Ranking the Studio Albums: XTC (w/Martin Popoff)

[@ralphmuller6040]

While reading through the comments, I'm completely amazed at the variety of comments as to the album rankings. It seems that XTC appeal to different people in completely different ways. Unlike our hosts I absolutely love 'Oranges and Lemons' and 'Nonsuch'. The punkish, hyperventilating tempos and angular expression of the first couple of albums wears a little thin after a while. Suffice to say all the albums are just outstandingly great - aren't we lucky! Oh yeh, Dave Gregory is an under-rated star of guitar and arranging.

[@stevepower1372]

I agree, Ralph. The albums pre Drums and Wires hold little interest for me. I don't like Mummer at all, and English Settlement is weak with a couple of magnificent highlights. But my top 5 (and the order could change from week to week) are 1.Oranges and Lemons, 2.Nonsuch, 3.Skylarking, 4.Big Express, 5.Black Sea. It's nice that the band's catalogue is sufficiently varied so we can all like something different 😊

[@windyhillbomber]

Nonsuch is my absolute fave

[@angusiha]

Wow.... One hour of XTC (no pun intended) was something that I did not expect. Great show, great insights on a band that really deserves a lot more credit. Another great thing was Popoff mentioning The Cure, PIL, Echo & The Bunnymen, Killing Joke, Wire... and Pete metioning Television, Talking Heads and Blondie. Not everyday you hear these names on SOT. Great stuff.

[@DpHsHd]

Great comment that made the one I would have left unnecessary! Enlightening to hear Pete talk about music away from his usual patch (but squarely on mine these days) with such insight. I can always listen to Popoff for hours. Brilliant.

[@monsignorerasmus.6441]

Love it, but i dont agree with xtc being like The Talking heads. TTH are more soul and afro beats, dispite Byrne working with Fripp & Eno They take their influence from american R&B XTC's similarity to the heads is superficial at best due to plinky buzzy keyboard in the late 70s.

[@garymcghee2249]

Back in the day these bands were grouped together and rightly so. Also Magazine and Siouxsie and the Banshees.

[@AnalogAttack]

One of the best episodes you've ever done.

[@brucybabyy7355]

agreed! check out the doc " this is pop" just brilliant.

[@jaykirby7387]

The XTC documentary "This is Pop", which ran on Showtime for a bit, is worth catching...

[@dice1296]

was gonna say the same thing

[@writemeyers]

Yes yes. It’s great.

[@drewaldrich711]

i don't have showtime. this sucks

[@danbrockettDOP]

@@drewaldrich711 It's no longer on Showtime. The film has vanished, at least here in the States. You can find bootlegs on the web.

[@tylerboley1786]

Now on KZbin for free

[@danprice6361]

one of my favourite bands. drums and wires - black sea - english settlement... what a trilogy of albums!

[@stevenwilliams1329]

English Settlement is just sheer class. A wonderful double album.

[@stephenbennett1643]

Not a better album in the 80s for me . Total quality 👌

[@zundap100]

Yes, it is a beautiful album and excellend recorded too, sounds amazingly well.

[@cuckootown9478]

I'm on about my 3rd English Settlement tee-shirt😂 it's started a few great conversations with strangers in bars and restaurants

[@conshea7382]

Still played on heavy rotation in my car CD player

[@JoelAAK]

My favorite album of all time. No contest.

[@RostyslavLogachov]

Never heard this band before. For me sounds like Be-Bop Deluxe meets 10cc. Great pop-rock/art rock band. Thanks for revealing another amazing band. Keep do it!

[@sallocurto1571]

Never thought of them this way, but that’s insightful.

[@LucyOLastic]

with a touch of early Tubes. I think Partridge's style partly comes from the mid 70s Steely Dan sound familiar in a lot of bands at the time. Also Sparks circa their 1971 debut album.

[@andreaprodan5616]

Welcome to the club of the Adorers of XTC. UNIQUE and very British.

[@garymcghee2249]

Yes, good comparisons.

[@garymcghee2249]

The Steely Dan reference is apposite. I love clever pop and they were both brilliant at it. @@LucyOLastic

[@patrickcrowther9195]

A really good introduction to XTC is the 2 CD collection ‘Fossil Fuel: The XTC Singles 1977-92’.

[@wastedlifestyle1]

Ibnknkå blir vvkkokik vapnens NCC NCC nääää jobbijn III kiobn i vk pvb

[@douglasmalone5]

One of the best greatest hits albums you’ll ever listen to

[@richardwellend3806]

Hell yeah imhave that set, it's brilliant

[@mandypatti984]

