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Post by coconutbackwards on Mar 29, 2018 13:13:48 GMT
This is my first post on here, but I've listened to XTC on and off for years and would say back when I first discovered Skylarking back in the mid-2000s or so I was borderline obsessed and couldn't wait to get my hands on anything XTC related. I loved almost everything I heard off post-Skylarking albums, so I decided to go back to the early stuff.
The pre-Skylarking music is such a stark contrast to the Beatles-esque pop music that I've had virtually no luck getting into any of it other than a few songs ("Senses Working Overtime" might be my favorite song by them).
Does anyone else share these thoughts? Some of these late 70s and early 80s albums are so jarring to my tastes. Lots of car horn sounds and bells/whistles in the background that I just can't get into as many times as I try. People talk about how much they love Drums and Wires and other than "Making Plans for Nigel" I just don't get it.
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Nonsuch Ned
Administrator
Phil?... Phil Connors?
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Posts: 1,123
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Post by Nonsuch Ned on Mar 29, 2018 13:39:30 GMT
I guess I can understand it. I started with Skylarking and Nonsuch (in the early 90's) and my initial reaction to English Settlement was not the strongest. Prior to Mummer the band was making music geared for live audiences- the lyrics had to stand out and be discernible in a loud room, the music had to be loud and exciting to get the crowd to jump around.
Have you tried the Dukes of Stratosphear album(s)? That might provide a bridge for you. Since they emulate the psychedelic era there are certainly bells and whistles and horns (literally at points) but it's also their tribute to the sixties and feature some of their purest pop melodies committed to tape.
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Post by coconutbackwards on Mar 29, 2018 16:54:01 GMT
I guess I can understand it. I started with Skylarking and Nonsuch (in the early 90's) and my initial reaction to English Settlement was not the strongest. Prior to Mummer the band was making music geared for live audiences- the lyrics had to stand out and be discernible in a loud room, the music had to be loud and exciting to get the crowd to jump around. Have you tried the Dukes of Stratosphear album(s)? That might provide a bridge for you. Since they emulate the psychedelic era there are certainly bells and whistles and horns (literally at points) but it's also their tribute to the sixties and feature some of their purest pop melodies committed to tape. That's a good idea. I love the song "Vanishing Girl", but that's all I've tried to get into. I don't usually run into bands that I love this much that have a back catalog that is at such ends with what I like. Actually, I don't think I can name another band that fits this description.
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Post by donavan on Mar 29, 2018 17:37:22 GMT
I think you had to evolve with the band/records to get it. And for me it's not just about moving forward but the whole experience. I like White music as much as Nonsuch. The thing with Xtc is you get variety and you can cherry pick your favourites as and when you please. And favourites change constantly. I like the twists and turns, bells and whistles and the more subtle songs too. The thing to remember is we're all light and there's some lovely for everybody.
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Post by miles on Mar 29, 2018 17:43:17 GMT
Welcome coconutbackwards.
English Settlement was my first XTC album, but I knew songs from the radio like Nigel and Generals and Majors. The speedy post punk edge in the early albums is worlds away from Chalkhills and Children to be sure. My dividing line is the first 2 albums, I like some of the songs, but rarely play them. Drums and Wires I love and most everything after. IMO the addition of Dave Gregory was what changed the dynamic to the more melodic and lushly produced work that followed, along with Andy growing as a songwriter.
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Post by coconutbackwards on Apr 20, 2018 13:01:02 GMT
Anyone else feel like the keyboards during the chorus of "This is Pop" sound like they were ripped right out of "Walk of Life" by Dire Straits?
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Post by donavan on Apr 20, 2018 13:42:00 GMT
Can't say I've made that connection to be honest coconuts.
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Post by coconutbackwards on Apr 20, 2018 14:18:57 GMT
Can't say I've made that connection to be honest coconuts. Does that mean you agree?
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Post by donavan on Apr 20, 2018 15:23:34 GMT
Negatory
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Post by sticksman1 on May 3, 2018 14:17:55 GMT
I can't either... plus the fact that that XTC did "Pop" 7 years before Dire... - I see no resemblance at all.
"I'm playing all the right notes... but not necessarily in the right order!"...
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Post by donavan on May 4, 2018 18:38:25 GMT
Sultans of Swing sounds a bit like Atom Age though.
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Post by donavan on May 7, 2018 5:12:47 GMT
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Post by sticksman1 on May 9, 2018 8:45:01 GMT
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Post by coconutbackwards on May 9, 2018 15:56:22 GMT
I can't either... plus the fact that that XTC did "Pop" 7 years before Dire... - I see no resemblance at all. "I'm playing all the right notes... but not necessarily in the right order!"... I'm not saying they stole it, but the tone of the keyboards during the chorus reminds me of "Walk of Life" for some reason.
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Post by donavan on May 9, 2018 16:05:31 GMT
I'd have to give them both a listen. But from memory they don't sound the same. But I've made other comparisons about other songs and people don't get what I get. So maybe, and for you definitely. It's a personal thing perhaps.
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