XTC - English Roundabout | FIRST TIME COUPLE REACTION (BMC Request)

[@noheamike5036]

Walked into record store, just a little drunk, in fall 1982. Some quirky pop is playing. Each track sounding better than the last. Ask the worker what it is. He says XTC - English Settlement. I say never heard of them, but bought the album. A wise choice...

[@markdrechsler5660]

XTC! One of the greatest art pop bands ever. Incredible song craft. Keep exploring, you won’t be disappointed. This is a fine introduction.

[@TheProgCorner]

My three favorite bands: Yes Genesis XTC

[@Bob.L.Shirley]

Well, this made my afternoon! Glad you haven't forgotten about me! I've been to the BMC site a bunch but have never found an available request slot, which is frustrating because I have SO many requests I'd like to make. Maybe I'm doing something wrong...? Regardless, so glad to see you finally meet the boys from Swindon - yes, Lex, they're English! Good ear, as usual. It's hard to call any one XTC (ex-tee-cee) song "representative" because their catalog crosses so many song styles, which they somehow always seem to make their own. I love these guys and couldn't be more happy about you starting to discover them. Bon Voyage! 😀❤️👍🏼

[@michaelakkerman407]

One of the greatest bands of all time... Any song from any album would be a great reaction.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

One of the greatest bands you've never heard of. This is off their masterpiece English Settlement. You should also check out Skylarking (produced by Todd Rundgren).

[@michaelmalone3089]

Wow! frankicesced ! I never new Todd Rundgren produced that album 😯 the things we learn on this channel....thank you 👍

[@murdockreviews]

@@michaelmalone3089 yes, he did. And Andy Partridge alledgedly hated every second of it 😄 but the outcome was fantastic.

[@michaelmalone3089]

@@murdockreviews hey Murdoch nice to see you mate! Todd can be so hit and miss.....back in the day I believe Todd had a rather large ego! I love Todd's later material ! Nearly Human for instance.

[@murdockreviews]

@@michaelmalone3089 cheers, mate. I guess it was a clash of two big egos, because Partridge also isn't always the easiest guy apparently. I only know a few Rundgren albums, but would agree that he is 'hit and miss', which is to be expected with such a large catalogue. Interestingly I have developed a weakness for the rather soft 'Runt - The Ballad of Todd Rundgren'-album.

[@michaelmalone3089]

@@murdockreviews Todd's one of my favourite artists Murdoch 👍 love the man👍you have a good day my friend.I'm going to listen to skylarking 👍

[@jimbricker4982]

This whole album is a solid 10. Worth a full listen for sure!

[@aprilstewart5929]

Every single song.

[@markspooner1224]

XTC are from Swindon, Swindon has an extremely complicated (traffic) roundabout which is a source of much ridicule in the rest of England.

[@johnhaley5593]

My favorite band. Giant Rabbit hole to visit here! Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding. Great song writers. Dave Gregory on lead guitar. Terry Chambers on Drums. Not their best track on this album, but a fine intro

[@garyives8676]

A killer XTC song! Great reaction guys! I talk about how impressed I am with your taste in music, but it is also your passion for music that I really love. I share that passion with you guys. I love your reactions! Keep it up! Gary

[@ashulman2008]

Weird choice to start with xtc. This would have been about 63 on my list of starting points. Much more to discover

[@marcgordon6604]

My thought exactly. Maybe something from Drums and Wires is a better starting point. Or Black Sea.

[@rogerpatton2242]

Not weird, just not typical.. they obviously loved it.

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

English Roundabout is 'about' their 50th best song. Please continue to explore XTC!

[@newsles2]

Well, that's subjective. As a long-time fan I've heard other similar fans hail it as one of their greats. Helps to be able to connect to it of course.

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

@@newsles2 True. That's what's so great about this band. They played so many different styles of music that one's favourite 10 or twenty songs of theirs changes from one week to the next!

[@a.k.1740]

"English Roundabout" is sung by bassist Colin Moulding who is the other singer, songwriter of XTC with Andy Partridge. With Partridge on vocals, you could try out the track "Burning with Optimism's Flames" on the previous album, Black Sea.

