Bill Ranks The XTC Albums

All the proper XTC albums, in the order of least favorite to most favorite. These are just my opinions, and I stand by them. I did make some corrections with some subtitles. Yes, I know that the full-length Dukes LP is pronounced "Sonic Sunspot", and I apologize for my faux pas.

[@juanitacarrollyoung2979]

This pandemic time has made me a slightly more informed XTC fan. I've always loved them but didn't know much of the context. These days I'm enjoying picking out the Beach Boy / Pet Sounds influences in so many of their songs. And thinking about how Andy Partridge had wanted to be a jazz musician whilst listening to their jazz-tinged cuts. One thing I recently learned from an AP interview was that two things affected XTC's touring: 1.) Mismanagement to the point that they were pinched for money despite a grueling tour schedule and... 2.) This is sad. In the midst of a tour AP's wife threw away his anxiety medication, something he had been on since a child when his parents broke up and his mom had a breakdown. Granted, AP had an addiction to these meds. But, forcing him to go cold turkey from them without any medical supervision did not do him, or his mental health, any favors.

[@bobaronson]

True indeed. It seems with true artistic brilliance and creative genius that common human frailties are still confounding. To the rest of us mere mortals of the status quo, I'll take the Van Gogh and Partridge/Moulding work no matter the cost. If our world in all of its complexity impacts our psyche or wounds our souls or causes us social fear or dysfunction then it is a gift from God that wherever we all find ourselves in the social spectrum that our talents and genuine heart felt expressions of aesthetic grace can somehow be voiced and also be heard in our conventional media. Art is a great perk for humanity. Its certainly worth the process. We adore our Muse, who inspire our souls, and for their devotion to our amusement and folly. 🤡

[@BegToDiffer99]

Man did I ever enjoy this! Thanks for the journey! Damn, I miss those guys.

[@petercarr8325]

I've got the black sea and the big express coming in the mail and im so so excited!! Thanks for the video, it was truly an enjoyable watch!

[@donperretta4163]

Fantastic work Bill. Really enjoyed it. Been with XTC since the first release in 76 I think. Lucky enough to have seen them live about 11 times too. You're right. XTC lifer.

[@Paneeks1960]

Hey there Bill. I have to tell you right off the bat that you just made my whole Saturday VC video watching complete. It was so good to hear you personal view on each of the albums that you showed. Flashback to the end of January 1980. It was snowing like crazy in Boston all afternoon. So much so that I ended up taking the train into Park Street in Downtown Boston and walked over to the European in the North End for an extra large pizza. When we got out the snow had stopped. We then grabbed a trolley to Boston University and got ready for the show. We had tickets for the second show. They played one at 7:30 pm and the other at 10:00 pm. I forget what happened but they didn't get on until around 11:45 ish. The place was packed to the gills. They sounded so good. I loved the first two albums but I appreciated the albums even more after I saw them live. I remember saying to one of my friends that they sounded better live than in the studio. If my memory serves me well they did a lot off of Drums & Wires. It was one of those club show evenings that I wish I could relive all over again. Lastly. If I had one minor complaint it would be Oranges and Lemons. I thought that it would fair better in your ranking. Oranges & Lemons and Drums and Wires {which you reviewed brilliantly} are my all time faves. With Skylarking coming in third. I do like Nonsuch very much too. I did hear that the reissue has been talked about. Did you hear the same? Wonderfully presented Bill. A must for all XTC fans~ Rob/Boston

[@vagator64]

I really enjoyed your analysis. I think Nigel was the first thing I ever saw/heard from the band. But it was English Settlement that sealed the deal for me and my friends in '81-'82. Hugh Padgham is one of the most important names of the '80s. He developed the new way to hear drums, for sure. Thank you once again!

[@adamp2029]

As a fellow XTC fanatic, it’s crazy how different my ranking is from yours. I guess that’s one of the things that makes them so great though.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

In between making my list and making this video, I checked out several other XTC fans' versions and was amazed at how different they were. So, I am in total agreement as to their greatness.

