XTC - Generals And Majors

Music video by XTC performing Generals And Majors. © 1980 Virgin Records Ltd.
vevo.ly/J3mydH

[@GeoWizard]

one of the most underrated tracks of all time

[@user-eo2oz2tf4q]

Love Mummer.

[@clarkem4119]

Therrrrre's that KZbin Word again. It hit the top 40 in several countries, and was the first XTC song to even chart in the U.S. Please, explain your definition of "underrated"

[@user-eo2oz2tf4q]

Maybe a record that doesn't get played muc...

[@thegrinderman1090]

I just watched your latest straight line challenge video yesterday! Been getting into Andy Partridge's solo stuff lately, check out his 'Fuzzy Warbles' compilations if you haven't. About 75 tracks from his archives. The guy is a genius of song-writing.

[@user-eo2oz2tf4q]

And the Dukes...

[@doslobos2989]

XTC are such a distinct sound that they are almost a sub-genre in their own right.

[@silentwitness4843]

Had this album when it came out. Got stolen pretty quickly, but I agree, they are so unique. God this is great

[@scottdennison3620]

XTC are criminally underrated.

[@jacobsellars933]

so true. I try and try and no one gets it 😫

[@mrmarriottsgirl8471]

you are not kidding ..

[@beaufreeman700]

You are 100% correct👍

[@gannon3578]

What a great song

[@davidjewood]

100% with you. Making Plans for Nigel is epic 👍🏻One of my all time favourites

[@davidsantospago2174]

These guys make me feel good even when they're singing about depressing things.

[@malcolmmarriott9529]

Just wondering, stone 'plasterboards' would that have helped the live sound.

[@laurablack77]

That's a great synopsis, really!

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

they need to be taken out on their own soil as they want ww3.

[@user-co8uy5rb2s]

Depressing?

[@grillgod]

Yep, "War Pigs" is the other song I keep thinking of in these trying times. Genrals and Majors defintiely keeps me in a more hopeful mood despite the lyrics.

[@theoriginalbluey]

Oh wow! Is that Richard Branson having fun? SUCH a brilliant tune, I'll never get tired of it. This, Sgt. Rock and especially Towers of London help make 1980 such a wonderful year.

[@travcollier]

Yeah, Branson was head the record label XTC was signed to (Virgin). The story goes that when they were looking for a posh place to film the video (and how much it would cost), Branson said "just do it at my house". So a bit stingy and also a bit cool at the same time. Fun was had.

[@swesttttt]

@@travcollier And then Virgin screwed them out of all their royalties. Billionaires at “work” ya know…

[@silvermainecoons3269]

I knew I recognized him from somewhere! Is he even still alive?

[@andrewdouglass1427]

@@travcollier Eeeyore Musk before his time and with a little more sense. Very grateful to you for this background info!

[@mikeweber3685]

I was just about to ask!

[@stefanode7402]

In my opinion, the most underrated band ever.

[@Boylieboyle]

Also in mine.

[@globalado2593]

Many people say this band or that band was underrated. Very true with XTC though. Intelligent, consistent pop isn't easy. And trying to compete within the tremendous number of Brit New Wave bands at the time was equally challenging. I'd love if you listened to our anti war tune, recorded many years ago. Think you'll like it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4GWYpaepK6oiMk

[@ginnydoll0703]

Absolutely! It's like nobody remembers them. They were one of my favorite when I was in high school distinct the 80s. I had so many songs I loved from them. Still to this day I love their music, just as much today decades later

[@markfelts3976]

Yeah spot on had about a 15 year run of brilliant singles.

[@seanharrington730]

Bloody right

[@TheBoondoggler]

This is bittersweet. XTC deserve an infinite amount more recognition and accolades. I'm so glad my high school years were filled with an XTC soundtrack.

[@Edward-bd8iy]

My college life was enriched with these bands in my soundtrack...

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

FAG's, SOD, DRI, NWA, pistols and sex MC-U2-FM FM, My clothes worn backwards aused to fit me Backwards

[@darrylwiggins1156]

These guys were understated in their use of sarcasm to get across a common viewpoint using a rousing upbeat rhythm.They weren't preachy just direct.I miss them greatly.Especially Now.