[@stevegirardmedia2255]

Yep… one of the best bands ever. I don’t say that lightly. They create music in many different genres… they’re serious, they’re jokesters, they are top level compositionally. I always thought of them as the Beatles - if they didn’t break up until 2002! In 1986, the music thrill of my life came about when… in an attempt to gain a US audience, Geffen/Virgin Records forced XTC to pick a US producer… and they picked Todd, my fave musician… and together they gave us all the masterpiece called Skylarking. Will always be in my top 10 albums of all time.

[@a.k.1740]

@@stevegirardmedia2255 I must say that if I liked Skylarking a lot at the time of its release, I have been more reserved about it in recent years because I find Rundgren's production not always appropriate for certain tracks on the album (particularly "That's Really Super, Supergirl" and "Another Satellite" which incorporate typical 80s tones when something less contemporary would have worked better in my opinion) but I admit that overall the album is quite successful.

[@frankpentangeli7945]

This is my absolute favourite XTC album ... from one of my all-time favourite bands. Every song on it is a masterpiece. Runaways, Senses Working Overtime, Jason and the Argonauts, Snowman, It's Nearly Africa, etc, etc, etc. Astounding stuff! And yes, they're English. The three album sequence of Black Sea, English Settlement and Mummer is, to me, pretty hard to beat.

[@jackclasquin7631]

For me it's Drums and Wires, Black Sea and English Settlement, although I can't get enough of Nonsuch either (although that might be a controversial one)

[@frankpentangeli7945]

@@jackclasquin7631 Nice! Nonsuch is probably my fourth favourite XTC album after the three I mentioned above. It's rarely mentioned by anyone, but it is certainly a very deep work of art in my view. And then it's The Bix Express and Drums and Wires. Though I like Skylarking, as well as Oranges and Lemons, I think they're both overrated when compared to the ones we've already listed.

[@debrabrabenec3731]

OMG! Another of my FAVORITE bands! I'm so happy you have been finally introduced! I saw them open for The Police twice, after their Drums and Wires and Black Sea albums, then headlining after English Settlement hit. Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding are both excellent songwriters. Favorite songs of mine are: "Millions", "When You're Near Me I Have Difficulty", "It's Nearly Africa", "Love On A Farm Boy's Wages", "Snowman", "I Remember the Sun", "This World Over", "Mermaid Smiled", "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul", "Rook", "Wrapped in Gray", "Miniature Sun" and "Chalkhills and Children". Have fun in your newest rabbit hole!

[@timhollis3390]

You have great XTC tastes

[@debrabrabenec3731]

@@timhollis3390 Thanks!

[@aprilstewart5929]

"Chalkhills and Children".......beautiful beyond words...."even eyes never mean that you're sure to see."

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Also,, XTC "THE MAYOR OF SIMPLETON" (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

[@jeffcrawford3032]

Brilliant song!...the guitar work is insane!

[@happymethehappyone8300]

AN ABSOLUTE MUST HEAR/SEE,, XTC "DEAR GOD" (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO A MUST)

[@ericmeredith8754]

This was a fun request! Mike. Thanks for this! I really enjoyed this! I heard multiple styles in this one! Lex , i agree with the Ramones vibe for sure! Awesome video guys. Love you!

[@jmslider6617]

My favorite album of theirs is Black Sea. Great band.

[@timhollis3390]

So thrilled you did XTC.One of my favorite bands right up there with Yes,Genesis and King Crimson

[@rogerpatton2242]

Best band ever.. keep digging... Plenty of gold nuggets.

[@woodyoffmark7944]

"The Mayor of Simpleton" is another great tune from them.

[@jamesmoore9596]

You will find a resplendent garden of gems in the XTC catalogue. From the frenetic early "new wave" XTC to the fine pop/jazz of 'Ladybird' (Mummer, 1983) and all points between. It's Prog Pop, really, in a tradition pioneered by The Beatles yet still uniquely original to XTC. Happy grazing! I envy you...

[@davidwaller2218]

"Prog pop" is right!

[@nope-z5y]

XTC is in my top five favourite bands. So great to see new people discover them, and I hope you listen to more. Their early stuff was raw and punkish, the middle stuff was clever pop greatness, and their later stuff was filled with brilliant, lush arrangements that would make Brian Wilson proud.

[@murdockreviews]

And there goes a band I can cross out from my request list 😅 XTC are so, so phenomenal! One of my favourite bands. Thank you 💚

[@mikenichols3965]

You have good taste, sir!