[@TonyLovell]

Mine are also much different. I *LOVE* Nonsuch. I find the first two albums 60% filler. Mummer and Big Express are also weak, with some shining exceptions.

[@tsmberk]

@@TonyLovell Very much on your page.

[@davidguilfoyle]

Adam P, I think you have nit the nail on the head.

[@KikoJonesUSA]

@@BillsBoxOfSound, here's my ranking (if anyone cares): 12. 'Go2' 11. 'White Music' 10. 'Mummer' 9. 'Wasp Star (Apple Venus Vol.2)' 8. 'The Big Express' 7. 'Nonsuch' 6. 'English Settlement' 5. 'Drums and Wires' 4. 'Apple Venus Vol.1' 3. 'Black Sea' 2. 'Oranges and Lemons' 1. 'Skylarking'

[@jessejace]

And your loss for words about "Travels in Nihilon" was totally appropriate. Great video

[@pauldavis7318]

Garden of E.D., Poor Skeleton, King For A Day, and Scarecrow People put O&L in the top three for me. Amazing four songs

[@twostikks1]

Hey Bill! I usually don’t like ranking videos, since that’s all so subjective anyway - but I enjoyed watching this one - probably because I just love the band. They were an amazing musical force while they were together; thankfully, they’re all still plugging away to some degree. Peace, man!

[@alf5948]

Excellent breakdown. And cool of you to mention the Steven Wilson 5.1 remixes. I’ve got 3 of them and they’re fantastic. Especially the Dukes of Stratosphere “Psurroundabout Ride.” That’s a real doozy! Cheers!

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Agreed! Steven Wilson knocked it out of the park with his Dukes remixes.

[@mazzysmusic]

One of the great bands. Yes not one bad record. Thank you 🚀

[@MrLovell1971]

Yes Bill awesome break down of Xtc catalog what got me was Life Begins at a Hop man those guys are great I still need to get more if their album I have a few on wax including Nonsuch on wax Wasp Star Vol. 2 is so underrated I love that album alot Stupidly Happy so catchy love their songwriting skills. I remember the Sun so beautifully written Bill I really enjoyed this episode . I have English Settlement japanese 1lp know I have to get the 2lp version and I have UK original Skylarking and Dear God 12" Bill your collection is outstanding take care brother . Lovellandrew

[@Alexorrable]

I’m from Scotland, my mate and I always argue who is the best English band, he says Roxy Music, I say XTC. Yes we are old (65ish) we grew up with this music. I’m a huge Bowie fan, like Bowie, it’s hard to pick a best one because they are all different. It’s nice to see that at least one person in the USA knows what great music sounds like.

[@thebasedgodmax1163]

it's funny because those two bands would both absolutely be amongst my picks for favourite English band. (Beatles, Smiths, Kinks and Police would also be up there). so jealous you guys gotta grow up able to see those guys live. not that I don't think my current generation has good music, it would've just been unreal to be able to experience a new XTC record.

[@redlioness6627]

Hey Bob, these guys are one of my top favourite bands, you made me chuckle when you said Mummer is a "let down" followed by utter excitement when naming every track saying how great they are, if any album is deemed a let down after the way you went through the track list then that can only mean GREAT THINGS for every other album, "Oranges and Lemons" is my favourite album by them, I just feel that they were in their finest form.

[@bobaronson]

Oranges and Lemons, a superb production that has the distinction of Pat Mastelotto on drums, is perhaps the best XTC studio drum work since Terry Chambers' iconic, robotic, techno-groove discovered in Drums and Wires Making Plans for Nigel . Pat did amazing, (nearly overpowering) stick work that ultimately led to three decades with Robert Fripp's King Crimson configurations for live performance of his studio wizardry . That snare on the intro to Scarecrow People puts the "P" in "Power Pop" as far as I'm concerned. I practically "P"ed my pants when I first heard it. Pat's ability to bang out muscular prowess on Colin's elaborate grooves and Andy's precision embroidery is impressive.