My favorite band of all time! So you can imagine how excited I was when I saw this pop up. My Ranking: (I love everything they put out by the way including Rag and Bone Buffet.) 1: Oranges and Lemons (the first album I ever heard by them) 2: English Settlement (Jason and the Argonauts is one of my favorite songs ever) 3: Skylarking (I have several different versions of this album) 4: Wasp Star, A.V. Vol.2 ( The Wheel and the Maypole - great song) 5: The Big Express (I remember The Sun and Train Running Low on Soul Coal - amazing tracks) 6: Nonsuch (takes me back to my high school days. Lovely album.) 7: Apple Venus Vol. 1 (River of Orchids, Greenman, I Can't Own Her) 8: Drums and Wires ( Ten Feet Tall, Outside World) 9: Black Sea (Rocket From a Bottle, Respectable Street, Burning With Optimism's Flames) 10: Mummer ( Has some great tracks but I really have to be in the mood for it) 11: Go 2 12: White Music I love the fact that starting with Skylarking, Xtc basically gives you the title to the following album in the lyrics. Ballet for a Rainy Day has the lyric: orange and lemon, at the very beginning of the song. On Oranges and Lemons, the track Chalkhills and Children has the lyric: While some nonsuch net holds me aloft. And on Nonsuch, the track Then She Appeared has the lyric: Then she appeared, apple venus on a half open shell. It didn't carry on to Apple Venus vol. 1 but it's still a fun thing to pick up on while listening to the albums.

[@dice1296]

i have a soft spot for oranges and lemons as well. i actually don't think they ever made an all-time great album, but a lot of 'em are really, really good

[@davidtracy5168]

Absolute perfection!!!

[@tinamartini]

Me too! I found Skylarking in Basildon (Essex) library in 1987 and have been obsessed ever since. Sumptuous!

[@MrMarco33333]

@@dice1296 Yeah I agree with that. A few flawed diamonds but diamonds nevertheless.

[@garymcghee2249]

The way Ballet segues into 1000 umbrellas is fantastic. @@MrMarco33333

[@knightvisioniixv]

This is a tough one. One of my utmost fave bands, with not a single dud in their output. My feeling about XTC's catalogue is similar to the feeling I have about Gentle Giant's: I love it so fully and thoroughly, that it's painful to see albums that I love ranked in the lower spots, which might give the impression that I find them inferior, when that is far from being the case. A more accurate ranking for me would be 1a-1l, as opposed to 1-12, if truth be told. They're all too close. Phenomenal catalogue. Something like this (for now): 1. Drums and Wires 2. English Settlement 3. Nonsuch 4. Black Sea 5. The Big Express 6. Skylarking (The battle of Andy Partridge and Todd Rundgren, LMAO! No argument with anyone ranking this #1) 7. Mummer 8. Oranges and Lemons (For those ranking this higher: trust me, I *love* this album) 9. Apple Venus Volume One 10. Wasp Star (Apple Venus Volume Two) 11. White Music 12. Go 2 The secret to XTC is time, and a taste for quirkiness and idiosyncrasies. Never judge their albums after only one listen. The music is so vast, rich, complex and layered, that much of it will fly over your head. But the more you listen, the more those cool little nuances that permeate (and are so integral to) their music will begin to surface; it'll only keep going from there, because there are endless amounts of them. Partridge was a phenomenal songwriter, Colin Moulding was a great songwriter and a killer bassist. Terry Chambers offered some interesting work on the skins. Dave Gregory was awesome, too.

[@jimmycampbell78]

Skylarking is my favourite. It always makes me feel nostalgic for a certain time.

[@knightvisioniixv]

@@jimmycampbell78 It's a gorgeous album.

[@MrTarkus1]

There was a time I knew 'Drums and Wires' note by note, word for word. Didn't play it for 40 odd years but sometimes still I find myself humming some of these songs. Great video!

[@gardenvariety9957]

Thanks, and it's great to see XTC getting some attention. To me, Black Sea will always be the ultimate XTC album, every song a gem.

[@nigelwatson8992]

Enjoyed that very much. Thanks gents. Really refreshing to have you North American metal heads tackling XTC. Intelligent discussion on an intelligent band - probably a bit too clever for their own good. Should have been much bigger. Being a Nigel, I always had a soft spot for them and 'Making Plans' is my ringtone. Keep up the good work 👍

[@lincoslam]

A great show gentlemen. As a 40+ year fan of XTC I was shocked when I tuned in and saw this was the show for the day. I tried to rate the albums but can't. I just enjoy each one as it is and what it represents. They were a complex band with a complex leader. The first two , "White Noise" & "Go 2" are probably more charming than listenable to most. If you came in around Skylarking and heard these 2 albums you might have been pissed that you bought them. For those who came in around "Drums & Wires" its a natural progression. These guys were having fun on the first two albums, but the talent is there, as Pete said the keyboards were problematic and bouncing out Barry Andrews after "Go 2" helped get control of the sound." Drums and Wire" closes out the first 3 albums, leaving the earlier sounds behind on a few tracks and showing the future on others. "Black Sea", "English Settlement", "Mummer" and "the Big Express" were the middle period to me and represent them at their most British. I liked them all and find nothing to select one over another. Each has a great deal of merit. If pressed, "English Settlement" would get the nod, as Terry Chambers drumming was great on this. "Skylarking", "Oranges & Lemons", and "Nonsuch" were XTC as mature. Skylarking gets the nod, and probably due to Todd Rundgren. He calmed down the quirks that some found off putting. I think they tried this again for "Nonsuch". But "Os &Ls" was an attempt to repudiate "Skylarking". All were great, Skylarking was the best. Apple Venus V1 and Wasp Star was XTC saying goodbye. Some XTC fans didn't like these two albums, but they are actually fantastic as they were no longer trying to get an audience. They were playing themselves. An orchestrated sound then a complex pop record, both out of sync for the time, both very XTC. With that, they left the room. Thanks for a great show on a great band.

