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XTC is a pop rock band with a sound all its own — perhaps the best distinction. The songs are primarily beat-driven, with a few slower tracks to balance out the albums, and there’s always something curiously and refreshingly different about their sound.
Nov 10, 2023 · Melodic, sublime, and quintessentially English, the best XTC songs remain as resonant as ever. Here are just a few of them.
- Tim Peacock
- 3 min
- “Rook” (1992) Never has the sound of impending death sounded so beautiful. With orchestral and brass arrangements by Dave Gregory, “Rook” begins with stark ominous piano chords as Andy’s melody floats above like hovering spirits showing the depths of Andy’s songwriting and how far it had matured since White Music.
- “That’s Really Super, Supergirl” (1986) The album Skylarkingwas XTC’s first time recording outside of England. Settling in Woodstock at Utopia Sound Studios, producer Todd Rundgren reined in the indulgences and ripened their songs to their fullest potential.
- “Easter Theatre” (1999) Partridge’s rep as a pastoral songwriter is taken to the next level as he turns his musical “painting” into a stage play. With a chorus reminiscent of the Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home,” the frontman buoyantly tells the story of love requited and reborn.
- “King For A Day” (1989) Colin Moulding is a damn fine songwriter. He wrote XTC’s first three UK hits then ended up the band’s George Harrisonas Partridge assumed both the Lennon andMcCartney roles.
- Drums And Wires (Virgin Records, 1979) Following the departure of Barry Andrews, XTC regrouped and recruited guitarist Dave Gregory to form what would become the classic XTC line up.
- Black Sea (Virgin Records, 1980) Kicking off with Respectable Street, a snarling slice of commentary on modern suburbia, Black Sea unleashes venom and beauty in equal measure.
- Skylarking (Virgin Records, 1986) Despite the conflict between Partridge and producer Todd Rundgren which plagued its creation, Skylarking is possibly the most realised vision of the “XTC sound” cut to tape.
- White Music (Virgin Records, 1978) Their early schooling as previous incarnation The Helium Kidz allowed XTC to burst onto the scene fully-formed and clutching a handful of incredible singles that fitted perfectly with the musical climate of the time.
- Senses Working Overtime (English Settlement, 1982) “A weird number from XTC. The chorus is nearly standard power pop (but with excellent drumwork), but the verses sound insanely wobbly, as Andy Partridge sings poetic semi-nonsense near the top of his register.
- Making Plans for Nigel (Drums and Wires, 1979) “This is a very odd little song indeed, I always found the Slits to be pretty interesting and if they were men this is what they would sound like.
- Dear God (Skylarking, 1986) “”Dear God” is a very powerful song. The guitar riff is wonderful, the vocals are powerful, and the stoptime is emotional— and I’m not even talking about the lyrics.
- The Mayor of Simpleton (Oranges & Lemons, 1989) “Colin Moulding’s exquisite bass lines that barely touch the root of any chord, yet perfectly anchor and frame the melody and harmony at any given moment, are a perfect example of the depth and breadth of this music.
May 3, 2023 · In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best XTC songs of all time, taking a closer look at some of the band’s most iconic and enduring tracks.
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Mar 15, 2023 · In this article, we will explore the 10 best XTC songs of all time. These songs represent the band’s most popular and enduring tracks, and showcase the range and depth of their musical talent.
