X is for... XTC

See XTC's records inside the Archive here: johnpeelarchive.com/albums/rec...
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[@simonhodgetts6530]

XTC are one of my all time favourite bands - they are never short of inventive, interesting and above all, supremely musical. I’d rank them up there with The Kinks, The Who, Talking Heads, and the holy grail, The Beatles. Brilliant band.

[@AndySalinger33]

Absolutely, my friend! It’s not hyperbole. They exist side by side with the giants you mentioned. I’d actually place XTC way above most of the legacy acts of old. Cheers! 🕊️

[@doublepick]

As someone who was working at British Steel in 1979 (and desperately wanted to get out), I can’t tell you how wonderful “Making Plans for Nigel” was. I got out...

[@Svatopluk]

One of the most interesting bands of the past four decades. Never boring.

[@colinmcghee8730]

@Sam Lewis You're the epitome of a guy who knows fuck all about music.

[@FahlmanCascade]

@Sam Lewis "They never had much commercial success" If that's how you judge musical quality, I feel sorry for you.

[@michaelrawson6261]

Guys... I never got a chance to read it, but, I've got the kind of feeling "Sam" rather regrets his comment... Whatever it was...! 🤓🤓🤓🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@destrozar]

I think all music lovers owe John Peel a great debt of gratitude.

[@ariescustom]

What about underage girls? What do they owe him? 😬

[@destrozar]

​@@ariescustomI'm not condoning it at all, but what about all those rock stars, nobody has come after them

[@ariescustom]

@@destrozar There are plenty of incredible musicians out there. The problem is that lazy people expect to discover them by just switching on the radio, which hasn't been the case for a long time.

[@paulgernon5391]

Every band of a certain age owes John Peel an enormous debt of gratitude

[@BlueRidgeParkway]

Bloody good! XTC is the most underrated band of the last 30 years. So many bands who came after XTC borrowed ideas from the many musical gems these chaps put out over the years. XTC rocks!

[@HotStrange]

3rd World Man So true. A lot of their songs sounded like they could’ve came out in the 90s. They predated powerpop and alternative rock by some 15 years.

[@gaskellr44]

@TruthFoot Wow, uve a bit of a gripe with A P. Was it that he didn't tip you enough after your promotion from dishwasher to waiter?

[@nickn8302]

if you listen to "complicated game" you hear many elements of American emo at play...

[@HotStrange]

TruthFoot lol okay man 👍

[@HotStrange]

TruthFoot LMAO 😂 where did I even insinuate that I was angry? You’re just a lonely, bitter old man. Why would I be mad at you?

[@05ayataka]

I'm japanese. XTC is great band!!

[@Lunatic4Bizcas]

XTC is absolute class. Enough Said.

[@darrenbrisson4336]

yeah i still love these guys good tunes never go out of fashion good british music is always good to listen too so many good bands good genre's

[@countessratzass5408]

darren brisson That’s good.

[@nickn8302]

Still right, 6 years later lol

[@redpillnibbler4423]

English Settlement - classic album. Senses Working Overtime - one of the best songs in history.

[@BenjWarrant]

No other drummer was like Terry Chambers. I never tire of listening to him.

[@pamelamabbott9440]

Terry is still performing with EX-TC, they're great!

[@BenjWarrant]

@@pamelamabbott9440 ooh, that's interesting!

[@jawoody9745]

I absolutely adore Andy. I miss XTC. I always will.

[@rebjiii]

james woody Too bad they never hit it big....they had dozens of great songs

[@HotStrange]

james woody Andy and Colin were a hell of a team. Colin doesn’t quite get the credit he deserves within the band. Grass, My Bird Performs, Making Plans for Nigel, all him.

[@countessratzass5408]

rebjiii They hit it big but in a very different way. That was so XTC of them.

[@bradoozy]

Haut Strange My Bird Performs is the best song he did in my opinion.

[@nektekket852]

And yet they're living in your head rent free.....

[@vcp93]

Then a million thanks to John Peel for discovering XTC. I can't imagine what a lesser place this planet would be without their music. Cheers!

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

“Mayor of Simpleton” is still one of my all time favorite songs.

[@rockinblue978]

The ballad of Peter Pumpkin head too

[@dougpeters1625]

Its is absolute pop perfection.