[@powrnap]

Nonsuch easily is my favorite XTC album. “Then She Appeared” is my favorite XTC song.

[@dice1296]

aside from a few tracks, that album has always left me relatively cold

[@AutomaticForTheCollector]

I agree! Nonsuch is my favorite XTC album. It was the 1st one I ever heard, so that probably has something to do with it. -- I never really hear anyone talk about what a wonderful song "Wrapped In Grey" is. That is probably my favorite song of theirs. -- "Skylarking" has become a contender for the top spot as far as favorite album of theirs goes, however. That album just flows so well and offers new nuggets with each listen.

[@etamommy]

@@AutomaticForTheCollector Wrapped in Grey, you are so right is fantastic and not just melodically. The lyrics are also perfect!

[@mattofafnir5654]

One of their best…

[@gaskellr44]

@@AutomaticForTheCollector I rem XTC as a kid when they did M P F Nigel, and then was really impressed with their early 82 song Senses.... A few years back after not hearing much about them since early 80s, I'd heard about the album Skylarking, but took me about 3 years to kick my arse in gear and after about 3 listens, realised what all the fuss was about, and decided there and then it was their masterpiece. I then gave O & L a go, the next XTC album, and quite liked it, soon after tried Nonsuch, and after about 3 goes, could not get into it and hence filed it away. I came across it again in my car glove compartment and thought I'd give it another go before chucking it, but this time, after a few listens, realized it was as good as Skylarking in a totally different way. Wrapped in Grey has to be Andy P greatest ever composition. I'd put it head and shoulders with any classic ballad that has been written, absolutely stunning, and how the hell Virgin decided to withdraw it is baffling. I have listened to other albums and was quite impressed with English Settlement, but for me Sky... and Nonsuch are head and shoulders above their other albums.

[@fogzax]

LOVE XTC! 1 - English Settlement 2 - Skylarking 3 - Black Sea 4 - Mummer 5 - Big Express 6 - Oranges and Lemons 7 - Drums and Wires 8 - White Music 9 - Go 2 I really don't know Nonsuch or the two Apple Venus albums well enough to rank them

[@clbazar]

You definitely owe it to yourself to spend some time with Nonsuch. One of their best!

[@fogzax]

@@clbazar I got the reissued vinyl for Christmas and yes it's much better than I remembered :)

[@brufrog]

Av vol 1 is tied for my fave. With English Settlement. Nonsuch is tied for 3rd! You NEED them! ;)

[@fogzax]

@@brufrog I got the vinyl re-release of Nonsuch - it's pretty good although I haven't listened to it much - I don't seem to have the time these days to get into albums how I used to. Apple Venus 1 & 2 I also bought the vinyl re-releases of these I was less keen and have since sold them but maybe if I had got them 20 years ago it may have been a different story.

[@tomsuzyinfluencerinfj2712]

My favorite XTC album, English Settlement, the cover is the Uffington White Horse at Whitehorse Hill, UK, it's huge. I walked there. Anyway, you guys, nice one, change from the usual.

[@adamp2029]

That’s also my favorite. And I’ve also been to the horse.

[@brucybabyy7355]

u got it tomtom. i played that lp for a month and nothing else when it came out.

[@nitedreamer23]

My favorite, as well. Must be an INFJ thing ha ha.

[@tomsuzyinfluencerinfj2712]

@@nitedreamer23 very good

[@Carlo8836]

XTC has astonishing beats and rhythms, and great lyrics!

[@addisonwilhite5347]

I'd highly recommend finding the documentary, "This is Pop" about XTC. It will fill in the gaps in some of your XTC knowledge with interviews from the band members themselves.

[@robbjj1]

Skylarking is one of my all time favorite albums.

[@captainbeyond7469]

Always liked XTC’s quirky and eclectic style. Oranges and Lemons is my favorite. Nice to see the site expanding the horizons a little. Great show always look forward to Martins insights as counterpart to Pete.

[@davidbowman4259]

Yes! O and L is my favorite, too.

[@dorsalmorsel2811]

I have always been a huge XTC fan. But the songs that still blow me away are the more unusual ones like 'Complicated game' from Drums and Wires and 'Another Satellite' from Skylarking.

[@blackcatcentralmusic]

"Dear God" was supposed to be on the album but either Andy or the record company had second thoughts due to the lyrical content. It was actually released as a single B side and college radio started playing the song.

[@josephmagdalen9220]

Great Video Guys. I was a huge XTC fan back in the early eighties. My top two: #1 Black Sea #2 English Settlement ... Still one of my favorite bands of all times!