[@surlechapeau]

my XTC Favorites: "Senses Working Overtime", "Generals And Majors", "Life Begins At The Hop", and "Making Plans For Nigel". We played XTC on the college radio station '79-'82, but they didn't chart well here in the US.

[@jimled50jl49]

You forgot "Towers Of London" - You will have named the 1st 5 singles I bought on 7" vinyl when first released.

[@notanotherenigma7759]

Yep, all of Drums and Wires is great.

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

At this time, XTC's lead guitar player was a guy named Dave Gregory. IMO, one of the great unsung musical geniuses of his day.

[@markdrechsler5660]

And now a member of the band Big Big Train.

[@mikenichols3965]

Dave played in at least two excellent bands post-XTC: the now defunct Tin Spirits, and he just recently left Big Big Train. He is a fabulous guitarist and a great guy.

[@summertime_blooz]

Not a particularly exceptional song to start with, but XTC is one the best Pop-Rock bands of all time. It's supposed to be pronounced X-T-C. I hope you'll try more songs and I suggest to you Miniature Sun. If you stick with the same album I hope you'll try Knuckle Down or It's Nearly Africa. I'll watch any XTC reactions you do, I love them so much. Thanks for the video.

[@ChipMatthews]

XTC has some of the most creative songwriting you'll find anywhere. My favorite pop band of all time. They started out heavily influenced by punk and over time evolved into art-pop. Brilliant lyrics, great hooks, and always something interesting to say. I love their later work the best (Oranges and Lemons, Nonsuch, Apple Venus/Wasp Star). They never hit the mainstream success they so deserved. Definitely one of your favorite band's favorite bands.

[@stephennorris2524]

XTC are from my Town, great band.

[@sylvanm4216]

Pronounced X-T-C. 😉One of the great English pop bands, up there with the Beatles. This song is a bit of a deep cut, but I love it. Nasty prog-ska groove in 5/4. A good example of all the little bits of complex, funky rhythmic interplay they could work subtly into a simple, light-hearted pop song. (And yes, by the way, Oingo Boingo was heavily influenced by XTC.)

[@rikconverse8726]

Danny Elfman composed The Nightmare Before Christmas as well! (A very seasonal movie to watch!) Weird Science - Only A Lad - Dead Man's Party are just a few classic Oingo Boingo songs if you haven't heard any of them!

[@hilocus]

Fans would say XTC and not Ecstasy. Loved the band from their high energy post punk origins, always focused on great song writing, which really developed as they grew out of the punk influence. Andy Partridge the singer and guitarist is a proper genius.

[@55904mcarlucci]

You most definitely need to explore their entire discography!

[@mikenichols3965]

"English Roundabout" from English Settlement. Are XTC English? Very. 😃 Their hometown is Swindon, a railway hub, and it does have a crazy roundabout. This tune is off their fifth album, the last album they toured with, then becoming strictly a studio band. The bass player, Colin Moulding wrote and sings lead on it. He writes 27% of their songs. Guitarist Andy Partridge writes most of their output, but I thought "English Roundabout" would be a good entry point for XTC. Ska in 5/4! Not one of their major songs, but, like the Beatles(!), every song is rewarding to listen to. Lots of variety. Yep, appropriate call up of Oingo Boingo and the Police. Definitely ska influenced in varying degrees. All those bands got called quirky early on. So glad you enjoyed it! XTC are very talented musicians (they are all closet prog fans!) and great fun to hear. They continued getting more sophisticated in their songcraft until they finally called it quits in 2006. Thank you so much for everything. I always look forward to the next awesome reaction. You guys rock!

[@cometogether999]

I like at least a couple dozen songs by XTC, if not more. I had forgotten you were sent this by one of your subscribers (family). Really like this one with it's ska beat.

[@WarrenCromartie2]

A rather obscure pick to react. XTC were an amazing band, and worth exploring further. My top albums would be Black Sea and Skylarking, but you can't really go wrong with anything from Drums & Wires onward. I recommend the song 'Dear God' and also Respectable Street, Travels in Nihilon, Senses working Overtime, No thugs in our house, Great Fire..I could go on.. XTC slotted, slightly uncomfortably into the UK New Wave/Post Punk scene of the late 70's. They were more experimental, interesting and 'English' than many of their contemporaries. They had a depth, and a talent for quirky but infectious and highly memorable songwriting. I've long regarded Colin Moulding and Andy Partridge as two of the best British pop/rock songwriters ever. Up there with MAcartney/Lennon, Ray Davies et al...better IMO.

