If you haven't already, visit chalkhills. Basically, the reviews of the remasters fall into two categories: wow, or, great, but so was the original transfer. Me, I've got remasters of everything.
The thing is, they're so varied, different people get different stuff out of them. English Settlement never much grabbed me, but Big Express grabbed and wouldn't let go...
Senses Working Overtime is a classic, though...
XTC [again]
-
- KVRist
- 90 posts since 24 Apr, 2001 from Clinton, ME
IMHO XTC is the 2nd greatest pop-rock band ever--only the Beatles are better. In a just world they would already be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but the Hall is so bogus what does it really matter? Everybody seems to have different opinions on the quality of their various albums. I will of course indulge mine:
White Music--a good start with a few classic tracks. Nonessential overall.
Go2--great fun, a kind of hyperactive New Wave art pop, with some awesome tracks (Red, Beattown, Battery Brides). Especially cool with the tracks from the GoPlus EP--dub versions of five Go2 tracks.
Drums and Wires--a wonderful album with classic tracks like "Nigel", "Life Begins at the Hop", shows a band really finding itself. Needs to be had.
Black Sea--Their first totally great album, IMHO. Power-pop heaven from beginning to end. For all the terrific tracks here, "Burning with Optimism's Flames" and "Towers of London" still manage to stand out--truly groundbreaking shit. But then there's still "Cuba", "No Language in our Lungs", "Rocket from a Bottle"...(gasp!!!)
English Settlement--Has some wonderful stuff of course--"Senses Working Overtime" is simply stunningly beautiful--but too many preachy lyrics, arty music that goes on a little too long, to be a favorite album of mine. Others think its their best, however.
Mummer--Weird and unappealing production by the guy that did Haircut 100 (!), weak songs for the most part, boring--my least favorite album.
The Big Express--some great songs, but tainted by drum-machine heavy '80s production that intrudes on the pop vibe. "Liarbird" is still a favorite, though.
Skylarking-- a masterpiece from beginning to end. Todd Rundgren pissed off Andy Partridge tremendously during the recording of the album, but his cotton-candy psychedelia was just what the band needed. The songs are wondrous and beautiful, and the last two by Colin Moulding ("Dying" and "Sacrificial Bonfire") join "Dear God" as stunningly mature and moving works of art. Prairie Prince from the Tubes sits in and plays righteous drums. Even Andy P. had to admit years later that Todd did it right. Buy this album before any other, IMHO.
BTW, Todd insisted that "Dear God" was the hit, but Andy thought otherwise, and it wasn't included on the original British release. "Mermaid Smiles" was, and it's beautiful as hell too. But Todd was right.
Oranges and Lemons--a lot of killer songs here, but I have always felt that the production was too slick and LA-style (the drummer is an LA session cat, fan of XTC, and was a founding member of MISTER MISTER!!) Not my favorite for this reason. Still plenty of gorgeous stuff, and has to be owned for this reason.
Nonesuch--Too long, too much filler, too turgid with some rather dull melodies. Goes to the bottom of the stack with Mummer, if you ask me.
Apple Venus Vol. 1--an adult art pop masterpiece, with little rocking ("Green Man" mostly) but stunningly beautiful songs, arrangements and production. Also Andy Partridge's most mature lyrics ever--check out "Harvest Festival"--God it brings me to tears just thinking about the imagery! Pure pleasurable ear candy, every song great. A uniquely adult (in a good way) work.
Wasp Star--a disappointing return to rock--too slick, too simple, and too much rehash (such as the African roots, etc.). I never listen to this record, except "The Man Who Murdered Love" is pretty terrific.
They have a lot of good compilation CDs, but I particularly recommend "Rag and Bone Buffet", which has some stellar B-sides and BBC live tracks. I also had the good fortune to see XTC live in Austin in 1979, and I must admit it was one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Fortunately there is a BBC recording of one of their live shows from 1980 available on CD, with many of their classic tracks from "Drums and Wires" and "Black Sea" live, that confirms my memory of them. I highly recommend this CD, it is wonderfully recorded and performed. Sadly Andy quit touring because of panic attacks/stage fright, which is somewhat ironic given the quality of their performing skills. Terry Chambers rocks the house on drums!