[@christophercringle896]

When they turned into there alter ego band The Dukes of Stratosphere....all bets were off. 25 O' Clock, Gold Dress, My Love explodes, just pure musical genius.

[@e-rokekenedi7834]

I could listen to AP speak of his and others' music for hours. The guy knows his stuff.

[@alcopley7684]

I love his Wiltshire accent. Brilliant band.

[@ralphhyland8661]

I've loved XTC since heard them here in CA. In the late 1970s, then fell over when they played my local College in apx '79 ('80?). Fully hooked going on 45 years! Thanks guys!

[@patrickmcclellan8726]

An enormous debt of gratitude is owned Mr. Peel from XTC's fans as well.

[@thewordofgord]

One of the great British bands of all time and the greatest DJ. What a package!

[@TheGodParticle]

Peel gave so many bands the break they needed, the man was a legend, sadly missed.

[@Igotknobblies]

In my day, JP was just a DJ, a means of hearing music. I recently read 'Musgrove of the marshes' which enlightened me to the number of bands he brought to the public's attention. He did so much for the music industry and left us too early. RIP JP! XTC....loved 'em!

[@steelyman08]

I remember, each week night from 10-12, waiting for John Peel to play "Making Plans For Nigel", he always came through :-)

[@deanedward2379]

These chaps recorded music that utterly stood out head and shoulders above the pack in the 80's. I remember clearly being dumbfounded when I first heard them. Of all the music of that time, this still remains relevant and fresh to me. Salutations to the boys for all the enjoyment they have given me

[@andywright3581]

One of the very best bands of the eights really good sounds very very talented Andy

[@rayrumming7901]

I worked with terry Cambers in Radio Rentals print dept, Shrivenham Rd Swindon before they were famous

[@kpec3]

Best songwriting, and they made a lot of it! Thanks Andy and Colin!

[@marshallschaffer3721]

Of all of the bands who were influenced by The Beatles, XTC is The Best, IMHO. Each of the XTC albums are excellent! They are all clever, catchy, and thoughtful.

[@DarrellGregory]

Always nice to see Andy. I love XTC.

[@KidIndigo1]

I have loved XTC for over 30 yrs. One of the best bands ever, and most underrated, in my view. Too bad Andy had bad stage fright and was rarely able to tour to clinch their awesomeness, talent, and musicianship. Still love 'em! English Settlement and Skylarking are two of my favorite albums ever.

[@101Volts]

He's said it was more about his valium withdrawals. On antoher note he was probably getting fed up with touring without being paid. He didn't hate performing that much, touring on the other hand...

[@HotStrange]

My favorite band, by a long sight. Every album is great, every song is great. Andy and Colin were a hell of a team. I’m glad they never hit it too big in a selfish way because I feel like our community of fans have something special not many people know about. Would’ve loved it for the guys in the band, though.

[@countessratzass5408]

Touring may have ripped them to shreds and we’d never have what they produced, which is genius. Yes, we missed them live and I accept the trade-off. Going home to live in Swindon May have saved them, touring is a bitch. Sounds like fun until you do it.

[@russellmurray3964]

I saw XTC open up for The Police in 1980. I was only 18 at the time and didn't know XTC (radio stations in the midwestern U.S. weren't known for their active promotion of up-and-coming acts from across the pond back then, so I was equally ignorant of bands like Joy Division, Cabaret Voltaire and The Cure), so I really wasn't aware of the greatness I was witnessing. I do remember they were high energy, and a couple of years later when I saw Urgh! A Music War I realized they had played Respectable Street during their set. That's about the time I finally started the odyssey of being a lifelong XTC fan, listening to Black Sea and English Settlement from a friend's record collection. But to this day I still regret not being more appreciative of what I was witnessing in the moment, and such a rare thing to see XTC live.

[@lawrencefeldman7744]

Oooooff! You were so lucky! They rocked like hell live judging by the live BBC comp. CD,live KZbin clips and URRGH! To have seen them in the day....sigh!

[@MrHairyNeck]

Andy always makes me laugh. Hard to believe he'll be 70 in 4 years

[@soph1e]

Not quite

[@granthambeard]

Inevitable groin is a brilliant band name ;)

[@GreatBowlsAfire]

+Anthony Grantham the best lol

[@debrabrabenec3731]

THANK YOU JOHN PEEL!!!