[@clarkem4119]

Oh my god, THANK YOU for not saying "underrated".

[@piddles11]

I would crawl through glass to go back to the eighties 😢

[@adinocc2042]

same here.

[@daviddaly4382]

Absolutely me too! The best decade forever for music, and always will be. Sadly never to be repeated. 😢

[@user-eo2oz2tf4q]

Xtc we're good in the late 70s aswell.

[@Abitibidoug]

I think I'll go for a drive in my brand new Chrysler K Car. 🙂

[@musicland2024-gq2pb]

@@daviddaly4382 only because we allow it

[@greghallberg4182]

Such joy in XTC songs 😂

[@batgurrl]

As Branson’s space flight was delayed today due to weather, I felt the need to watch this video as soon as I heard the news. It’s a great fu**ing song anyway

[@stefanode7402]

I have seen Branson after 3 decades this video was issued😄

[@80s-wizard34]

Plus they were signed under his Virgin label at the time 😎🤘🏽

[@batgurrl]

@@80s-wizard34 THAT’s why they allowed him to be in the video. He actually did just fine. I actually got to see them in NYC before they stopped doing live shows. One of the best concerts ever and I saw plenty of great ones back in the day

[@brettthebassist]

Colin Moulding is an outstanding bassist

[@oscargraves5735]

my favorite non-metal/hard rock bassist along with his singing and songwriting

[@knickertwistcopperby6066]

Agreed!

[@jazztime7186]

Not to mention songwriter! This track is a real Moulding showcase

[@eric7922]

outstanding indeed...I really think he influenced Geddy Lee quite a bit in the early 80s

[@alanstrom2221]

Great anti-war song. One of the best British Bands in history..

[@dagonvaldez2878]

just ignore the beatles and the rolling stones and the who and led zeppelin and.....

[@gazelle8431]

@Gabe W in my opinion, XTC are up with my favourite bands of all time. Doesnt mean they're the best

[@beauvearing8450]

What about, "making plans for nigel?" (lovelace) eh? Cheers 🎉

[@user-eo2oz2tf4q]

Yes mate... in the top 10.

[@heathcornbeef]

Number one band in the history of the universe is............ THE CLASH😊

[@nickdryad]

People keep saying that XTC were under rated. They were always highly rated by people and fans who knew what they were doing. They just weren’t hugely popular like some other bands. There’s a word to describe people who appreciate rare genius- Cognoscenti

[@jelt110]

XTC are the Beatles of the 80s, only better. simply God-genius poets

[@Karen-nn6kg]

One of the first alternative concerts I saw. They opened for The Police at The Aragon Theater in Chicago in 1980; I was 16.

[@33Luger]

Jealous, never got to see them live.

[@Shadowx011]

XTC and The Police in 1980! Oh my God that had to be the best concert and time ever. :)

[@nesherasner9937]

I was there too - today, 22 Nov 2020, is the 40th anniversary of that concert.

[@Karen-nn6kg]

@@nesherasner9937 Wows!

[@markstang4593]

Saw the same double bill of them opening for The Police in Minneapolis on Nov. 19, 1980. They were touring behind "Black Sea". Amazing how small the crowd was. Since it was an open floor with no seating as you could get right up close to the stage if you wanted.

[@edhole498]

XTC. are just hugely original in lyrics and tunes. This song refers me to all the people seeking drama and wanting to run the show the whole bloody time.

[@Wozniak_15]

Uffff what a band I've just discovered It's gold !

[@iadorenewyork1]

This is one of their best song (in my opinion).

[@Wozniak_15]

@@iadorenewyork1 I feel so...

[@somedumbozzie1539]

So your senses are working over time kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKPGlqCQpbSgpqs

[@32INCHSTRIPER]

Tip of the iceberg, my friend. And if you think all their songs sound like this you're in for a pleasant surprise.. Get out your thinking caps and dictionaries, these guys are geniuses. If you think you don't like one of their songs, go back to it and listen a couple more times. You won't be disappointed.

[@101Volts]

They do have a rather large discography. No two of their albums sound quite alike (except their Alter-Ego releases as "The Dukes of Stratosphear," but those were made to be much like 1960s Psychedelic-type music.) This song's from their 4th album, "Black Sea," from 1980. It was a bit of a darker-sounding album than their 3rd or 5th albums, but their 7th album is sort of like this album's sister.

