XTC were for a time the kings of UK new wave quirk. (From an American point of view, they were a little like a less robotic, UK version of Devo—only they had a much wider lyrical scope, and proved to have a better longevity and adaptability than Devo ever would.)
Led by dual songwriters and singers Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding, XTC were known at first for their off-kilter songs filled with angular guitar, herky-jerky rhythms, and a punk-rock-ish energy, without actually being punk. Never content with mainstream pop tastes, they couldn’t help but subvert their songs’ own strengths more often than not.
As they progressed, they abandoned live performances and retreated to the studio, exploring more psychedelic and orchestral moods and more intricate, lush arrangements.
I was never a huge XTC fan—I’m quite content with only their two best-known albums, Drums and Wires and Skylarking. But their other albums have plenty of more-than-worthy material, deserving of a well-conceived compilation.
So here you have it. Here are three LP-length playlists of XTC, chronologically arranged. Enjoy!
Playlist 1
Playlist One features the best of XTC’s best album (as far as I’m concerned), Drums and Wires (1979), plus some other earlier songs.
Playlist 2
Playlist Two highlights their subsequent work up until a brief hiatus in 1982, when Partridge suffered a mental breakdown in reaction to constant touring and anxiety over appearing on stage.
Playlist 3
In 1983, XTC emerged as a studio-only band with a more psychedelic bent. Playlist Three chronicles the first few albums of this period, most notably the critically acclaimed Skylarking (1986).
Cover Art:
- Drums and Wires and Black Sea: Source, Discogs.com, Fair use.
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