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

Martin and Pete - for "two old metalheads talking about this band", this was an highly enjoyable discussion of XTC. As a huge Todd Rundgren fan, my first purchase in their catalogue was Skylarking when it came out. Really enjoyed it and it remains my favorite. And I think you hit the Todd comments right on the head as well. It was not a 'typical' Rundgren production but the selection of songs and 'poppiness' of the album bears trademarks of the pop side of Todd's performance persona. The discussion you had makes a revisit of the first three albums needed since those are not currently high on m list. My top five in order would be: Skylarking, Black Sea, The Big Express, Mummer and Oranges & Lemons. Another superior Popoff and Pardo show. Thanks for all the time you spent creating such a thoughtful show about - as you said - an group who had art oozing out of them. Thanks again, gentlemen.

[@michaeljayes2836]

XTC have been my favourite band since 1980, although they have a really loyal following here in the UK I really think they are more appreciated in the USA and Canada, which is a little odd as they sound so English. Great show.

[@jammp2196]

Perhaps it's just more of a 'rabid' following,,,in Canada anyway. I know loads of people who've followed XTC throughout their career, but we are definitely in the minority. They were always a band that required a certain knowledge? understanding? of music in general.

[@63mckenzie]

I loved the way XTC composed songs rather than just simple riffs like most of the punk/new wave era bands. Always interesting and never boring.

[@supersport22]

Love this episode. Thanks so much. Skylarking shines above all, but I like English Settlement, Black Sea, Easter Theatre. But they have gems all throughout their catalog. Great band

[@larcollins]

So agreed about Colin's bass playing. He's my all time favorite and doesn't get enough credit.

[@johnroberts1708]

Lots of covers of the challenging bass line on Mayor of Simpleton to be seen on KZbin. One of the most inventive bass players of that era.

[@leedean9295]

This is a very pleasant surprise. Thanks!

[@filmsforfred]

“Super complex Beatles songs” ....I love that description. That’s exactly how I’ve always thought of XTC.

[@brucenickel4194]

Interesting selection for this channel. I like you branching out from time to time. We all need a break from odd time signatures and heavy riffing ( especially when I’m with the wife). I don’t have all the XTC catalog but what I have I really dig when I’m in that mood, Oranges and Lemons, Drums and Wires and English Settlement are all very good! Other bands in this broad “genre” ie. post punk/power pop that I really like are Squeeze, Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, Matthew Sweet, The Smithereens and one of the most underrated bands of all time Jellyfish. On the edgier end of the “ genre” the Pixies/ Frank Black are very quirky and the power pop riffage of HUSKER DU turned SUGAR/Bob Mould. Keep up the good work Pete and Martin

[@ontheruntonowhere]

You get a +1 for Jellyfish. XTC is one of my top 5 bands, but as a complete work of art Jellyfish's Spilt Milk blows everything away. A perfect album from start to finish (and back again).

[@shadowstealer2790]

The most important music from my teens was the era you guys allude to at the end; Joy Divsion, Wire, PIL, Magazine, Gang Of Four, Talking Heads, Siouxsie,...XTC never figured that much in comparison, but everybody loved their singles especially "Nigel", "Sgt Rock" and "Senses". Pete asks an interesting question as to why they've never had the status of a Talking Heads or the like, I think it's because they were over-competent craftsmen with a very light touch. I found their albums too much to listen to at the time, lacking the minimalism and rebellious darkness of the rest of the UK post-punk scene. As they grew out of their punk phase the influence of the quaint folk prog of the Canterbury Scene (Caravan, Kevin Ayers) becomes very apparent to me in contrast to the Can/Velvet Underground/Dub reggae/Eno obsessions of their peers, though they definitely share a love of Beefheart-style discord with other bands of that era. So it doesn't surprise me that Prog fans would find things they recognise; complexity and ultra-Englishness . As you rightly point out they were always very accomplished musicians but didn't go in for balls out displays of virtuosity which was frowned upon in the post-77 UK. That's why I'm not sure I agree with Pete that if they had come out 10 years earlier they would have been huge. I don't think they really could have come out earlier, as the post-punk affectations defined them as much as their English whimsy and musical sophistication set them apart. Really interesting to hear your perspective on a group like this though, nice one! How about one on Funkadelic?

[@feber16]

I saw XTC open for the Police in Chicago in 1980. They have been one of my favorite bands since the 80s. Their second half is my favorite from Sklylarking forward. Nonsuch and Apple Venus 1 are my top 2. Oranges and Lemons way up there - as is Skylarking.

[@garyjoyce2160]

You two guys always do tremendous shows together. As usual, much enjoyed !! 👍💯

[@stepheng1690]

Wow best video ever Pete of my all-time favourite band. Awesome & my top 5 is... 1 - Black Sea 2 - Chips From The Chocolate Fireball 3 - Drums & Wires 4 - English Settlement 5 - Nonsuch

[@adamp2029]

XTC and Steely Dan are my two favorites! Martin, I’m curious, were you a part of the Idea XTC forum when it was a thing? My ranking would probably be 1) English Settlement. 2) Skylarking. 3) Black Sea. 4) Nonsuch. 5) Big Express. 6) Mummer. 7) Oranges and Lemons. 8) Drums and Wires. 9) Go2. 10) White Music. 11) Apple Venus. 12) Wasp Star.