[@Abitibidoug]

I heard this song recently and forgot all about it, and of XTC for that matter. A great classic tune. It's amazing what's buried away in your memory that you think you've forgotten but really haven't.

[@cerseimack4854]

I love this song so. It’s so full of energy. Whenever I need a kick in the ass to start house chores, I put this on, followed by Oingo Boingo’s Wild Sex (In the Working Class).

[@truthtea5143]

Utterly hilarious, I will never get tired of watching the boys and their antics

[@BlackWhirlies]

I remember buying this album on vinyl at the time and the sound quality was shockingly good - the hi hats sitting right on top of the mix in this song was something I had never heard like that before. Undoubtedly their best album song and sound wise.

[@ramenfam2108]

Dude totally! When I first discovered them a few years ago I was amazed at how fresh their sound is. They quickly became my favorite 80s band :)

[@ceepax6197]

Hugh Padgham

[@alexremoll2771]

For me, Black Sea is not even top 5, but still good work. Shows how good they were

[@hellyeahandthemaybesrockin491]

That rythm section is killin it!

[@vap0rland]

agree - this was their best album

[@MissJessiePie]

This is brilliant

[@rexcruciatus2036]

XTC is an incredibly underrated band. Definitely one of the best British bands ever. I remember when this song came out in 1980. I was 16 and in tenth grade. It was like being injected with cocaine when I first heard this (not that I'd know what that's like but you get the point: Some people like drugs, I like music). Anyway, I don't know why it's never said because it's not like it's any secret or anything, but Britain has produced the best bands in history, especially from this time period.

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

what season of 1980 did this song come out? early mid or late 1980?

[@user-iz3qq5fu3l]

I like both.

[@rexcruciatus2036]

@@dampergoldenrod4156 I seemed to remember school having just started but wasn't quite sure so looked it up just to be sure (it's been 43 years after all). Yep... I was right. It was released Sept. 12, 1980. I guess Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease hasn't gotten to me just yet! ;-)

[@erichhonecker8548]

Holy Smokes! We're the same age and found this song at the same time! Amazing! It sure feels like it was yesterday, doesn't it???

[@erichhonecker8548]

Get this buddy! Maybe you can relate. When this song came out and we heard it, or saw it on a RARE TV music video show, long before MTV, it really gave the feeling of nostalgia and depression because frankly we never knew when we would ever see that heartfelt music video again. It could months or years. It's not like we had KZbin or a way of getting such a video and this was even just before VCR s came out and we either had LP records or cassette tapes! I bought the original Black Sea album with a green colored paper bag style cover sleeve and it was amazing as now it would be a rare collector's item. The lyrics were on the inside as I'd listen and read the words. Towers of London at the end has such a beautifully sad sounding ending, almost like saying goodbye to a longtime friend. These songs are real signposts in our lives!

[@markothwriter]

I overlooked these guys for years and years. I liked a few of their songs - but never really dug into their vast library. Finally realized how brilliant they are/were. As a military guy, this song really hits home for me. Officers are often full of it, and they want wars.

[@flipflop8604]

Heard it on the radio the other day had forgotten all about it , what a treat that's why I'm here !!

[@KA-rq3gz]

Great song to start the day.

[@chrispetrillo9042]

My favorite song from this time. Always turned up the radio every time I heard it. Amazing how the video looks like it could be for any Monkees song.

[@lotharroberts5978]

The Monkees, (Or those who wrote for the Monkees.) could never write a song like this.

[@josephmilitello647]

Exactly. Very Monkees-like video. I guess that's why Andy Partridge wrote You Bring the Summer for the Monkees.

[@catherinehall4820]

Great music and an hysterical video. Love . These young beautiful men know their stuff with great music and humour.

[@user-eo2oz2tf4q]

Yes mate.

[@sophiepooks2174]

Yes they were in 1979 and will always be cool to me too.

[@polar315]

Spend most of my listening time between 1975 to 1990s. Recently added XTC, Squeeze, Crowded House, Madness, Buzzcocks, Split Endz, and Mr Costello. Lots more but that is where I am starting again. Turned 18 in 1980. What a blessing to hear that music as it came out waiting for the next vinyl and pursuing record stores.