[@92scamps]

David Gregory, great guitarist, has been with Big Big Train for several years now carrying on the greatness!!

[@rogerpatton2242]

He left BBT last year.

[@jameswarner5809]

One of my all-time favourite bands. They manage to be original and inventive, while remaining catchy. Giving suggestions is really tough because there are so many great tracks in a variety of styles, but here's a few: Sgt Rock, Reign Of Blows, Love At First Sight, Senses Working Overtime, Funk Pop A Roll, Rook, King For A Day, This Is Pop, Stupidly Happy...

[@adamp2029]

My second favorite band, after Steely Dan 😁. This is one of maybe only 5 ska-sounding songs in their whole catalog. And their sound changes a lot over time! Check out Real By Reel next; another good early one. And it’s pronounced Ex Tee Cee. As for Oingo Boingo, they’re fine but IMO, a greatest hits compilation is pretty much all you need with them.

[@bradhill1099]

These guys were monstrously talented. Not a bad album by these guys. Totally clever lyricists. Great lead guitar player as well. Colin Moulding and Andy Partridge are the two song writers and singers. Brilliant band.

[@tone4507]

My personal favourite album of XTC is "Oranges and Lemons". So many great lyrics and so many great melodies. Check out "Mayor of Simpleton", "Scarecrow People", "Poor Skeleton Steps Out"... heck, anything on it! #nicknlexrequest.

[@roberthardin2133]

I approve of tapping into XTC, and at first I thought "English Roundabout" was an odd choice, but it makes sense now. that album is full of gems, "Runaways" "Jason and the Argonauts" "No Thugs in Our House" "Snowman"...to name a few. my favorite XTC album is Black Sea, but if you were curious to check out another single track, I recommend "The Beating of Hearts" from Mummer.

[@smirkingguru]

My fav album by XTC is "Oranges and Lemons" Lots of snarky, cynical, sarcasm and absurd humor. Really fun album #nicknlexrequest "Mayor of Simpleton" or "Here Comes President Kill Again" a song pointed at president Reagan. Thanks!

[@markdrechsler5660]

Hard to say, but I might have to rank “Oranges and Lemons” as the best XTC album too. So many great songs, and fantastic production.

[@karlvre8790]

XTC is my favorite band, but "Here Comes President Kill" again is probably one of my least favorite songs of theirs. Shows that we are all different, I guess :) But you can never go wrong with any XTC songs

[@markdrechsler5660]

@@karlvre8790 so what’s your favorite song from OaL? I would probably pick “Poor Skeleton Steps Out,” though there are plenty of candidates.

[@karlvre8790]

@@markdrechsler5660 Sorry for the late reply. It varies. These days I would say Miniature Sun, Chalkhills and children and Cynical Days

[@stevemurrell6167]

Did I hear you right Nick? "They remind me of the B52's".......if so, you need to listen to more of both bands. I would never have compared the two.....completely different sounds but both great bands.

[@TB6791]

XTC should be there right next to the Police on top of the pile... Y'all should check out the Fixx , Shuttered Room. A Great debut album & another deeply overlooked under appreciated band.

[@a.k.1740]

I agree, Shuttered Room by The Fixx is a great one ! (my favourite from them though their third album Phantoms is a close second). Their song "The Fool" is a fantastic atmospheric new-wave track.

[@michaelmalone3089]

Well! well! well ! Phew a reaction to XTC they are English and you do pronounce them as individual letters X T C great to see you moving and a grooving people 👍 Music was so good back in the days of XTC love you guys THANK YOU so much 👏🙏🤗💖

[@jimled50jl49]

Hi, Brilliant group. Had quite a lot of great hits during the 70's & 80's in the singles charts as well as their albums. They were regulars on Top Of The Pops here in England. I still have most of their singles on vinyl. - They released a brilliant cd of their singles called "Fossil Fuel: The X.T.C Singles 1977 - 92. [ > 31 tracks ] & well worth getting. Check out their appearances on Top Of The Pops. - Incidentally I always called this band Ecstasy....but friends would correct me - it's X-T-C. Lol This particular song reminded me of Talking Heads and David Byrne on vocals and the way the track was structured. - Have a listen to "Senses Working Overtime" & "Towers Of London" among some of their hit singles. Great reaction. You will definitely like a lot of what this group has to offer.