So, if you ask me--"Skylarking" should be your first purchase hands down, then "Apple Venus Vol. 1" if you want more mellow fare, "Black Sea" if you want more rock. Lots of fans would recommend "English Settlement" or "Drums and Wires" respectively. And check out the live CD if you can!
P.S. Ohmigod I forgot about the Dukes of the Stratosfear, XTC's briefly lived psychedelic alterego. Using period instruments and studio technology, they recorded a fantastic five-song homage to English psychedelia (Beatles, Barrett/Floyd, Tomorrow) that rocked like hell. It was an English hit, and they followed up with a less interesting album, but you can get it all on one CD now that's pretty damn good fun overall--better than Nonesuch, anyway!
P.P.S. OK, we all know that XTC have mastered the composition of intelligent pop, but you may not have noticed that one of their secrets is that THEY ARE THE MASTERS OF THE BRIDGE!! ("Towers of London", for one example.) Anyone seeking to learn how to write a proper bridge should study at the feet of Andy Partridge, IMHO.
White Music--a good start with a few classic tracks. Nonessential overall.
Go2--great fun, a kind of hyperactive New Wave art pop, with some awesome tracks (Red, Beattown, Battery Brides). Especially cool with the tracks from the GoPlus EP--dub versions of five Go2 tracks.
Drums and Wires--a wonderful album with classic tracks like "Nigel", "Life Begins at the Hop", shows a band really finding itself. Needs to be had.
Black Sea--Their first totally great album, IMHO. Power-pop heaven from beginning to end. For all the terrific tracks here, "Burning with Optimism's Flames" and "Towers of London" still manage to stand out--truly groundbreaking shit. But then there's still "Cuba", "No Language in our Lungs", "Rocket from a Bottle"...(gasp!!!)
English Settlement--Has some wonderful stuff of course--"Senses Working Overtime" is simply stunningly beautiful--but too many preachy lyrics, arty music that goes on a little too long, to be a favorite album of mine. Others think its their best, however.
Mummer--Weird and unappealing production by the guy that did Haircut 100 (!), weak songs for the most part, boring--my least favorite album.
The Big Express--some great songs, but tainted by drum-machine heavy '80s production that intrudes on the pop vibe. "Liarbird" is still a favorite, though.
Skylarking-- a masterpiece from beginning to end. Todd Rundgren pissed off Andy Partridge tremendously during the recording of the album, but his cotton-candy psychedelia was just what the band needed. The songs are wondrous and beautiful, and the last two by Colin Moulding ("Dying" and "Sacrificial Bonfire") join "Dear God" as stunningly mature and moving works of art. Prairie Prince from the Tubes sits in and plays righteous drums. Even Andy P. had to admit years later that Todd did it right. Buy this album before any other, IMHO.
BTW, Todd insisted that "Dear God" was the hit, but Andy thought otherwise, and it wasn't included on the original British release. "Mermaid Smiles" was, and it's beautiful as hell too. But Todd was right.
Oranges and Lemons--a lot of killer songs here, but I have always felt that the production was too slick and LA-style (the drummer is an LA session cat, fan of XTC, and was a founding member of MISTER MISTER!!) Not my favorite for this reason. Still plenty of gorgeous stuff, and has to be owned for this reason.
Nonesuch--Too long, too much filler, too turgid with some rather dull melodies. Goes to the bottom of the stack with Mummer, if you ask me.
Apple Venus Vol. 1--an adult art pop masterpiece, with little rocking ("Green Man" mostly) but stunningly beautiful songs, arrangements and production. Also Andy Partridge's most mature lyrics ever--check out "Harvest Festival"--God it brings me to tears just thinking about the imagery! Pure pleasurable ear candy, every song great. A uniquely adult (in a good way) work.
Wasp Star--a disappointing return to rock--too slick, too simple, and too much rehash (such as the African roots, etc.). I never listen to this record, except "The Man Who Murdered Love" is pretty terrific.
