turning love itself into a concept.

The second half, titled "Hate It," includes tracks 7 to 13 and showcases the band's other vocalists, with faster rhythms, trumpet, and louder guitars. Nickson praised this section for its strong melodies and choruses. The cover art visually represents the contrast between the two halves, featuring a man with "LOVE" and "HATE" tattooed on his knuckles. Some versions of the LP were released as two separate discs, one for each part.

The album was less successful in the UK than its predecessor, Anarchy, which had entered the top 40. Swingin' with Raymond peaked at number 70 on the UK Albums Chart, spending only one week on the tally.