[@jasoncavitt2043]

Bands can really validate their artistry through their live performances, but ultimately they will be judged by their discographies. XTC's studio catalog is more impressive than that of just about any band from the '80s. The albums were densely packed with colorful, varied, and thought-provoking songs.

[@e-rokekenedi7834]

...and the '90s, and the aughts, etc.

[@jacquesaubin4454]

@Sam Lewis You're a tasteless wad

[@Undercoverbrotherfromanother]

Love Andy and the boys. Would kill for a tour 2021. I mean it. Send me a list and we'll make it happen. Lol.

[@victorfuray6821]

XTC were one of the greatest talents of the 70's and 80's. Perhaps, very underrated but to those of us who appreciate the finer things, XTC were a departure from the norm who gave us highly memorable sounds. John Peel was instrumental in providing a platform for bands like XTC and promoting good music!

[@edwardcarloni6356]

And from a fan of XTC I also say Thank you John Peel

[@texanperry]

Andy is a musical genius!

[@adrianbrowne7962]

" X " For The Brilliance Of Andy Partridge " Ten Times Over " !! From Adrian Browne 1965

[@MtnMan-ny6vu]

Love XTC! Even though there was a lot of vitriol and bad blood during its recording; "Skylarking" is one of my favorite albums of all time. My Mother is who turned me on to XTC by proxy, of course. She had all those records. I remember listening to "Oranges & Lemons" on car trips. Really great band with "cult-like" fans like myself constantly introducing new people to them

[@RemiPut]

Have their albums still on vinyl !!! Love their music !!!

[@quotemenot7520]

It is so nice to hear people acknowledge the recognition John gave by liking and playing their music. Nice one Andy

[@peteowen3539]

Senses Working Overtime and Making Plans for Nigel really stand out as classics. And Partridge had great stage presence.

[@Ghoopty]

Top notch songwriting that most of the public STILL have yet to discover....

[@HINRG14]

true. I just found them last year thanks to rick beato's what makes this song great episode.

[@floridaflamingogirl3119]

Criminally underrated band. Their work is sheer genius. The melody hooks alone will stick with you your whole life.

[@patkeeg1]

New Wave Beatles. Can't get enough XTC. One of the few bands that gets better in time.

[@HotStrange]

They really do. Never released a bad album or bad song. Every album they got better, which almost no band has done as consistently as them. Andy and Colin are geniuses.

[@PeanutSpring3]

@@HotStrange I dont know if any are neccessarily bad, but personally there are plenty of songs on Drums and Wires that I REALLY don't care for. Like I honestly don't know how its generally considered in most people's top best 5 albums by them.

[@HotStrange]

Peanut Spring 3 I certainly agree with parts of that statement. I like all the tracks on the album to some degree, but I do think it’s far from their best. The Black Sea, Mummer, English Settlement, Skylarking, Oranges and Lemons, Nonesuch, and Apple Venus 1/2 are all better than Drums and Wires, IMO

[@PeanutSpring3]

@@HotStrange Ya know, I never really got into Mummer. I dont think I never really gave it a chance. I listened to it as I was doing something so I wasn't to focused, but whenever I zoned in I didn't care for whatever song it was. I probably just need to give it another try. But also, I really enjoy White Music. A lot more than Drums and Wires. I feel like WM is usually overlooked by fans, but to me, it's just bop after bop. Maybe I just like more punk sounding music more the average XTC fan, but I think it's a great album! Also, I don't know if we're counting the Dukes albums, but CFTC is easily in my toppest tier of their albums. Even though my exclusive toppest of tiers has 5

[@HotStrange]

Peanut Spring 3 I love the first 2 albums as well. Their debut is simply just fantastic. Not sure I prefer it over Drums and Wires but I still love them both. Love the Dukes album as well. My personal favorite is English Settlement, followed by The Black Sea, Mummer, Nonesuch, and then Skylarking. It’s so hard to choose though. Definitely give Mummer a try. Love on a Farmboys Wages and Wonderland are amazing tracks.

[@felixnineteensix]

I think Andy Partridge and Richard Thompson are two of this countries best song writing talents, EVER!

[@buxvan]

I'll bloody second that comment. 100% Spot on.