[@user-eo2oz2tf4q]

Add level 42 and abit of steely dan my friend.

[@user-eo2oz2tf4q]

Don't miss out on 70 to 74...some good Albums.

[@deepbludude4697]

Ive been waking up to this song in my head for like 2 weeks now.

[@user-eo2oz2tf4q]

I just remind you again than.. Sorry

[@johnpelletier7641]

I believe that is Richard Branson before he became a billionaire. What a great song, video, and band. Yes, XTC were really underrated.

[@joescott8877]

Yup! And one of the other Generals and Majors looks a bit like Kurt Vonegut. Don't think it was, but def appropriate for him to be in an anti-war vid!

[@Boylieboyle]

If everyone listened to XTC the world wouldn't be in such a state. What went wrong?

[@Kag_Yag]

rap

[@paulelliott3220]

Not enough people listen to XTC - sadly, that’s the issue

[@edwardgiovannelli5191]

@@Kag_Yag LOL, as much as rap was corrosive to music in general, I don't think it's as bad an influence on greater society as Rupert Murdoch and Bill Ayres etc.

[@jacobsellars933]

everyone would have to get it

[@leftylucy2263]

Coldplay happened. F'ed up everything

[@smtxtv]

I burned through this for years !!!!! Thx !

[@johnlariviere357]

What a fantastic song. Beautiful.

[@troygaspard6732]

The video that got the bouncy castle craze going.

[@oakforestboys]

This song is so underrated

[@101Volts]

They had to shoot this last minute before going on tour, otherwise the song wouldn't get played on radio somewhere.

[@101Volts]

The policy was "If there's no music video, we won't play it."

[@TheJnatch]

Colin didnt even brush his hair :)

[@stuartkynoch7289]

In Richard Branson's dining room no less.

[@101Volts]

@@stuartkynoch7289 It's all on Branson's Estate. There's also a short documentary of XTC, "At the Manor," recording music at the same location, even though it wasn't in the actual studio session for recording Towers of London; they just re-shot things for TV.

[@pureevilhotsauce6490]

Any dislikes should be for Richard Branson's appearance

[@batgurrl]

Toxic Thor not even

[@beeftheheat]

I thought it was derek jacobi-oops

[@sawdustcaesar6853]

nope

[@steelyman08]

But he's so very cool and hip. After all, he came up with Virgin Airlines....... /-:

[@sarahtonen4873]

pedophilic POS. now that Epstein's victims are having their day in court, it won't be long, Dick...........flight logs, port authorities, tick tock....... Necker Island=Sacrifice Island

[@markl4426]

Zenyatta Mendatta tour, The Police and XTC touring behind the Black Sea lp, saw 'em in Minneapolis at the Armory, amazing.

[@garymacmillan6401]

You lucky bastard.

[@maraagosti7518]

OML Remember this song from the 80s & LOVED it then! Wow! SUCH A GREAT SONG!

[@alanstrom2221]

Andy Partridge is the Band's other singer/songwriter and the Band's spiritual leader. Colin Moulding's contributions are gratefully appreciated by Andy and people like myself.

[@carrace6509]

I agree with you

[@porkbuncurrybun1442]

The dude singing is super cute! One of my favorite songs!

[@nancyg158]

Oh 👠 yes!

[@ML-nj4qi]

It was the summer of 1989, on my way to San Fransico and this song came on the radio, I had no idea what the title or artist was. The song stuck with me for almost 30 plus years and hoping one day it would come back on the radio. I like "Senses working overtime" and I had no idea XTC sang this song! I can now have some closure...

[@charlesbull6188]

Without a doubt the most underrated band ever

[@catsteinhilb2880]

💯 agree

[@geekpie100]

Tonight I've listened to about 5 XTC songs that somehow I missed at the time, and all have been great.

[@henripapineau1610]

Doing the very same thing right now

[@1falcone]

This song has been in my head since I first heard it, awesome track

[@robertdelnon9886]

XTC - I used to play them full volume on the motorway at midnight 😂😂

[@craigbeale8540]

Could have sworn that was Richard Branson at the table awesome video. XTC for some reason underrated and still fresh all these years later.