[@singahanni]

Fantastic show! It would be wonderful to see more of such eclectic choices. XTC is and was always one of my favourite bands.

[@stevegirardmedia2255]

I've been very into music since I heard Yes in 1970 as a 12-year old.... but didn't pick up XTC until the early 80's with Mummer. They became a top 5 fave band for me... but I've always ignored those early albums because they were just pointlessly energetic and weird. So, from Black Sea on... Already a huge fan before I heard that Todd was going to produce what became Skylarking... and I'm an immense Todd fan... so that has always been my favorite album. Todd has said that Andy seems to hate 'space' that's needed in the music... because Andy works in a kind of cocoon and since they didn't tour, he never wanted to finish a song = always found something he wanted to jam in. So it's Skylarking for me, followed by English Settlement, Mummer, Black Sea, and Oranges & Lemons. I always describe XTC as what the Beatles might have become if they stayed together. Thanks, guys...

[@billstreett1939]

There are underrated musicians and then there are the criminally underrated. Andy Partridge falls into the latter category. XTC's final run of albums - from Skylarking to Wasp Star - is one of the best runs in rock/pop history from a songwriting and production craft point of view.

[@michaelscarface]

Absolutely. They just got better and better

[@Larjschoen1]

A sincere congratulations to you both for a fantastic and well deserved look at one of the most amazing and creative bands ever! Pete, I’m the guy who asked you why you never have guys to talk about a progressive rock band, and I must say, you surprised me immensely with this one! I am such a huge XTC fan and I think you both did a great job here, and kudos to Martin for owning pretty much every piece of XTC audio out there! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@richybatty234]

I would say that every album release by these guys showed an improvement in all aspects of their songwriting . English Settlement , Skylarking and Black Sea are masterpieces .

[@garymcghee2249]

Yes, they are.

[@JamesParkour731]

Loved this! Coming from another metal/hard rock fan who likes XTC! 12. White Music 11. Go 2 10. Wasp Star 9. Non - Such 8. Apple Venus 7. Drums and Wires 6. The Big Express 5. Mummer 4. English Settlement 3. Oranges And Lemons 2. Skylarking 1. Black Sea

[@MrNaKillshots]

'Inundated with genius'; good quote.

[@raymondcpl]

Thanks so much for taking me back down XTC rabbit hole... They had so many incredible songs and busy busy ideas that I'm so thankful for. 👍

[@toddhill7483]

Great video featuring my all time favorite band. So difficult to rank. 1 Black Sea 2 English Settlement 3 Skylarking 4 Mummer 5 Drums and Wires 6 The Big Express 7 Apple Venus Vol 1 8 Nonsuch 9 Go To 10 White Music 11 Oranges and Lemons 12 Wasp Star A most honorable mention to their Dukes of Stratosphere project.

[@GarryWootton]

Good list..but nonsuch 7..glad to see mummer up there.

[@rydermike33]

Great rundown chaps of a great English institution. There's certainly something in the air in Swindon. Many thanks both.

[@electricshock3266]

Martin - please persuade Pete to do a show on Clutch please! I'd love to hear your thoughts on The Damned too!

[@orchidcarpetcleaningrp6061]

Clutch are brilliant Neil Fallon great voice

[@h.m.7218]

Love The Damned !

[@OMW66]

Ah! I love this guys. Popmasters from Swindon, England. Looking forward to see this show tonight.

[@knightvisioniixv]

I will say that I thought I was going to pass out when I heard this band was going to be covered. I thought you guys did a damn good job, and gave interesting insights, and rankings. And your descriptions on the band were pretty spot-on. Bravo!!!

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Thanks!!

[@bwroberts11]

Great job guys! I'm a huge XTC fan, so I was happy to see this episode.

[@spoteach]

I've said it before. I love this channel talking about hardrock, progrock en metal. All genres I'm not into, but I wanna learn. Today Peter and Martin did a show about all of my all time favourite bands and they did it so damn well. They even managed to rank the twelve albums in a kind of similar way than I would. And it's so good to hear tons of respect for a band you adore from people who are used to listen to other genres and band. This one about XTC and the one about Roxy Music were so interesting to listen to. I hope Peter and his guests will dare to cover some other bands that are closer to punk, new wave or pop than they're used to (what about The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen or Killing Joke just to name a few)? Mij ranking... 01. Black Sea 02. English Settlement 03. Drums And Wires 04. Skylarking 05. Mummer 06. The Big Express 07. Go2 08. White Music 09. Apple Venus 10. Oranges And Lemons 11. Wasp Star 12. Nonsuch I had the exact same experience as Martin when it comes to Oranges And Lemons and Nonsuch. And both Apple Venus and Wasp Star are the two records I first listened to years after they were released: somehow they are very difficult to compare with the first ten albums. Even The Dukes Of Stratosphere stuff fitts better into their cataolgue than the last two albums.