[@garyolshan4177]

Great you did XTC one of my all time favorite bands. But Non Such is one of my favorites. Great melodies and variety in songs. i

[@zoebanks687]

Oranges and Lemons is my favorite. Across this Ant heap is the song that got me hooked on XTC.

[@nicksimon3890]

Really enjoyed this video. Your top 4 are the same as mine, Bill, only in a different order. My top 5: 1 English Settlement 2 Skylarking 3 Drums and Wires 4 Black Sea 5 Nonsuch 'English Settlement' is actually my all-time favourite album - there isn't a song on it that I don't love. I seem to be in the minority with 'Nonsuch' - but to each his own!

[@juanitacarrollyoung2979]

I like your ranking, Nick

[@vanishing_girl]

I think Nonsuch is one of the most popular albums in the XTC fandom actually lol

[@stepheng8779]

And one of the best Xmas records too, Thanks for Christmas 🎄☃️

[@welshtoro3256]

Great review Bill. I'm a long time XTC fan and was buying everything from English Settlement as well as catching up the back catalogue. I've got them all on vinyl, including The Dukes, and had no idea about the value of Nonsuch. By the way, it's been re-released on vinyl this year and costs about £25-30 U.K sterling. I don't know how to choose between the albums, they are all great, but my order is different to yours but it changes every day of course. Hard to disagree with Black Sea at the top spot. The songs are superb but I think it's the start of a talent that has found itself and that talent has matured in English Settlement. Things changed again after Andy's condition and Terry's departure but the quality of the songwriting was completely secure at this point. One final thing. XTC are the living, breathing, epitome of Englishness and English songwriting. There's nothing remotely trans-Atlantic about them and that's what makes me love them so much. Virgin always wanted them to break into the American market without realising what a special band they had on the books. Today, in a world of musical drivel, people are coming back to XTC and appreciating great songwriting and talented musicians who continue to be of interest long after the popular mush of the 80's is forgotten. Always great to find a fellow XTC nut. Cheers. WT

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Damn! Thanks for the heads up on the Nonsuch re-release, it's supposed to be available in the states later this week! YEAH!

[@garyolshan4177]

Thanks for the XTC ranking. One of my all-time favorite bands. Soooooooooooooooo underrrated. My Top 3 Nonsuch, Orange and Lemons and English Settlment. But entire catalogue with Gregory on guitar is brillian.t

[@stephenbennett1643]

He was a huge part of XTC ! Such a great guitarist better than AP ! " Beating Of Hearts " is a fine example 👌

[@garyolshan4177]

@@stephenbennett1643 Yes. He p;layed such tasty but somewhat understated leads

[@psychedelicpunkster6840]

Hey Bill better late than never I really like your ranking of the XTC albums you do a really good job and it's always good to hear from a true fan on his thoughts and opinions of the Seas beloved Albums . I can agree that drums and wires was the first XTC album that I picked up as well and I was instantly hooked . I love that lp and had with me since it came out.... My favorite! Although I didn't know that it came with a 45, h m m m interesting. Do you know the songs Never on that 45? Anyway thanks for a very entertaining video best regards

[@hairydot61]

Depending where you were in the world the free 7" single had 2 tracks in the UK, 'Limelight' and 'Chain of command', the extra 3rd track on the US free single is 'Where in the world', cheers

[@GlenKellawayfromthebasement]

Bill.a little late getting to this video but I am also a little late in becoming a XTC fanatic..I am completely obsessed with this band..They have become one of my fav bands of all time..English Settlement is number one for me, followed closely by The Black Sea..awesome video..👍glen

[@paulayers1111]

Love this. How about a ranking for the Residents’ albums one day? Just a humble suggestion

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Ranking? Maybe an exhibition. My Residents records don't cover much after 1990 or so, but I got a lot. We'll see.