[@murdockreviews]

Agree, 'Fossil Fuel' is the best gateway into XTC's music (well, it was for me). Heard XTC for the first time on a radio show which devoted each single episode to an individual band or theme. I was then still very much a young 'classic rock'-listener. The show started with "Real by Reel" and I remember absolutely disliking it 😄 also most of the other tracks played were just weird. It certainly wasn't rock, it wasn't really punk and it sure was too quirky and experimental for catchy pop. Yet the frantic "Scissor Man" somehow stuck with me and the more accessible "Making Plans for Nigel". Went out to listen to Fossil Fuel to see what this 'strange' band was all about with the constant Beatles-references the DJ alluded to, and suddenly 'it clicked'.

[@jimled50jl49]

@@murdockreviews Love that track Making Plans For Nigel. They made some cracking hit singles for sure. I love the metal bar they used on Towers Of London. Simply brilliant.

[@wildeone1645]

Yes, I could also hear David Byrne's vocal style in the song.

[@fords_nothere_100]

As you can see from the comments already, these guys have a fervent following. Skylarking is their most successful album and is perhaps a better next step. They are certainly worth the effort. And BTW, I saw Oingo Boingo live back in 1984 with Fixx. Great fun! Thanks for the reaction.

[@gregall2178]

I saw them in early '82...opening for The Police in L.A. Wish I could find an episode of Eye On L.A. that featured a profile of them... The host was doing a clip when we were leaving The Forum... My arm made it into the frame just as the clip ended :-D

[@mikenichols3965]

I saw Oingo with Fixx, the Bangles, Squeeze, Hoodoo Gurus, and Chris Isaak at the 91X sponsored Mexfest in Tijuana 1987! Terrific.

[@morgenauch]

You catched me again... with XTC!!!!! Thank you for this reaction video of one of my favorite bands.

[@murdockreviews]

I know I shouldn't, but I get quite a lot of entertainment value from the intro with you both full of glee while correcting each other. 😁 XTC are quintessentially English and they were on the arty side of new wave and later became writers of very smart Beatlesque pop. All their phases are great, but they might need some getting used to. Main writer Andy Partridge has a way with words, but (when first encountered) a slightly quirky musical style and idiosyncratic vocals. This one is by bassist Colin Moulding, whose tracks often were a bit more accessible and (on the surface) lighter. When I was a younger lad, I even went to Swindon, UK, for an XTC fan gathering 🙈 From their earlier years, my favourite is the punchy 'Black Sea' album. From the later years, 'Skylarking' was one of their most "successful" albums, but their most beautiful one is the orchestral 'Apple Venus'. Trivia: guitarist Dave Gregory left the band around 'Apple Venus' and for a while joined neo-proggers Big Big Train.

[@MonsterSound.Bradley]

Fans say X. T. C. A great band, but, I would not have started you off with this song. This is atypical imho. There are so many more more interesting songs. 'Mayor Of Simpleton', 'Senses Working Overtime', 'Dear God', 'The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead', just off the top of my head. Cheers guys 🍁

[@smoknbobjd]

XTC albums are really worth visiting and revisiting. Skylarking is my personal favorite. For me, XTC is a mood that tends to overlap with Elvis Costello, and in some ways with Joe Jackson. Despite being more of a prog guy, well constructed, fun, and memorable tunes like those of XTC always draw me back.

[@murdockreviews]

Good call on Joe Jackson. I could imagine Nick and Lex would love his more jazzy pop from the 80s...

[@SMccrate01]

This one has a great Ska groove and I love great Ska! Check out The English Beat songs I Confess, Save It For Later and Rotating Heads on the Special Beat Service album. Great production! Also the song Rotating Heads when released as an instrumental track March Of The Swivelheads was used in Ferris Bueller's Day Off in the scene when he's racing to get home.

[@murdockreviews]

Oh yeah, The (English) Beat. "Save it for later" is their least ska song, but ranks as one of my favourite guitar pop tracks of all time. Even Pete Townsend covered it for a solo-album.

[@saracen567]

Colin Moulding in some ways had to live in Andy Partridge’s shadow but as this song proves, Colin was an excellent songwriter too. Another great track of his from this era that should have made English Settlement is “Blame the Weather” (now THERE’S an English song!) It made the 1990 compilation album “Rag and Bone Buffet” but I always thought it should have had a place on English Settlement.