[@mrdomofan56]

More XTC!!!!

[@chrisdavies9390]

Saw these guys when they toured just after this Album cam out, great energy onstage all night

[@JasmineSurrealVideos]

Jolly, bouncy, sardonic song, and a jolly, bouncy castle.

[@bigneon_glitter]

XTC were 15-20 years ahead of their time.

[@FoulMouthFishing666]

100%

[@Butters66]

Huh? You think they sound like a band from the mid 2000s? They fit perfectly in the 80s.

[@davidgwin4540]

General and majors, ww3 enough said

[@guyriddihough]

Video and song = genius twice over.

[@pamelakilponen3682]

And here we are

[@maxinemckenzie5765]

Fabulous! back when 45rpm Singles could be Masterpieces...🎸🎶🥁🎶

[@bigguys45s29]

Bubbled Under the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 104 in 1980. Great tune.

[@JCStorm76]

Huge hit in the UK and here in Australia. The Americans just didn’t get it did they?

[@johnny_fiv3]

@@JCStorm76 I'm in the US. I remember this playing on the radio. 2 days ago I woke up with this song in my head and haven't stopped playing it since.

[@Jellybeantiger]

XTC,genius .

[@paulelliott3220]

Brilliant song - XTC, of course Bonkers video - XTC + added Branson, of course Great in every way

[@jamesalexander5623]

That's a BIG ASS Bouncy House!

[@marioiacolucci]

Love those things good for making love on

[@SpringNotes]

I've forgotten how great this band is !

[@sophiepooks2174]

Never forgot, music stays in ones head forever but times change and sadly senility is a thing.

[@naturalhealthwellnessmedsp3572]

The most underrated and under-appreciated band & Alternative Rock Pioneers in Rock music history!!!

[@scott7521]

A young Richard Branson... amazing

[@lunekitten]

this video is so funny to watch when you know that andy was probably hating every second of being in it

[@lunekitten]

everyone else is just fucking around but theres this unique sense of misery in his eyes. you can tell

[@unknownkingdom]

was he? i don't remember hin ever talking about his experience making music videos. and they kept making videos even after they stopped touring

[@lunekitten]

@unknownkingdom hes mentioned multiple times in interviews that he strongly dislikes music videos. and I cant remember which one specifically, but in one he says he thinks that generals and majors is one of the worst mvs ever

[@unknownkingdom]

@@lunekitten ah, didn't know that

[@stevebrazilio]

Great tune, great satire and fantastic XTC managed to get Richard Branson on the video. Thanks for sharing.

[@xiaoxia5]

it wasn't the band's choice. he showed up on the day of filming, and pretty much nagged them to be in the video.

[@darrenkennedy5409]

For those who don't know XTC we're Richard Branson' s first band signed to his Virgin records label and the band asked him to have a part in the video. XTC brilliant band for there time.

[@UserKname]

Virgin started in the early 70's and it's first release was Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells. XTC didn't sign with them until later in the 70's. Still an awesome song the

[@raymondbonington9355]

UserKname think the second was GONG might be wrong .

[@paulelliott3220]

@@raymondbonington9355 You are right that Gong was the first Band signed by Virgin

[@whitey7998]

It was actually Mike Oldfield followed shortly after by Tangerine Dream, Faust and Gong among others.

[@hklinker]

The band did NOT ask Branson to be in the video, at least not according to Andy Partridge. I’ve added a quote from an interview with Partridge in a separate comment.

[@hellyeahandthemaybesrockin491]

Such good bass!

[@timostegemann5591]

Just magic..

[@jeremyyoung4415]

We still remember every word.

[@Dan-nt2yb]

XTC and The Fixx. The top 2 friggin underrated bands in history.

[@marti442]

Love this song!!

[@rknout69]

Love them since I first heard Nigle. Dear God and so many more.

[@ariswardhana8203]

one of the best xtc

[@rogerwalnut]

RIP Andy's "The Paul." I think he said someone stole it while they were on tour in NZ just a few months later. One of my favorite guitars

[@alanburge4798]

Some great songs from a great band.........this is one classic

[@bradthurkle7217]

Love this song. Herd it today on the radio cooking for Mother’s Day. Brilliant song I forgot I loved 🤟🏻

[@go-goakins1489]

Great song☝️️🎶👍😎👏I dig x t c !