[@paulayers1111]

Bill's Box Of Sound I understand, but you at least, arguably, have their best stuff

[@cultvult]

I love that XTC s being revisited these days and celebrated as the amazing and seminal band that they were, and thank you for your video. Also one of my favorite bands. I have noticed that the people that do these videos always exclude the Dukes. You yourself state that it’s a side project. Maybe so, because it’s under a different name, but being as it includes solely the 3 members of XTC(and a drummer, as usual), I don’t see it as a side project. I would argue that excluding The Dukes as a side project is akin to excluding Sgt Pepper from a Beatles list because they go under the fictitious name of Sgt. Peppers lonely hearts club band. That was the whole concept there. Anyway, Dukes is some of their best work, by what is exactly XTC, not solo, not a couple members and others. XTC. Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant. Lol. Love the video. Keep up the good work!

[@gatefold33]

Nice video. XTC are a top 10 artist for me. I'd have a different order of course but like you say, they didn't make a bad album. I need them to reissue Nonsuch on vinyl to complete the set too. Cheers Dale

[@richalderson6069]

The two Dukes Of Stratosphere albums were released together on one CD under the title Chips from the Chocolate Fireball in conjunction with all the remastered XTC reissues but it didn't have any bonus tracks.

[@potbelliedfool]

What is the nice music in the background-is it Handel-Music for the Royal Fireworks?

[@vayres7512]

Towers of London, Respectable Street, Making plans for Nigel, Summer´s cauldron, Dear God are my favorite ones. They were great and the fact they stopped the live shows was good for their legacy.

[@bandcouver]

The only other song I think XTC covered was Captain Beefheart's 'Ella Guru'. But that was on a Captain Beefheart tribute album in 1988. It was also included on the UK 12 inch of 'Mayor Of Simpleton'.

[@bensteckler6698]

I was a senior in High School when Drums and Wires hit the U.S. I was ready to buy it as soon as I found it, because I'd seen the videos for "Life Begins at The Hop and Making Plans for Nigel on "JukeBox" a show hosted by Twiggy that came on after Saturday Night Live on my local station. This was before MTV, and it was rare to see music videos in the late 1970s. I was hooked. Black Sea came out during my first semester at college, and I'll just say that No Language In Our Lungs is on the list of songs I want played for my funeral. Back in those days when a single empty wine case could hold my entire LP collection, The albums I loved got played over and over until I could recite every lyric from memory.

[@gabrieldash6653]

Hey does anybody have an idea of where I can buy those special editions?

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Acoustic Sounds for the 2LP 45RPM editions, Rhino for Relayer.

[@bareknuckles2u]

Man, that record collection is huge!

[@toddhill7483]

You are absolutely correct that XTC has never had a bad album. Love them all. I have all the Dukes, but have not heard the Steven Wilson mixes. I will include the Dukes in my ranking. Sir John Johns and EI EI Owen may take exception with you for not including The Dukes. Cheers! 13 Wasp Star 12 Oranges and Lemons 11 Go To 10 Apple Venus 9 White Music 8 Nonsuch 7 The Dukes of Stratosphere Chips From the Chocolate Fireball 6 The Big Express 5 Mummer 4 Drums and Wires 3 Skylarking 2 Black Sea 1 English Settlement

[@etamommy]

Great review! I'd probably put their first couple records as my least favorites (though still good, mind you) and always liked Apple Venus 1 better than Wasp Star but you have convinced me to give Wasp Star more listens. Very hard to pick my all time favorite top 3 even but I will go along with you on English Settlement, Black Sea and either Skylarking or Drums and Wires. So many tremendous albums and each has songs that I cannot do without! Totally agree with you that I hated Skylarking when first I heard it....did not like the left turn I had felt they'd made with all that orchestration....but turns out I am an idiot and the album is brilliant!

