Swimming + Singles [LTMCD 2324] | The Names

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The Names \ Swimming + Singles [LTMCD 2324]

Swimming is the acclaimed debut album by Belgian cold wave group The Names, originally released in June 1982 by Les Disques du Crépuscule.

Between 1979 and 1982 The Names recorded a string of excellent records for Factory, Factory Benelux and Crépuscule, all helmed by legendary producer Martin Hannett. Recorded at Strawberry Studios in Manchester, Swimming is now regarded as a cold wave classic, combining strong songwriting from Michel Sordinia and poised, tasteful delivery by guitarist Marc Deprez and keyboards player Christophe Den Tandt.

This remastered CD combines Swimming in its entirety with bonus singles Nightshift, Calcutta and The Astronaut, as well as two tracks recorded for Crépuscule compilation albums: Music for Someone, and Cat. The CD booklet contains detailed liner notes.

Cover art by Benoît Hennebert. A vinyl and CD version of Swimming is also available on Factory Benelux featuring the group's John Peel session from 1982.

LTM CD tracklist:

1. Music for Someone
2. Discovery
3. Floating World
4. The Fire
5. Life By the Sea
6. White Shadow
7. Calcutta
8. Postcards
9. (This Is) Harmony
10. Shanghai Gesture
11. Leave Her to Heaven
12. Light
13. Nightshift
14. I Wish I Could Speak Your Language
15. The Astronaut
16. Cat
17. I Wish I Could Speak Your Language (pre-mix)

Available on digital (MP3 or FLAC). CD is sold out. To order please click on Add To Cart button below cover image. Digital copies are delivered to customers via link sent by email.

Reviews:

"Intelligent and imaginative" (The Face, 07/1982)

"Classic, disaffected pop" (Top, 04/1991)

"Exhibits many of the fine qualities of early 80s avant-rock: icy brutalism, spectral reverb, tormented vocals, techno-tribal rumbles" (Uncut, 12/2000)

"Swimming retains a gorgeously shrouded, sepulchral mood" (Mojo, 12/2011)

"Heard now, Swimming shimmers like an underwater version of The Cure, crystalline and fractured" (The Arts Desk, 02/2013)

"Dark yet sparkling" (Record Collector, 03/2013)

"A superb and timeless new-wave triumph" (Flipside, 02/2013)