[@hawkwellhead]

They are such a fantastic band...skylarking one of the great albums

[@chrisunherded2374]

"Ballet for a rainy day"

[@mikenichols3965]

Ballet for a Rainy Day/1000 Umbrellas. Gotta have them together like peanut butter and jelly. 😃

[@chrisunherded2374]

@@mikenichols3965 indeed 👍

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

Suggested cuts (chronological order) 1. Making Plans For Nigel 2. Complicated Game 3. Respectable Street 4. Towers of London 5. No Language in Our Lungs 6. Ball and Chain 7. Senses Working Overtime 8. Ball and Chain 9. Love on a Farmboy's Wages 10. Wake Up 11. This World Over 12. Your Gold Dress (by The Dukes of Stratosphear… their pseudonym) 13. Summer's Cauldron/Grass 14. That's Really Super, Supergirl 15. Ballet For a Rainy Day 16. Earn Enough For Us 17. Sacrificial Bonfire 18. Dear God 19. Vanishing Girl 20. Your My Drug 21. Pale and Precious (previous 3 are more Dukes of Stratosphear originals) 22. Mayor of Simpleton 23. King For a Day 24. The Loving 25. Hold Me My Daddy 26. The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead 27. Dear Madam Barnum 28. Then She Appeared 29. Where Did the Ordinary People Go 30. Blame the Weather 31. Ten Feet Tall 32. Easter Theatre 33. Greenman 34. Harvest Festival 35. Playground 36. Stupidly Happy 37. We're All Light 38. The Wheel and the Maypole 39. Spiral 40. Say It

[@notanotherenigma7759]

If you had to describe XTC, the word quirky would be perfect. Great musicians, great song writers. I feel that they found new ways to use the guitar, and the bass lines.... I love the Drums and Wires album. Especially Scissor Man, Roads Girdle The Globe, Complicated Game. And I bet if you listen to Senses Working Overtime, you'd know it.

[@OzarkTroutBum]

Everything about XTC is solid from the top down.

[@OzarkTroutBum]

There's also a great documentary "This Is Pop" from 2017 about them if you can find it.

[@Databhoy]

Check out Mayor if Simpleton from their album. Oranges and Lemons - possibly the best bass playing in all of rock music.

[@Pcrimson1]

I was aware of XTC before this album, some singles like Plans for Nigel and Life Begins At The Hop. But I bought this album when it first came out, I was sold! It will always be my favorite And this song just fed into my love of all things British. So many other great albums, you can get lost in this band forever, Skylarking and Oranges & Lemons are top album's too!

[@notanotherenigma7759]

Oingo Boingo were also awesome. You'd probably know Stay or Dead Man's Party. Who Do You Want To Be Today was in Teenwolf. Then there was the Title song from the Weird Science movie. I like songs like Reptiles and Samurai's, Wild Sex In The Working Class, NoOne Lives Forever or if you want something really different, check out their version of the old Kink's song, You've Really Got Me... (Trust me, it's so different and so fun).

[@edgeofnow]

One of my favorite bands ever. Please explore more of one of the most creative pop bands ever!

[@michaelakkerman407]

OINGO BOINGO - SWEAT is a greater song and I can hear the comparison between the two. Being a fan of both bands since the early 80's. We as XTC fans say it EXTASEE... More XTC would be fantastic. XTC - THE WHEEL AND THE MAYPOLE. last song from their last album, its a masterpiece IMO...

[@damonhines8187]

I'd never made the B-52s link before, but it's easy now to see how Andy Partridge's idiosyncratic, semi-strangulated yelp invites such a comparison, lol. I thought in 1980 that they (guitarist Partridge and bassist Moulding, heard here)would come to be viewed as the new Lennon and McCartney, although they write separately. That mantle seemingly passed at least temporarily to Difford and Tillbrook of Squeeze.

[@aydnofastro-action1788]

Love the way she ignores your Air guitar. Ha HA ...Also priceless reaction on the first beat of this song. Back in 1990 a friend told me that his Audio engineering teacher in East Tennessee Universirty outside Nashville (Music city) held up English Settlement CD to the class and said,"THIS is. a GREAT Album!"....A double album a masterpiece, indeed! Xtc my fave band ever! Listen to this in the Wintertime....Skylarking in the Summer....nice comments, y'all know music lingo. All real musicians give mad respect to Xtc..fnas say X-T-C. They toured with The Police, and the same producer went on to produce Sting Solo albums.