[@stephenbennett1643]

Av 1 is different and just shows the musical genius of Partridge, Moulding, Greogory ! Waspstar, is XTC as we all know and love them 🤗 And is such a great album ! With some great songs !!! In Another Life, Standing In For Joe, The Wheel And The Maypole ,' Wer'e All light , are some of the highlights . And is my fave of the 2 . Give it a blast you'll love it . For me nothing tops " English Settelment " ( Musical Art )And is My all time fave album 😍 Skylarking is awesome and perfect XTC introductory album for XTÇ virgins . My fave ??? DRUMS & WIRES 👌

[@sudabeh545]

Makes really fun ! Thanks.

[@summertime_blooz]

Originally the Psonic Psunspot\ 25 Oclock CD was named Chips From the Chocolate Fireball

[@chiefdancingostriche]

most of xtc's albums i have on cd altho i'd like to regain the rest digitally. as for the dukes of stratosphear, i'd love to get those digitally as well.

[@cptfink]

"Do What You Do" was not on the UK release of White Music but I remember this song from when I saw them play live a few times before they were signed. It was a great song, love to hear it again some day.

[@pov_music]

Seem to recall that a record store quite close to me (and quite close to Swindon where the lads come from) had a copy of Nonsuch that was going for £90 or something like that. Not money I'm prepared to pay even for an all time favourite, especially when I already have a CD copy.

[@stechapo9050]

JSB's Brandenburg Concertos in background, nice!!

[@georgewilliams1470]

I tend to ignore these ranking of so and son's albums because my taste varies depending on my mood.Especially with XTC where you have a dozen or so albums that have so many different songs on a single album.There are days where I write off Nonsuch and then I'll listen to it and be floored.But as a band overall XTC hasn't released a bad album which when you think about it is rare.

[@johnbourhis9606]

Top 3 are mine in the same order. Pretty good ranking. If you throw out the last 2 records they released, my ranking is very close to his. I need to listen to the last 2 a little more.

[@itssimple7285]

ha! jealous of your dukes and apple-venus/wasp star LP's. You ranked them all about the same as me. I have a bunch of singles and 12" 45's etc. with some very cool oddities on those but, After all these years the stuff I return to the most though (usually) come from these other official sources: - Coat of Many Cupboards, 4CD w/ b-sides, outtakes, some live and hits & deepcuts - Transistor Blast - 4CD from BBC, 2cd's from BBC studio and, incl 2 live shows '78,'80) - Fuzzy Warbles - Andy Partridge demos: works out to 8.5 cd's, nearly 7 hours I got a lot of listens out of the apple-venus/wasp-star demo releases too

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

its simple I have lotsa CDs and singles too. Just wanted to show the ranking and not go down the rabbit hole. Twostiks made the ultimate XTC vinyl collection video.

[@takedowntheinternet7915]

Dude, agreed, Black Sea is definitely a god-tier album. Optimisms flames blows my pants off every time.

[@luthercase1665]

Andy's singing tugs my brainwaves on that one its spectacular. When he really gets into those bends... makes me shimmy.

[@jessejace]

I predicted that you'd talk about Nonsuch first.

[@rogerpatton2242]

I listened to this record and I....was...hooked. Same here.

[@gardenvariety9957]

Black Sea, my favorite too...other albums are fantastic, but they REALLY hit the sweet spot on this one.

[@windyhillbomber]

I know that no two lists of XTC’s best albums are ever the same but Nonsuch should never be considered outside their top 5.

[@JCStorm76]

This ranking is almost identical to mine. If you had of put Apple Venus last like me it would have been exactly the same as mine

[@williamdudeiros3195]

Totally in agreement with your #1! Good List, Ive been a big fan since 86. I'd put White Music in the top 5 myself 😉

[@jimjam8949]

I think it would be great to rank the B Sides of thier Singles. Remember being delighted as a kid to find as much enjoyment in them as the A sides.