They have a lot of good compilation CDs, but I particularly recommend "Rag and Bone Buffet", which has some stellar B-sides and BBC live tracks. I also had the good fortune to see XTC live in Austin in 1979, and I must admit it was one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Fortunately there is a BBC recording of one of their live shows from 1980 available on CD, with many of their classic tracks from "Drums and Wires" and "Black Sea" live, that confirms my memory of them. I highly recommend this CD, it is wonderfully recorded and performed. Sadly Andy quit touring because of panic attacks/stage fright, which is somewhat ironic given the quality of their performing skills. Terry Chambers rocks the house on drums!
So, if you ask me--"Skylarking" should be your first purchase hands down, then "Apple Venus Vol. 1" if you want more mellow fare, "Black Sea" if you want more rock. Lots of fans would recommend "English Settlement" or "Drums and Wires" respectively. And check out the live CD if you can!
P.S. Ohmigod I forgot about the Dukes of the Stratosfear, XTC's briefly lived psychedelic alterego. Using period instruments and studio technology, they recorded a fantastic five-song homage to English psychedelia (Beatles, Barrett/Floyd, Tomorrow) that rocked like hell. It was an English hit, and they followed up with a less interesting album, but you can get it all on one CD now that's pretty damn good fun overall--better than Nonesuch, anyway!
P.P.S. OK, we all know that XTC have mastered the composition of intelligent pop, but you may not have noticed that one of their secrets is that THEY ARE THE MASTERS OF THE BRIDGE!! ("Towers of London", for one example.) Anyone seeking to learn how to write a proper bridge should study at the feet of Andy Partridge, IMHO.
Last edited by paul minot on Fri Jul 02, 2004 4:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- KVRist
- 90 posts since 24 Apr, 2001 from Clinton, ME
error
-
- KVRist
- 216 posts since 10 Jan, 2003
Yeah, Skylarking can pretty much be regarded as a XTC feat Rundgren album. And he was absolutely, utterly, right. About everything. It's just a pity they didn't make another. But then, two albums the same would have hardly been their style.
The 80s vibe on Big Express doesn't bother me too much, so it's one of my favourites.
Wasp Star is a lot simpler, but it's hard not to like an album with Stupidly Happy on it.
The 80s vibe on Big Express doesn't bother me too much, so it's one of my favourites.
Wasp Star is a lot simpler, but it's hard not to like an album with Stupidly Happy on it.
-
Joxer the Mighty Joxer the Mighty https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=4414
- KVRist
- 282 posts since 1 Nov, 2002
Boy, you took the words right out of my mouth. Nobody does a bridge like XTC.HEY ARE THE MASTERS OF THE BRIDGE!!
You also touched upon preachy lyrics, that would be the one area that bothers me from time to time.
I'm suprised nobody has mentioned the Fuzzy Warbles stuff. I suppose that's for the hardcore addicts.
-
- KVRAF
- 2217 posts since 15 Jul, 2003
a few years ago when i had a lot more disposable cash than I do now I went to a high end audio store with a handful of CDs to test drive.
one of them was from the BBC's XTC box set. I think it included 'Life Begins at the Hop' -- I wanted to test drive thick rich layered sound that had a bit of boom bottom.
well a young salesman in the next showroom came over and asked if he could borrow that CD. He said something like his older brother had listened to these guys and they were great.
he was working the highest end of the high end audio equipment. I was in the lowest end of the high end show room. after a few more samples of Mozart piano concertos and 'Gang of Four' and 'Low' we all joined that fellow in the top of the line room and listened to the whole XTC CD.
one of the greatest aural experiences in my life. my ears still smile when i think about it.
one of them was from the BBC's XTC box set. I think it included 'Life Begins at the Hop' -- I wanted to test drive thick rich layered sound that had a bit of boom bottom.
well a young salesman in the next showroom came over and asked if he could borrow that CD. He said something like his older brother had listened to these guys and they were great.
he was working the highest end of the high end audio equipment. I was in the lowest end of the high end show room. after a few more samples of Mozart piano concertos and 'Gang of Four' and 'Low' we all joined that fellow in the top of the line room and listened to the whole XTC CD.
one of the greatest aural experiences in my life. my ears still smile when i think about it.
