One of the all-time finest pop bands. One of the very few artists you could honestly say made great albums in the 1970s and was still making great albums in the 00's (although their style had completely changed by then - check out the song "Easter Theatre" if you want to hear a taste of just how far they evolved in their later years).
Thank you very much for reviewing this great little song, which I was one of the people who requested it a while ago. I think the song is a sardonic commentary about the habit of the British upper-middle classes, (preppy I guess Americans would say), packing off their kids to Boarding School, lavished with money and privilege, but hard as nails and not exactly emotionally supportive. I suggest reviewing 'Dear God' by them some point. XTC have a fine catalogue of some excellent music from the late 70s and 80s. If you like this style of song, I suggest reviewing 'Just what I needed' by 'The Cars' when you get the chance, you might also like that.
Oh I love this song, nice to see it on here. Got to see XTC play this live back in the day. I shall have to check your video list to see what I have already missed (and subscribe) how refreshing to see a wider playlist being reviewed. This song is on one of my 'old favourites' playlists along with Fad Gadget - Back to Nature | Wire - I Am The Fly | Alberto y Los Trios Paranoias - Anadin | Dr Feelgood - She Does It Right and the wonderful Devo - Mongoloid.
I was introduced to XTC via Primus. They’ve covered 2 songs from Drums and Wires; this one on the Miscellaneous Debris EP, and Scissor Man on the Rhinoplasty EP. Theyre one of those bands that, were it not for some very specific vocal characteristics, they sound like a completely different band every few records. English Settlement, Go2, Drums and Wires, and Nonsuch are probably their standout records (though Oranges and Lemons might be their most commercially successful?). My favorite track by a lot though is Complicated Game, which was a b-side for Drums and Wires. Highly recommend. A reasonable argument can be made for it having industrial vibes.
One of the best, weirdest and most creative bands of the 80s. They have a huge range of types of song. Check out Burning With Optimism's Flames, and then listen to Travels in Nihilon, which are on the same album but sound completely different! Other great tracks - The Mayor of Simpleton, King for a Day, Easter Theatre, Earn Enough For Us, Complicated Game, Grass, Summer's Cauldron (amazing lyrics in that one - Breathing in the boiling butter Fruit of sweating golden Inca.. a perfect evocation of summer). So many great tunes, I could go on. Thanks for the reaction!
This is one of my two selections for graduation songs. The other is also by XTC, "Wrapped in Grey." Which one I choose simply depends upon what I feel about the parents attending and the kids..
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this song (and the album it comes from, which was their second) is the transformation of the band in later material (think Radiohead's "Creep" to "Pyramid Song" transition). What they started at and where they ended up is a miraculous journey. If you wanted to follow that journey, the next logical step would be songs like "Generals and Majors" or "Respectable Street." After that comes one of the greatest albums ever by anybody, English Settlement (just listen to the whole damed thing).
Welcome to the glorious world of XTC..
You won't be disappointed.
One of the all-time finest pop bands. One of the very few artists you could honestly say made great albums in the 1970s and was still making great albums in the 00's (although their style had completely changed by then - check out the song "Easter Theatre" if you want to hear a taste of just how far they evolved in their later years).
Thank you very much for reviewing this great little song, which I was one of the people who requested it a while ago. I think the song is a sardonic commentary about the habit of the British upper-middle classes, (preppy I guess Americans would say), packing off their kids to Boarding School, lavished with money and privilege, but hard as nails and not exactly emotionally supportive. I suggest reviewing 'Dear God' by them some point. XTC have a fine catalogue of some excellent music from the late 70s and 80s.
If you like this style of song, I suggest reviewing 'Just what I needed' by 'The Cars' when you get the chance, you might also like that.
And 90s & 2000
Oh I love this song, nice to see it on here. Got to see XTC play this live back in the day. I shall have to check your video list to see what I have already missed (and subscribe) how refreshing to see a wider playlist being reviewed.
This song is on one of my 'old favourites' playlists along with Fad Gadget - Back to Nature | Wire - I Am The Fly | Alberto y Los Trios Paranoias - Anadin | Dr Feelgood - She Does It Right and the wonderful Devo - Mongoloid.
This song is just like your the music you like your top 50 groups you have get of that open taste to new music
Their song Dear God is absolutely brilliant, one of my all time favorites
I was introduced to XTC via Primus. They’ve covered 2 songs from Drums and Wires; this one on the Miscellaneous Debris EP, and Scissor Man on the Rhinoplasty EP. Theyre one of those bands that, were it not for some very specific vocal characteristics, they sound like a completely different band every few records. English Settlement, Go2, Drums and Wires, and Nonsuch are probably their standout records (though Oranges and Lemons might be their most commercially successful?). My favorite track by a lot though is Complicated Game, which was a b-side for Drums and Wires. Highly recommend. A reasonable argument can be made for it having industrial vibes.
Greta perspective. My brother got me hooked on this tune, Been watching reactions to it I am that hooked on it. Subscribed bro!
Thanks for the sub!
One of the best, weirdest and most creative bands of the 80s. They have a huge range of types of song. Check out Burning With Optimism's Flames, and then listen to Travels in Nihilon, which are on the same album but sound completely different! Other great tracks - The Mayor of Simpleton, King for a Day, Easter Theatre, Earn Enough For Us, Complicated Game, Grass, Summer's Cauldron (amazing lyrics in that one - Breathing in the boiling butter
Fruit of sweating golden Inca.. a perfect evocation of summer). So many great tunes, I could go on. Thanks for the reaction!
Love 80s punk x
This is one of my two selections for graduation songs. The other is also by XTC, "Wrapped in Grey." Which one I choose simply depends upon what I feel about the parents attending and the kids..
You were hoping the best ....and you got the best !!!!
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this song (and the album it comes from, which was their second) is the transformation of the band in later material (think Radiohead's "Creep" to "Pyramid Song" transition). What they started at and where they ended up is a miraculous journey. If you wanted to follow that journey, the next logical step would be songs like "Generals and Majors" or "Respectable Street." After that comes one of the greatest albums ever by anybody, English Settlement (just listen to the whole damed thing).
Buzzwords. Back of my hand ....another goodie .
Give Dear God (as an atheist you may have heard of this one), Books Are Burning, War Dance, and The Green Man a try.
LOL
Greta perspective. My brother got me hooked on this tune, Been watching reactions to it I am that hooked on it. Subscribed bro!