[@stephenbennett1643]

Beeswax is superb ! Could all have been A sides ? Love that album🤗

[@robertoc2485]

I love XTC and the songs are brilliant on Oranges and Lemons and when it came out it I played it all the time. But to me there was something that wasn't quite right and eventually I worked out that it was the production. I think it makes the songs sound a bit samey if you know what I mean. It sounds a bit tinny and one dimensional. I know you might not agree with me and music is very subjective! I'd be interested to know what others think.

[@merrillb]

As soon as he rated the superior Nonsuch as his least favorite, I quit. Moreover, on that basis I would rule any other rankings by this guy.

[@billkeon880]

Nonsuch is now available in reissued vinyl. In my top 4 for me. Oranges and Lemons and Skylarking are top two, Black Sea, Drums Nonsuch then English Settlement. All are 10/10, 5star album masterpieces. The rest of the catalogue are 9/10 fantastic lps. If you took the Beatles and tilted them sideways, you’d get XTC, the most underrated band ever

[@superlove35]

The 2nd Dukes album is pronounced "SONIC sunspot."

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

You are so right - I've been pronouncing it wrong all these years!!!

[@TonyLovell]

@@BillsBoxOfSound The P is silent, and the G is invisible.

[@MalEvansUSA]

@@BillsBoxOfSound not surprised. You and the trumpster president share the same iq I guess most Americans have a hard time understanding andys intellect. Appreciate you trying though. But it’s clearly above your intellect

[@hugorojas1452]

Thank You!

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

Re: cover tunes. They did cover The Beatles "Rain", but only live. It would usually follow "Towers of London", as they have similar rhythms.

[@bobaronson]

The covered "I am the Walrus" even better but its hard to find and appears under a pseudonym like Colin's Hermits or something peculiar. I only ever found it on Napster decades ago.

[@davidguilfoyle]

Hi Bill, I have to respectfully disagree totally with you on your ranking. But hey, that is the magic of this extraordinary band. They were so good, and their output so consistently brilliant, it is impossible for any fans to come to a consensus. Enjoyed your vid (even if I did not agree with it!).

[@sammo2560]

interesting, Mummer is actually one of my favourites!

[@lordgeous1766]

Hi Bill. Just to correct your commenmt on 'Big Express' that it was recorded digitally. No, it was good old 24 track analogue, in my studio in Bath!

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Good Lord! Was that album mixed to digital, as the SPARS code on the CD indicates? Sorry for my faux pas.

[@lordgeous1766]

Do you know, I can't remember Bill! I wasn't able to mix the whole album as I was committed to starting another project, but I've read elsewhere that I did mix 2 or 3 of the tracks, but goodness knows which! CDs of course have to be made from a digital source, so all analogue mixes would have had to be transferred to digital at some point. Cheers. @@BillsBoxOfSound

[@adriansantello5962]

Great!!! I pretty much agree.

[@dixielandfarm]

I keep trying, but they still haven't clicked with me except Skylarking. I also have a Todd Rundgren "original cut" version of it on CD. I do love Dukes of Stratosphear, though.

[@psmith669]

My rankings a stark contrast from yours. How can you rank them anyway.

[@ianjenkins6250]

The black sea, what a great album from one of England's greatest bands ever, my favourite XTC album

[@rogerbranton1752]

Hey Bill....great for someone online to even MENTION 25 o'clock! Understandable why you've deemed it an apple in your orange collection though....

[@martino9134]

Can't fault your top 3 .. although I'd put English Settlement 1st,( the 1st L.P. 'non fans' kept borrowing from me ) then Black Sea. The UK release of Drums & Wires didn't include 'Life begins at the Hop' (a between L.P. 7"). Sounds like 'Day in Day Out' got dropped !!

[@rogerpatton2242]

Nonsuch has the best song in their catalog, if not the best song ever-- Then She Appeared.