-
Joxer the Mighty Joxer the Mighty https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=4414
- KVRist
- 282 posts since 1 Nov, 2002
It's amazing what a high end system can do for sound. I had a similar experience listening to some Miles Davis on vinyl at a coworker's house.
-
- angelboy
- Topic Starter
- 4586 posts since 21 Aug, 2001 from Larnaca, Cyprus
OK, I now have Apple Venus I and II, Skylarking [the album of my dreams indeed, 'Season Cycle' reminds me so much of that other album of my life, Pet Sounds, it's like Brian Wilson wrote it ], English Settlement [my current fav is 'Fly On The Wall'] and Oranges and Lemons. It's going to be a tough decision when I go to the record shop, I'll let you know.
ps. Johnny, I sometimes use my cousin's credit card but he's at Cyprus right now and I need my XTC fix. I'll certainly get the Dukes stuff through Amazon though cos I can't find them anywhere.
], English Settlement [my current fav is 'Fly On The Wall'] and Oranges and Lemons. It's going to be a tough decision when I go to the record shop, I'll let you know.ps. Johnny, I sometimes use my cousin's credit card but he's at Cyprus right now and I need my XTC fix. I'll certainly get the Dukes stuff through Amazon though cos I can't find them anywhere.
-
- Banned
- 18651 posts since 2 Oct, 2001 from England
paul minot wrote:IMHO XTC is the 2nd greatest pop-rock band ever--only the Beatles are better.
I must be alone in thinking they were a crappy early eighties band that were just like a hundred others around then.
-
- angelboy
- Topic Starter
- 4586 posts since 21 Aug, 2001 from Larnaca, Cyprus
Yes, you must.Kriminal wrote:paul minot wrote:IMHO XTC is the 2nd greatest pop-rock band ever--only the Beatles are better.
I must be alone in thinking they were a crappy early eighties band that were just like a hundred others around then.
-
Joxer the Mighty Joxer the Mighty https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=4414
- KVRist
- 282 posts since 1 Nov, 2002
VERY alone.I must be alone in thinking they were a crappy early eighties band that were just like a hundred others around then.
2004 and still going strong. Well, Andy and Colin are anyway.
-
- KVRAF
- 1927 posts since 30 Oct, 2003 from Frolicking in Dirac's Ocean
Funny about tastes...I bonded to XTC over Mummer (and segments English Settlement) when it first came out. I had not heard such a mixture of incredibly inventive, literate and profound lyrics and musicality. I was floored. Flabbergasted. Just goes to show...that's what makes horse-races. Unbelievable musicians.
-
- KVRist
- 216 posts since 10 Jan, 2003
Drums & Wires and Nonsvch. You know it makes sense.TristezaOrange wrote:OK, I now have Apple Venus I and II, Skylarking [the album of my dreams indeed, 'Season Cycle' reminds me so much of that other album of my life, Pet Sounds, it's like Brian Wilson wrote it
ps. Johnny, I sometimes use my cousin's credit card but he's at Cyprus right now and I need my XTC fix. I'll certainly get the Dukes stuff through Amazon though cos I can't find them anywhere.
Glad you like Skylarking, it's a personal fave. (I'd say it was the best, but there's so much good stuff.)
-
- KVRist
- 315 posts since 13 Sep, 2001 from Surrey, England
Surely that was 'White Music'Soniccat wrote:I really like English Settlement, to me that was their white album
-
- angelboy
- Topic Starter
- 4586 posts since 21 Aug, 2001 from Larnaca, Cyprus
Nonsuch added to my collection.
'My Bird Performs','Dear Madam Barnum', 'Rook', 'Then She Appeared', 'The Ugly Underneath' and 'Wrapper In Grey' - how can this be described as anything less than a classic??
Fantastic stuff, glad I took your advice Phaedo...
'My Bird Performs','Dear Madam Barnum', 'Rook', 'Then She Appeared', 'The Ugly Underneath' and 'Wrapper In Grey' - how can this be described as anything less than a classic??
Fantastic stuff, glad I took your advice Phaedo...