Feb 25: X is for XTC

An alphabet of bands and artists as a series for the next 26 days. These were selected by the Spotify algorithm. There aren't many X bands.

"XTC were clever and came from Swindon, so therefore we were crap ... I was always jealous of bands like Talking Heads, who were doing similar things to us but were from New York, and therefore cool. But the English don't like normal people doing intelligent things."

Andy Partridge (2004)

I used to listen to XTC quite a lot, particularly in the 1990s, in car journeys heading for the Peak District or in and around Rotherham and Sheffield, particularly Moorgate and in the company of my friend Caroline. They produced a lot of very fine albums.

XTC were founded in Swindon in 1972, with the two founding members: Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding, growing up on a large council estate in the city. Their style is a blend of various musical influences and styles.

Their breakthrough track in 1979 involved them 'Making Plans for Nigel', (with its line about British Steel) which established their sound. I was 15 at the time and remember it being played quite a lot. 

My dad worked for British Steel at the time... but he isn't called Nigel.

One of my favourite XTC albums was produced by Todd Rundgren and is called 'Skylarking'.

It has quite a nature-based theme including referencing the cycle of the seasons in an early song. The production of the album was not without its problems.

Check out the Smartest Monkeys from their album Nonsuch: named after a large house which was demolished 

Another classic album is 'Oranges and Lemons', which was influenced by The Beatles in their more psychedelic phase. 

This included some memorable tracks including the off-kilter 'Mayor of Simpleton', 'King for a Day' and the final track 'Chalkhills and Children'.

Here's a review of 'Skylarking', which is described as a "pastoral" album.

 

I'll finish with one of my favourite of their song, a letter to God... 'Dear God'.

David Gregory from the band also played with the progressive band 'Big Big Train' (who will feature on the blog a number of times).

Partial XTC Discography - AI generated

What X would be in your algorithm? There aren't many to choose from to be fair....