[@leebaker9300]

Damn, these guys are awesome. Top 5 for me personally would be : - 5. Drums & Wires 4. Nonsuch 3. Black Sea 2. English Settlement 1. Skylarking Nonsuch I feel is remarkably underrated. I see it as more a companion piece to Skylarking musically. Not one bad record in the pack. it's crazy to me how overlooked they are as I rarely hear them mentioned when people discuss the great bands. Their talent was just so formidable. They had a rocky ride of it, from what I hear, but I just hope they get the widespread praise their songwriting deserves eventually - though I'm sure their hardcore fans (and possibly even the band themselves) are quite content with them being a huge cult band, adored by the informed.

[@loontil]

I love Nonsuch. ONly heard the 79 - 81 lps prior... good songs

[@hannaharvey]

Wasp star above apple venus? Crazy. Can't believe how different different people's rankings are. Oranges and lemons is my fave and the big express is my least favorite.

[@michaellavella9322]

Totally agree about Black Sea at #1!

[@paulayers1111]

Go2 might have my all time favorite album cover

[@tuberoast]

While my order would be different than yours., I like to see how other people rank them.

[@VinnyBrando]

NONSUCH is my favorite...

[@davidbowman4259]

The holy triumvirate: Oranges and Lemons, Skylarking, Nonsuch. Second tier: Black Sea, English Settlement, Mummer. Third tier: Big Express, Drums and Wires, Apple Venus. Bottom tier: Wasp Star, Go 2, White Noise. By the way, Chips off the Chocolate Fireball is fantastic, and Rag and Bone Buffett has some great B cuts.

[@asxtc]

Bill we all know its Drums & Wires 1st...all the other albums joint second. (The single was a.Chain of Command b.Limelight)

[@bobaronson]

Agree. It will always be my number 1. I remember visiting L.A. in 1979 and driving down Sunset Blvd and seeing the XTC album cover displayed on the wall of Tower Records. I bought several albums on my visit there with my best friend, but we bought Drums and Wires based on the artwork alone, and we had no idea what we were about to hear.... Dumb luck.

[@seasoundstudio6129]

The Hipgnosis album cover for Go 2 was actually designed and written for 10cc, but they declined it. It’s odd you included Oranges and Lemons, but not the Dukes of Stratosphere albums. They’re all heavily inspired by the 60s psychedelic era. I would agree with most of your choices, but Nonsuch is right up there with Drums Wires and Black Sea.

[@sharktroubles]

I'm surprised that you've placed MUMMER so low. Ah well, to each his own.

[@garymacmillan6401]

1. English Settlement, 2. Black Sea, 3. Oranges and Lemons, 4. Nonsuch, 5. Big Express.

[@reversalstudio]

oranges and lemons is a masterpiece its all i have to say hehe

[@rain73ful]

I'm a big fan. I think "English Settlement" is still their best!

[@llewellynGS1]

Heres my ranking, Bill: 1 Drums and wires 2 Wasp Star (gigantic return to form) 3 Black Sea 4 English Settlement 5 25 Oclock (Love My love explodes) 6 Mummer (bonus tracks best songs) 7 Apple Venus 8 Oranges and Lemons 9 Skylarking (not as keen on this as others) 10 Psonic Sunspot 11 The big Express 12 Nonsuch (too long and some questionable songs) 13 White Music 14 Go2

[@jonnyfalimarcos]

Cheers bill you are right they never made a duff album

[@minsterhill]

Mad respect but nonesuch at the bottom?! Wow ok I agree is is very hard so really there is no bottom with this catalog!

[@kft590]

Your three least favorites are my three favorites. Mummer is a quirky album but it is my favorite, with Funk Pop a Roll being one of their great rockers.

[@JCStorm76]

I agree with him

[@psmith669]

My top 3. Drums and wires GO 2 Mummer.

[@msdeadshark]

It's funny. I've never thought about the name of the song and the first lyric. Hilarious. Good stuff.