[@rafaelborgesdas]

I would rank them the same

[@TimLeeSongs]

Even though I’m in my 40s, I’ve only just taken the deep dive into XTC’s back catalog. Over the last couple of months I’ve listened to all of their albums, with only Apple Venus still to go. What a ride! So much intricate and fascinating music! At the moment, my ranking would go like this: 1. Drums and Wires 2. English Settlement 3. Nonsuch 4. Skylarking 5. Black Sea 6. White Music 7. Oranges and Lemons 8. Go 2 9. Mummer 10. The Big Express 11. Apple Venus But all of their albums reward repeat listens so I feel this order could change in time!

[@GarryWootton]

Mummer over go2..?

[@TimLeeSongs]

For me, yeah I prefer to listen to it. Each to their own though@@GarryWootton

[@robertmantia37]

Great spot on show ! Love it !

[@thebrysmith3]

Black Sea to me was what could’ve been if Brian Eno produced the Beatles.

[@WarrenCromartie2]

I totally agree.

[@maskof]

What if...Brian Eno produced Black Sea? or.. English Settlement?

[@WarrenCromartie2]

@@maskof I love the production on those two albums as it is. Enossification wouldn’t have bought anything to those albums IMO. Lilly white/Padgam were the best team for the job at the time. However if Eno had produced Mummer...

[@michaelriha4394]

As a life long fan of XTC, you guys did a great job!!! I loved your ranking (although I didn't agree!!) for your reasoning. Thank you both for your time!!

[@KUJayhawkJazz]

Pete ... appreciate the positivity without pandering! Great channel.

[@elfensteen5222]

Great ! Thank you Pete & Martin..., you bring a lot of joy for us people who never listend to xTc , this is a great video you made for us, and of course for you guy's

[@monsieurdupraz8579]

I'm a recent fan (4/5 years) and I still don't got all the albums .. and I still don't understand how and why XTC passed under my radars. Great show .. as usual. Thanks from France.

[@kenlansdowne7963]

One of my all time favourite groups - I got into them right from the start with their first single Science Friction which I heard on John Peel's radio show. I saw them live three times during 1979-81, so I rank their early albums higher than you do. My all time favourite album is English Settlement, the album of theirs I still play most regularly. I have just about everything Martin had in his show and tell and a few more. Most recent albums of theirs in my CD player were the instrumental albums Instruvenus and Wasptrumental, both signed by Colin Moulding and Andy Partridge. Many of the albums I have four copies of, the original vinyl bought at the time of release, the early CD reissues, a collection of Japanese CD reissues with miniature replicas of the original artwork, plus the surround sound reissue series. Also the corrected polarity reissue of Skylarking which has the originally intended cover artwork.

[@jammp2196]

ug. you saw them LIVE? get outta here. That tops anything else.

[@SK-sm9mn]

First of all, can I say how much I enjoyed the video. It was great that you went into such detail with them. My own history with XtC was that I was sort of loosely aware of then at the time of their first two albums through the very quirky singles. But then I bought a clear vinyl version of Life Begins at the Hop when that came out and got really into Making Plans for Nigel. The Black Sea would have been the first album I bought by them and I remember playing that to death as a kid. After English Settlement they seemed to disappear from circulation and so I sort of lost contact with them, then briefly reconnected during the Skylarking period. A few months back I started rediscovering them. In terms of ranking the albums there are still a couple I don’t know well enough to rank but I have to say how much I love Black Sea, Skylarking, English Settlement and Nonsuch. You have convinced me that I need to spend more time with The Big Express. It was interesting to hear you mention The Cure a couple of times in the video. I’m a huge Cure fan. I’ve been looking for connections between the two bands other than the fact that they both worked with producer Steve Nye for a while, in both cases because they liked what he’d done with Japan. Robert Smith was initially quite rude about XTC- he said that one of his reasons for kicking out original bassist Michael Dempsey was that Dempsey wanted The Cure to sound like XTC. Later Smith made a more favourable reference to XTC when he said in the middle of the 1980s he was presented with a pile of albums from various artists to listen to and XtC’s was one of the albums he liked. In terms of how XTC referred to The Cure I know of only 2 references-one is a 1992 Andy Partridge MTV interview where the interviewer seemed keen to get Partridge to say something nice about The Cure and he seemed very dismissive. The second is in a video of the recording sessions for NonSuch where Andy plays his song in the style of The Cure in a mocking way.

[@sloppycabi]

Originally learned of the band because of Primus' "Making Plans For Nigel" cover.

[@erikunsworth7572]

Thanks for finally paying tribute to this great set of albums - don't agree with these rankings, but a lot of great comments from Pete, as usual - especially regarding Colin M's bass work, great to hear your accurate assessment of how great he was

[@alexspringer7666]

English Settlement has always been the one I call my favorite, Oranges and Lemons was my gateway, Drums and Wires was next, Skylarking is brilliant, but gets treated by casuals like it's their only masterpiece (because they can't name another album), Big Express is crazy underrated, Mummer was different enough to be interesting and demonstrate an evolving band, but Nonsuch is simply the best album they ever made. It is the pinnacle of songwriting.