[@happyfreeky]

I'm an expat Canadian living in California and I'd have to third that. I've tried to get people to listen to Richard Thompson especially, but with little success. Most people I knew in my late teens to early 20s in Canada were already XTC fans, though.

[@lawrencefeldman7744]

Total Monsters! Yowzzz!

[@gustavochuck]

Andy Partridge is The Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@LunarEleven]

@TruthFoot his attitude is what is great about him. He's a dick but that's obvious from many of his songs, about womenfolk in particular haha! But everything that made XTC what it was, it hinged around him. I just don't think I can imagine changing part of that... Plus it's idiotic to even care about an artist's personality and actions outside of what they create. Who CARES?!

[@winstonsizemore2385]

One of my favorite bands

[@ianmcginty5467]

Love! Love! Love XTC!!!!

[@scribbles65]

Thank you... John Peel

[@scott7521]

bless peel.... great man

[@rockinblue978]

Loved XTC in 1978, love XTC now. That period produced some great song writers and these guys are there with The Jam and Elvis C and the Attractions

[@proculusjulius7035]

Dear god is my favorite song from this awesome band. I first heard it when I was rather theological and I thought to myself, "how dare these people mock a supernatural being?! " not long after that, I too begun to question my beliefs and boy oh boy am I free today. Love you Andy and the rest of the crew.

[@johnshinal6369]

What a great interview, nice to see him relaxed and joking like this.

[@ezrhino100]

Just another notch for Mr. Peel.

[@arigould3995]

Agreed! The most influential band on me from the first day I heard "Respectable Street" at a record store in New Brunswick, NJ, while in college in 1980. Andy and the group... you never got the respect or accolades you deserved. From "Dear God," to "Melt the Guns," to "Scarecrow People," you had so much to say, and not enough people paid attention. I saw you on the English Settlement tour, which was your last. Please, do one final tour together!

[@isidroco]

Incredible, I'm from argentina, but lived in New Brunswick for one month (nov'91) and of the 100 CDs bought on that trip there were: Black Sea, English Settlement, Dukes of Stratosphere, Rag & Bone Buffet. Started with XTC shortly before that trip thanks to a friend. There was a vinyl used store there where I lived, the owner's name was Charly.

[@nicolascaceres1974]

@@isidroco Yo tambien soy de Argentina! y amo XTC. Mi sueño es conocerlos si algun dia voy para alla a swindon

[@evan8654]

@Sam Lewis you are a consistent hater, what did they do to you?

[@evan8654]

@Count Orlock PRE is awesome!

[@evan8654]

@Sam Lewis ok i was just worried about you.

[@Breakbeats92.5]

My God they are tight. Even the early footage, they are sharp and polished. Almost unheard of.

[@redlioness6627]

What a lovely thing to say to and about John Peel, more bands owe their whole entire careers to him than don't.

[@thesuncollective1475]

I love hearing how his song writing developed over time..wonderful!

[@taradresbach4684]

XTC are one of my favorite bands ever. I have loved them ever since my dad first played them for me as a little girl. I sang "Red Brick Dream" to my own little girl as a lullaby. Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding are two of the best songwriters alive. I'm pretty sure they'll never top "Apple Venus Vol. 1" and yes, I have heard "Wasp Star: Apple Venus Vol. 2." It was nowhere near as impressive.

[@mrjah603]

Thank you. I just listened to Red Brick (haven't heard it for a while,) and it's better than I remembered. Andy is a genius.

[@ronburgandy5006]

THESE GUYS ARE FUCKING GENIUS!!!!!!…..

[@therollingbeachfloyd645]

YEAH!!!!!!!!

[@mc.9-]

The auto-generated captions for this interview were hysterical

[@nicennice]

An enormous debt of gratitude is owed by many, many bands to John Peel. Going through my XTC back catalog again at the moment hence I arrived here. Certainly one of my all time favourite bands.

[@michaelthomas366]

Use to listen to XTC a lot back in the 80's. Saw them in concert too with Oingo Bingo and the Police. It was great! Still wish these guys made music.

[@AllThroughALife]

The jealousy I have for you seeing all three of those bands, particularly on the same bill, is intense and immense.

[@desert.mantis]

Loved these guys! Great sound. Rhythmic. Innovative. Whew!