[@danielmarquis5258]

Super talented Band!!

[@stephen69honanie51]

Love the guitar 🎸

[@andrewjohn1180]

Brilliant song

[@futurefreak8789]

Bloody fantastic song/band

[@brianbushnell5375]

Great band I live in Australia and Ive always liked this band

[@annroderickdumaine6358]

You are s000 definitely right Stefani they are wicked awesome I have all there albums my sister as teens listened to thier music in the 80’s

[@happyguyx1]

as stafano says i cant underdstand why low counts were still here to support them i remember IT BITES being a great band but no support i baught their album for the track around the world. XTC are so versatile they didnt have chart number 1 cos they didnt sell out. Thats why to me the are one of the best bands ever

[@jimtypes]

I have been a fan for years. They should have been more popular.

[@sbalsamo410]

They were so influential yet they never made it big. I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. Think of their evolution as a band. What a ride!

[@katealexander5187]

One of my favorite bands.

[@melgrant7404]

Best thing to come out of Swindon xx love xtc

[@colingeddes2172]

The only good thing to come out of swindon.

[@colingeddes2172]

@@rotenone3871 yeah fair comment.justin is alright.🙂

[@delby66]

I saw them live in Hamilton Ontario Canada and they were great. It's a shame that Andy had a fear of flying, or they would have come here more often.

[@bjfcmorphil]

One of the best songs ever!!!! Insane how good it is !!

[@caecus2715]

Generals and Majors ah ah They're never too far From battlefields so glorious Out in a world of their own They'll never come down Till once again victorious, whoa Generals and Majors always Seem so unhappy 'less they got a war Generals and Majors ah ah Like never before are tired of being action less Calling Generals and Majors Generals and Majors everywhere Calling Generals and Majors Your World War III is drawing near Generals and Majors ah ah They're never too far Away from men who made the grade Out in a world of their own They'll never come down Until the battle's lost or made, whoa Generals and Majors always Seem so unhappy 'less they got a war Generals and Majors ah ah Like never before, are tired of being in the shade Calling Generals and Majors Generals and Majors everywhere Calling Generals and Majors, hey Your World War III is drawing near, World War III Generals and Majors ah ah They're never too far From battlefields so glorious Out in a world of their own They'll never come down Till once again victorious, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa Generals and Majors Generals and Majors Generals and Majors Generals and Majors

[@joelombardi5046]

sounds like our poli ticions to be honest

[@Edward-bd8iy]

....Annnnnnd, here we are, 43 years(!) later.... with World War Three drawing near...Hmmm...guess Ronnie and Maggie were correct after all; which, of course, means that all you leftist idiots of 43 years ago were...hmm, what's the word I'm looking to find to describe....Ah yes! "WRONG". That's it. A great Cold War Classic nonetheless, as is "It's A Mistake" by Men At Work. We, those of us who were correct then and are correct now, continue to wait without expectation of ever receiving an apology from you for being so...well, WRONG. Cheerio!

[@JustTheDude]

Sadly, lyrics are even more meaningful in 2023 with Russia/Ukraine & Israel/Gaza than they were in 1980.

[@LarzGustafsson]

Fantastic tune!

[@catherinehall4820]

Such an hysterical clip. Very clever and reminds me of my grown twin sons and their mates. Love it.

[@davidfox6425]

Thanks, truly.

[@hummycarton]

Great video! This was the opening hit played on Retro Charts Radio this morning. RCR is playing every UK Top 40 Hit (1952-1999) on elimination random from 8am to 11pm every day.

[@PeterWesleyBastone]

awesome song....shared to the Netshows Radio "Program 164" Playlist on youtube

[@Jellybeantiger]

Legends,gday from Australia.

[@paulovajao]

Great Band and a Brilliant Album- Black Sea, well...all the XTC albums are true Masterpieces

[@garydalie7051]

Great tune!!!

[@garyclarke2808]

Can you imagine that there is a large part of the worlds population alive today that have never heard of them ! . I feel sorry for every single one of them . X x x Bar far the best band in the history of NOISE PERIOD . . .