[@WilFennell]

Thanks for your impressions and insights. It's such a joy when a ranking video adds so much pleasure to listening and appreciation!

[@GH3K3]

Nice change of pace and especially appreciated since I only own three XTC LPs (Drums and Wires, Black Sea, Oranges & Lemons), and now I feel a need to explore their catalog more in depth. I've always had the highest amount of respect for both XTC's songwriting/arranging and musicanship, so it's cool you guys gave them some of your time and effort.

[@rickschricter]

The best reviews are the ones where Pete steps out of his comfort zone. Taking the metal / prog fans along for the ride.

[@monkeyhousescouse]

This wonderful video by Pete and Martin was my gateway into XTC and I have to say its been a truly wonderful journey of discover 😀 for me so far! I love the sound, the creativity and the vision of this amazing group of musicians.... thanks to both of you for the time and the content! It's magical ✨️ 😍

[@gabrieldaigle]

XTC is one of my absolute favorites. Right near the top with bands like Devo, Yes, The Residents and Spock's Beard. I only wish I could have been in on this discussion. So hard to rate their output, in addition to it constantly changing. I just went on an XTC bender a few weeks back and it went from Big Express to Oranges and Lemons to Nonsuch and then Skylarking. Black Sea is definitely my favorite with Oranges and Lemons second. Probably next is a tossup between Skylarking and English Settlement, with Big Express at No. 5. Just a great job guys. Thanks for giving attention to a band that definitely deserves the credit.

[@martinrasinger6306]

I don`t know every XTC-Album. I absolute love the album APPLE VENUS VOL 1. It sounds like Beatles.

[@goran5570]

So good this episode about XTC ❤ Have all their records. My favourite is the masterpiece "Apple Venus Vol .One"

[@cmiller6501]

1. Skylarking,..Todd Rundgren's production/input equaled gold!

[@stepheng8779]

Would've helped if he'd got the polarity right 🤦

[@VincentBautista365]

XTC! A very cool and underrated band. Songs to check out "Generals and Majors", Senses Working Overtime", "Making Plans for Nigel", "Dear God", and "King for a Day".

[@danieldewitt6045]

Just now watching and this is fantastic. A friend of mine was to see them live in San Diego in around 1979 or 1980 but XTC decided to stay in Britain and scrap the United States tour. Supposedly because of Andy Patridge having stage fright. He prefers the studio and not bothering with too many live shows. Whatever the case, they're great songwriters.

[@jjnelson6518]

One of my favorites that you two have done. Skylarking is definitely my number one. It was the soundtrack to my early college years

[@ykmgeedee]

Really appreciate you guys- particularly Pete who's had relatively short time to give 12 albums due diligence- exploring the high seas of tranquility! You've provided yet another musical itch I gotta scratch.

[@reptiled7761]

I'm an old Metal Head about the same age as you guys. I couldn't agree more with your comments towards the end of the video. One of my all-time faves! I saw them open for The Police in Minneapolis while The Police were supporting Zenyatta Mendatta. I had no idea who they were and I became a lifelong fan after that night. Great video, thanks!

[@davidwaller2218]

THANK YOU! I've been an XTC fan since '89 when I was working at Tower Records promoting Oranges & Lemons and I was hooked! Now have all their CD's plus two of their books.

[@verlbond9770]

An absolutely wonderful show from Pete and Martin. I was blown away by "Senses Working Overtime" when I first heard it on MTV. This was the best, most detailed and enlightening episode for me. Thanks Pete and Martin.

[@Alejando_Noboyen]

The passion for the music radiates through.

[@SpaceCattttt]

Regardless of what your top pick might be (haven't seen it yet), XTC's best album is "Nonsuch". That's just how it is. I'm not arguing about it.

[@johnbraun511]

That hour went by quickly - Great Job tonight! Never heard of XTC, but will check them out

[@ruicorreia3782]

One of the top 5 best videos of all you tube congratulations pete and martin, great knowleadge about a great super band

[@timknight5445]

AWESOME!!! XTC one of my top 5 bands EVER! Thanks so much for covering them

[@MsKalachakra]

Good to see you are finally getting into New Wave (well this and the Police you did) and becoming more eclectic. There are several great New Wave, Punk and Post Punk bands with qualitty (even extensive) discographies you could do in this segment: Damned, Depeche, Cure, Smiths, REM, Bad Religion, well you get the idea. By the way, Martin did a Clash book.

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Well, I wouldn't say I'm getting into new wave, punk, or post punk...XTC is probably the exception here. Most of those other bands you mentioned I don't particularly care for.

[@MsKalachakra]

@@seaoftranquilityprog We'll see, you are already dipping your toes in the water my friend. ;)

[@izitsomojo]

Brilliant review guys, loved it. I was surprised to see this, but maybe it was Martins call? This is a favorite band of mine, being 64yrs old. I grew up digging XTC. Complex artistic and pure fun. My treasured album is English Settlement.