[@msdeadshark]

How can you not name Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her when talking about the Big Express? I know, I know we're all different but goddamn that is one of the greatest XTC songs of all time! :)

[@lancep4164]

Nonsuch would be my Number 2 after Skylarking

[@Z-eb]

vERY iNTRESING rANKNING ! cHEERS

[@psmith669]

Rag and bone buffet

[@gurgisjones1120]

Nonsuch is near the top. Criminal to give it such a low rating.

[@jebnemo5279]

You cannot go wrong with XTC and people have their own faves, but several incorrect statements of fact.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

I honestly didn't think the yanks listened to XTC. Good for them, XTC are superb.

[@bobaronson]

David Geffen got behind them but then turned to stone when they refused to tour. I had tickets to see them headline at the Hollywood Palladium in late 1981 or early 1982 and they never made it to the stage. The B-52's (Rock Lobster) retro avant-garde power wave was a formidable opener, but no XTC for another half a hour after the opening act. Eventually the B-52's performed a second set for those of us who remained. I was pissed because I knew well that this breach of contract, once again, would be their last... Word was already out that Andy's stage fright / anxiety /benzo withdraw / and likely nose candy boomerang effects were simply not tolerable at a time when record companies demanded sales from concert tours and public spectacle. Video and MTV were not fully realized yet. If a headliner cant deliver 45 minutes (legally binding contract minimum) after the promoter has already paid for everything, on a sold out fully staffed theater then you ruin their season's margin or even put them out of business. It's intolerable, and insurance won't cover it. That inability to tour reliably, as their contracts assured, ultimately crippled them. This was the 80's now - a decade that paled in comparison with the abundance of the 1970's rock and roll cornucopia REM just never did it for me - XTC was best by far - but they were disqualified by default across the pond. Never underestimate the music industries complete inability to distinguish good music from total crap. They just are mostly completely tone deaf greedy money grubbers. The fact that XTC was brilliant music of remarkable quality was just never really considered. Music was all the same - just a bunch of bubble gum and hype to sell to idiot adolescents with money to burn. They generally never bothered to listen and to notice that maybe better music would sell better. The never knew that good sales reflected the quality of the music. Completely tone deaf and autistic business executives permeate the arts and don't know difference between the bottom line and artistic merit.

[@tonynorman6814]

Nonesuch xtc's finest album

[@sarahtonin4649]

It's not "psyonic" it's "psonic psunspot," as in sonic sunspot.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

You’re not the first to correct me.

[@sarahtonin4649]

@@BillsBoxOfSound Sorry . . . autism . . . compulsive corrector. 😁

[@sarahtonin4649]

@@BillsBoxOfSound BTW, sometimes Black Sea is my favorite as well, depending on mood. Varies between that, English Settlement, Oranges and Lemons, and Skylarking.

[@TonyLovell]

Woah, woah. Bill buddy. Let me stop you right there. You have a grounded appliance plugged into a two prong lightweight extension chord. Be careful. This can matter. Ok, ok... on with the program.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

It has since been removed and plugged into a grounded outlet. Months ago. Thanks for your concern.

[@benglassman]

I would reverse it Bro..... I mean its like saying Please Please Me is better than Abbey road.

[@paulmacca]

=1 D&W, BS, ES

[@rafaelocandof]

Wasp Star is the only bad XTC album IMO

[@JCStorm76]

It’s fantastic what are you talking about?

[@1359401]

Agree

[@D.A.OhK.]

Psonic Psunspot. Get it? Psychedelic + "Sonic". Not sionic. That's not a word.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Thanks, you're not the first one to point out my error. Sorry.

[@D.A.OhK.]

@@BillsBoxOfSound No, no. I'm sorry. I should have just said great list! No matter the order, no one can argue with them never making a bad album. Even their "odds and ends" album, "Rag n Bone Buffet" is excellent.

[@bobaronson]

@@BillsBoxOfSound Interestingly, Bill, "Psionics" has the following definition on wiki: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psionics 🙃