[@14gilbertst]

Their previous album is a personal favorite. Black Sea!

[@ConglomerationCat]

I always thought this sounded a lot like The English Beat in some regards. English Settlement is such an amazing listen start to finish. Its a wonder Andy was really aiming for an album they couldn't really produce live. Such a turning point for them. Great reaction!

[@Ozznando]

XTC-Album Apple Venus vol:1. Songs- Easter Theatre, Greenman, and if you're into a Fripp (Captain Beefheart?) moment River Of Orchids.

[@plasticsurgerydisaster6180]

I’ve been on a massive XTC kick in the past year but still haven’t got to English Settlement, this song is really cool. AH! Right into Snowman!

[@michelemichele3375]

Thanks for Ecstasy (XTC), Mike. Nice Ska beat on this track. I’m also a fan of OINGO BOINGO - Danny Elfman has done a lot of movie soundtracks too. Great reaction. ✨🤪

[@michelemichele3375]

Fun trivia: The Mystic Knights of the OINGO BOINGO was the original name when Richard Elfman formed the group (1972). Brother, Danny, took over (1976).

[@michelemichele3375]

And, Lex, you’re correct to mention Reggae - it’s actually related. Ska and Rocksteady formed in Jamaica and developed into Reggae. Bands in England, like The Specials revived that Ska beat. ✨🤪

[@mikenichols3965]

You're welcome, Michelle. I figured this would be a good track to introduce XTC to NicknLex. You know, album #5, last one they toured with. Cheers!

[@murdockreviews]

@@mikenichols3965 thanks for your request. It only causes one problem - now I long to hear "Snowman", which immediately follows on the album 😆

[@michelemichele3375]

@@mikenichols3965 Yes, Mike. But I would need N&L to quit their jobs to get to more of our requests. Haha 😂 C’mon Patreon ! Thanks again. ✨🤪

[@The_Original_Geoff_B]

Having known the band from the outset, I sometimes forget that some people have yet to experience them . . . Next - how do you react to Wire?? Let's start gently with "The Other Window" :)

[@hilocus]

I would second that. I have not seen a reaction to Wire on any of the reaction channels on KZbin so, yes, the album 154 would be a great place to start.

[@mikenichols3965]

I LOVE Wire! All their latest stuff is great, too.

[@lordlost08]

Check out XTC "Making plans for Nigel"

[@aprilstewart5929]

I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THIS SONG!!! It's one of my all-time faves!!! FYI: this genre was somewhere between punky and ska, although they morphed after this album. Also, if you didn't catch this, the song was in 5/4, ala Dave Brubeck. You have now discovered one of the best bands of all time. Your next song should be....hard to choose....."Down in the Cockpit", from the same album, a shockingly frank discussion of women's rights. Also, a magical song.

[@sidecardog5244]

🤣. Looking for the Roundabout. (inside joke) Only really know Making Plans for Nigel by XTC, but what a great song that is.

[@kopptue9622]

In addition to all their hits they got lots of great deep cuts like Complicated Game and Thanks For Christmas and All Along The Watchtower. The Mayor Of Simpleton is a well known hit that I guess most people will be able to enjoy. Also the song Making Plans For Nigel is a very likeable hit. This World Over is a very nice song. Respectable Street is a good hit. The World Is Full Of Angry Young Men is a beautiful outtake.

[@summertime_blooz]

Respectable Street- good call on that one!

[@randygray8921]

Skylarking and drums and wires.

[@rikconverse8726]

Glad you're getting into XTC - I hope you explore "We're Only Making Plans For Nigel" or "Dear God" or "Mayor of Simpleton" or... Yes - very 80's very English!

[@robertsouza8667]

Nice XTC .. one of the best bands EVER... So under rated

[@davidwaller2218]

Check out "Oranges & Lemons" from 1989

[@madjack8031]

.....ya.......guys u have to listen to "Making plans for Nigel".......this song put XTC on the map.......Cheers!.....& Merry Christmas.....

[@madjack8031]

.....Happy New Years!!!!.....ok...have a listen to Nigel..................Cheers!

[@wendellwiggins3776]

Great 80s band with an interesting style. A bit of the energy of a Gentle Giant influenced which culminates the sounds of the early 80s British sound. This album was my favorite and only LP by them.