[@josefizquierdo6139]

*Thanks, XTC !!! ...*Thanks, John Peel !!!

[@mikefellows3901]

This guy is a genius ... and a true legend !

[@paulelliott3220]

Marvellous XTC absolutely great and these sessions are gold Got them in a Peel Sessions collection and they sound brilliant

[@daviddill5227]

One of the most talented bands in music

[@davedenisetigg]

Great video! John was a 1 off! I found so much weird and wonderful music through his shows which I thank him for. Nice to see XTC again too :-)

[@TheTibmeister]

I loved the way they looked. Normal. No crappy 80s clothes make up nail polish. Like a pub band. But better sound than any other band ever

[@chrisguygeezer]

....and thanks to Virgin for ripping 'us' off for the next ten years.

[@FahlmanCascade]

Skylarking. Oranges and Lemons. Masterpieces both.

[@arigould3995]

Super cool! Miss those guys.

[@Bowtie1972]

so typically eighties.."Senses working overtime"....awesome song!

[@dedman9464]

Classic part about John Peel playing EP at wrong speed. been there!

[@grandslam1998]

Top class. Thanks.

[@homerco213]

I usually have this band in my head. Lately, The Mayor of Simpleton, although, Across this Antheap, was the one last week. King for a Day before that, except: Deliver Us from the Elements, Omnibus, Poor Skeleton Steps Out, Green Man, River of Orchids, Paper & Iron, etc.

[@jessicakarsten987]

Mayor of Simpleton and King for a Day are both brilliant.

[@Zendrive13]

Great songs n great band⚡️

[@rachelbanks9871]

Makes my heart glad❤

[@theamericanaromantic]

Gold.

[@panther105]

Humility, gratitude, humbleness.....the man exudes class. !!

[@cquilty1]

pamther105 "Humility, gratitude, humbleness", you say. Exactly why xtc were such a staggeringly dull band. Rock n roll is about swagger, confidence, unwavering self belief and cocky arrogance.

[@panther105]

@@cquilty1 No argument but a bit late to debate about it. No one's feelings matter anyway...

[@cquilty1]

@@panther105 No need for debate or argument. I am right.

[@panther105]

@@cquilty1 Go play with your fellow basement dwellers. I have no time for immature people. Make your own comment. Stop stepping on other people's harmless messages. In short, FUCK OFF. You wouldnt recognize talent or serious performances if it flew up your ass...!!!

[@ianblack3181]

i was a massive xtc fan and john peel fan and only now finding these things out ,wow

[@mushroomgods4707]

Cheers. Great Band.

[@gobuddygo1]

Love this band!

[@mikaelsjoberg1894]

Tears of joy!!

[@annother3350]

Inevitable Groin !

[@chriss2295]

Love XTC. Under rated. Glad this ended up in my feed.

[@martinskanal]

Great stuff, thx!

[@gregshamieh6339]

XTC were one of my favorite bands. In 1982 or so I saw them at Georgetown University -- which is a Jesuit institution. The largest hall on the campus is set up to handle masses, with frescos of the stations of the cross and a Sistine Chapel-like heaven on the ceiling. Talk about a freakily inappropriate space to see XTC. Still one of the best 5 shows of my life -- a peak experience.

[@olivierbolton8683]

Thanks John Peel...for the legend of XTC

[@royalordinance]

He says the music wasn't "that" good but it's 50 times better than the shite in the charts today.

[@cquilty1]

royalordinance "the charts", as you amusingly put it don't exits now in the way you refer. Times have changed. You clearly haven't, dinosaur.

[@72seeker72]

Love XTC! Thanks fellas!

[@color-head1696]

so: Thanks loads, John! ,-)

[@chris-rv9gd]

Great band and criminally underrated as well.

[@martinfitzgerald1605]

Andy seems like the kind of bloke you could have a cuppa with and have a laugh.😂

[@invernessfan3017]

I am a fan of XTC. This is a clever band. Clever lyrics and songs.

[@upstatenoizepollution7342]

Great band and it is an absolute hoot to see Andy Partridge in an interview!

[@rdubb77]

Your favorite musician's favorite band.

[@krisscanlon4051]

That Peel impression on his show was incredible !

[@geoffjoffy]

That was a very funny interview. Thanks

[@psmith669]

My favorite band