[@brydonyeoman1438]

Well done, guys. Happy that you gave this amazing, unique and extremely talented band your time. I like to look at them in 3 phases: 1977-1982, 1983-1989 & 1990-1999. All brilliant in their own ways but each very different. Here's my list: 1. English Settlement 2. Black Sea 3. Drums and Wires 4. Oranges and Lemons 5. Skylarking 6. The Big Express 7. Apple Venus 8. White Music 9. Mummer 10. Nonsuch 11. Go 2 12. Wasp Star Now, Martin, you need to convince Pete to do an albums ranked show for Killing Joke since you brought them up. Also, Pete, you need to do rank the albums shows for Cheap Trick and The Cult.

[@richelgin1963]

Great discussion from a wonderfully talented and very English band. One of the few bands I absolutely loved from my high school and college days I wasn’t lucky enough to get to see play live before they stopped touring. I worked in a record store when Black Sea was released. We put it on to one quiet night before closing thinking what the heck, let’s see what this band is all about and I was immediately impressed and became a huge fan and when English Settlement came out, that pretty much solidified my love for this bands music. Speaking of touring, I did get to see another great English band, The Jam, play live in Vancouver just before they broke up. A couple friends and I from college (University of Washington) made the trip. So there’s a potential great rate the albums episode idea for you for another very English band that could have had a dozen or more hits in this country, but I don’t think they even had one crack the top 20, let alone the top 40, except in England, of course where they had a lot of success. Paul Weller with the Jam, Style Council and solo career is a very underrated song writer and musical talent.

[@lizzyfan1986]

A friend of mine was luckily enough to see them live in '82 at Painter's Mill outside Baltimore.....

[@autoazure]

You guys are brilliant! I never thought Budgie would be covered and now XTC! Keep up the great work! How about the Waterboys!

[@MarsGuitarOfficial]

Great observations on the greatest art-power pop bands. One of my favorite records of all time is Skylarking. Thank you 🙏

[@tamiellis8600]

LOVE LOVE LOVE XTC. I agree with Mark English Settlement is my favorite. My brother and I were big fans and I still love listening to them. I agree with what you said about coming out too late but great music nevertheless.

[@brettengland192]

I'm surprised Martin didn't show off a copy of the "corrected polarity" version of "Skylarking."

[@erikmaronde2244]

I have both the original and the corrected. I hardly hear a difference TBH

[@xtstevie]

I really didn't expect this video Pete & overjoyed to see over an hour of probably the most underrated band on the planet with the both of you! My personal list is..... 1 - Black Sea 2 - Drums & Wires 3 - Chips From The Chocolate Fireball (The Dukes!) 4 - English Settlement 5 - Nonsuch 6 - Apple Venus 7 - The Big Express 8 - White Music 9 - Skylarking 10 - Mummer 11 - XTC Go 2 12 - Oranges & Lemons 13 - Wasp Star. I hated the production on Oranges & Lemons & Wasp Star wasn't the album a band like XTC should have ended with!!

[@genwcd91]

Great show and great band , glad to see them getting the attention they deserve , thanks guys.

[@michaelwalters3004]

Wow. I am blown away by their inclusion on your channel. But you guys have a wealth of music knowledge so I shouldn't be that surprised. Two degrees of king crimson. Earlier keyboardist barry andrews was in Robert Fripp's league of gentlemen. Colin Moulding was a great songwriter too and some of my favorite songs by them. My favorite albums are, and I'm missing a few; 1. The Big Express 2. Skylarking 3. English Settlement 4.Mummer 5.Black Sea 6. Drums and Wires 7. Apple Venus 8. Wasp Star 9. White Music 10. Go 2 11. Nunsuch Great review.

[@damrat]

I have to strongly disagree with Martin regarding Oranges And Lemons. I just find that album amazing. So many great songs from a band at the peak of their powers. It has probably my favorite song on it: Across This Antheap. Mayor Of Simpleton, King For A Day, Garden Of Earthly Delights. All so good.

[@laurencehogg6010]

Absolutely. 15 genius-level songs; any one of them would be the standout on anyone else's album.

[@josephdevlin7528]

Metal-heads?! I am impressed with what you both say about the great XTC. You know your music. Thanks.

[@ayeatropoulos1]

Glad that you acknowledge and are promoting the incredible talents of Mr. Colin Moulding!!

[@deathmetaldouglas69]

I'm a little shocked how low you guys rated "Drums and Wires" as I believe it to be their best record. Unlike most people I thought "Skylarking" was a huge step down. That and everything after did little for me partially from what Martin mentioned. Also I liked Barry's keyboards on the first two as he did with Robert Fripp's League of Gentleman. Number two "English Settlement" interchangeable with "Mummer" (oddly same year REM had "Murmur"). As much as I love "Black Sea" it ranks only slightly above the criminally underrated "Big Express". To me it is an unbelievable five album run from 1979 to 1984. Also "Drums and Wires" puts me in the mood to listen to the first two like a conduit.

[@steveswitzer4353]

Great thx for reviewing this wonderful band

[@davidgagen9856]

ThIs is the best analysis you have ever done, thank you