[@brewstergallery]

XTC was from the beginning a very sophisticated band with tremendous technical ability, songcraft and production. They began as Helium Kids in Swindon, UK in 1974 so they kind of bridge the gap from late 60s psych to the early punk wave. Unafraid to let their eccentricity and great sense of humor show. Their lyrics, Andy Partridges rapid fire word play and Colin Mouldings more observational and poetic are amazing in themselves. The members are Andy Partridge guitar vocals Colin Moulding Bass vocals, Dave Gregory guitar vocals and Terry Chambers drums. Their first records are good but from Drums and Wires onward they really get into gear. Here's their neo psych project Dukes of Stratosphear that's also insanely great. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmLdfaV7fZWYrKs

[@robertjewell9727]

You've started into quite a rabbit hole. That's a good song to start with, but they get into a very progressive poo particularly with a masterpiece album like Skylarking.

[@michaosanna]

thanks to XTC (Cee), the whole eighties were a good decade in the end! And thanks to The Cure, Tears for Fears, Teardrop Explodes, Comsat Angles, Talk Talk, Cocteau Twins etc. for sure. But mainly because of this nice guys (Andy Patridge, Colin Moulding and Dave Gregory) from this very great Band XTC. Check out Black Sea, Skylarking, The Big Express, Oranges & Lemons and Nonsuch, you will come closer to a Beatles - King Crimson wedding with any of this albums step by step. And were else than in the UK can such great music be produced? This is a question from germany :)

[@Jabberwok28]

Oh my goodness - you MUST listen to Oingo Boingo. Also known as the Mystics Knights of the Oingo Boingo! They are another great 80s/early 90s band. Listen to Nothing Bad Ever Happens To Me ( my personal favorite).

[@kennethschreyer2527]

Really Interesting Song Kind of a Blend of " Yes " and " David Byrne " Layered , Edgy and Superb Musicianship. Beautiful and Loving Curation and Reaction 🤩😎😍🐴😁

[@rickashworth7304]

Hi guys... was wondering if you would do a reaction to: The Mexican - from 1972 - from the album First Base by Babe Ruth... and also Wells Fargo from the same album.

[@Rockclass]

ELO ELO ELO ELO ELO ELO. thank you!! Blessings

[@michaelmalone3089]

Fine suggestion Diego 👏 Jeff Lynne.... genius 👍

[@Rockclass]

@@michaelmalone3089 I Just hope they realize what they've been missing. I'll recommended right to the throat: Concerto for a Rainy Day. Do you agree?

[@michaelmalone3089]

@@Rockclass Absolutely 100%brother 🤞

[@johnnysockhead]

You started with a very deep cut lol!

[@iancarr8682]

Saw XTC in their prime in Bristol, UK being supported by a new band 'The Police'.

[@tonyfoster61]

Nik n Lex - listen to XTC - Making Plans For Nigel

[@bonovol]

I actually thought this song was XTC dipping its toe in the Ska realm. I picked up a Specials vibe.

[@markfilla9305]

I know quite a few songs from XTC, but I've never heard this one! Very atypical of them to do a Ska song. If I didn't know it was them, I'd be scratching my head wondering who it was. Not a bad song though. They are masters of cerebral pop - many great songs in their catalog. I'd recommend Mayor of Simpleton or King For a Day for something more typical of their output.

[@sylvanm4216]

XTC incorporated quite a bit of ska/dub/reggae influence in their early days, although I think it's usually much subtler than their contemporaries like the Police and the Clash who were, at times, not just drawing on but outright imitating their influences.

[@tauncfester3022]

Yeah I know a year older reply.. So I don't know if you two did a deeper dive into this album, but the song Jason and the Argonauts is the real gem on this disc, besides Dave Gregory's amazing 12 string guitar work, there is an honest to goodness studio analog flange that's 44 seconds long in the middle of the middle eight and according to an interview with Dave, it came out perfect. Try to find out what an analog flange is because it's a bit of lost arts studio wizardry from the 1960's.

[@elchuky1942]

Aguante NICK&LEX Y el rock Argento escuchen antes y después ciro y los persas en vivo 👌🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷

[@tamarakelley4497]

Listen to Skylarking!!!!

[@andyf2837]

The accent is .... Swindonian from Swindon in the South West of England. I've got one too!