XTC- Mayor Of Simpleton & King For A Day (First Listen)

[@nealeger8154]

As you listen to XTC you will discover how clever and accessible Andy Partridge's lyrics are. Brilliant lyricist!

[@mondegreen9709]

One of the few whose lyrical skills are just on par with their composing skills. And yet so underappreciated!

[@Ursulauu]

So true!!

[@sfstories885]

Colin Moulding writes a bunch of XTC’s hit songs, and is an excellent songwriter on his own.

[@mattjohn4731]

@@sfstories885 was bout to type that. C Moulding no slouch! Great band 🎸

[@IndieBassJA26]

@@sfstories885 does he have his own music?

[@CC-uw9kp]

I love this song. My dad used to sing this for my mom. A few weeks after he passed away, we were sitting in a bank that was playing mostly soft rock and jazz in the background, and this song came on. I'm not really into afterlife stuff, but...it made me smile, like he was just reminding her something.

[@JustJP]

That was lovely CC, thank you for sharing that memory with us

[@mariosandri4010]

In the 80's, XTC proved that pop music can be entertaining, clever and unconventional at the same time (XTC and Tears For Fears). Mayor Of Simpleton is a favourite of mine. Regarding the cover, it follows the path of their spin-off The Dukes Of Stratosphear, a successful rework of 60's psychedelia and a masterful delight.

[@davidwoolbright3675]

The Dukes of Stratosphear

[@mariosandri4010]

@@davidwoolbright3675 Thanks for your correction. I'll soon amend the spelling.

[@mcolford]

Mayor of Simpleton is one of the most romantic and sweet pop songs ever written. It makes me smile every single time I hear it, and the music perfectly compliments the song, as you said. And that bassline is killer. A note about King for a Day, also a great song, the lead vocal is sung by the bass player. One thing you didn't mention is how great XTC's vocal arrangements are. The harmonies, and the back and forth of vocals elevate the songs really nicely. Beautifully constructed pop.

[@sylvanm4216]

The way they leave that final wash of harmonies on the word "Mayor" to suspend over the fade is one that has always stood out to me as so striking and lovely.

[@halcyon289]

Pale and Precious has great vocal harmonies.

[@chriseidam7319]

I think you will love Earn Enough For Us off of XTC's Skylarking album.

[@paulcarr5918]

There is not a song by XTC that Andy Partridge did not write meaningful lyrics to, no matter how much it may seem otherwise until you actually read them. This band is perfection .

[@christopherosborne7058]

Colin Moulding wrote quite a few as well

[@davidcopson5800]

@@christopherosborne7058 You beat me (and Michael Jackson) to it. I don't want Colin to be moulding away while Andy gets all the partridges in the pear trees!

[@guitgas]

I could never understand why this band wasn't more popular. Witty lyrics, upbeat music, good production. Just catchy pop tunes that can get stuck in your head.

[@michlev9390]

I asked myself the same question. Maybe it’s because they’re not plugged directly on raw emotions. Emotion is their but it’s transforme in something more subtile and poetic. It probably dosent suites à majority of listener.

[@rogerhurtubise2150]

@@michlev9390 there's one big thing Andy Partridge had crippling stage fright, and would panic when they would tour, so it greatly reduced their exposure. They'd still do videos, and small gigs/TV spots, but they never got the big time unfortunately. But they have a rabid fan base who love their music.

[@robinjones6999]

Their manager and Virgin ripped them off and left them broke@@rogerhurtubise2150

[@rabbitfishtv]

@@rogerhurtubise2150 He had such a tragic story. His parents didn’t know how to handle his ADHD at 12, and an idiot doctor put him on valium that he was still taking daily when the band was on tour in America years later. He quit cold turkey while on tour, and the withdrawal devastated him, putting a fear of the stage into him that never left.

[@craig68able]

King for a Day cannot be listened to only once!! It still amazes me to this day how Andy and Colin plays off of each other!! Amazing album!

[@michaelakkerman407]

Even more XTC PLEASE!!! XTC- THE WHEEL AND THE MAYPOLE

[@racinnut77]

"Love On A Farmboy's Wages" and "Earn Enough For Us". You won't be sorry.

[@amyk9175]

Earn Enough For Us was my introduction to XTC. I became an instant fan.

[@judithweiss6727]

as a fan of British folk music, I love ""Love On A Farmboy's Wages." Great pastiche of typical English folksong.

[@monsignorerasmus.6441]

Amen, well said.

[@melvinwomack3717]

They might be giants-bird house in your soul

[@jimbricker4982]

'Mayor' is the epitome of a hit single, and 'King' is not too far behind. FWIW, XTC performed 'King' on Dave Letterman to promote the album, one of very few live dates since 1982 (Andy's anxiety issues) and led to great hopes for a proper tour, bad sadly no.

[@warrenbutson349]

Glad you persevered with XTC they are adored by musicians fir being simply a great pop band and as you say brilliant clever songwriting. XTC and the police toured for years together so both rubbed off each way I think. This World Over by XTC always reminds me of the Police

[@monsignorerasmus.6441]

"Will you tell them about that far off and mythical land, about the leader with the face". A sorrowful indictment of the 80s constant cold war nuclear fears.

[@toshibautoob]

This band, like The Beatles, went through an incredible evolution in just a few years, from straight forward post punk, kinda poppy band to highly produced psychedelia.

[@chriseidam7319]

Did you see the 2016 or 2017 documentary on Showtime? It is better than your typical band biography. It's a really interesting story about a band.

[@adamp2029]

Listening to Skylarking straight through on headphones for the first time is what made me a fan 30 years ago.

[@Lellos_]

One of my favorite bands from their generation! I'd suggest either "River Of Orchids" or "Easter Theatre" from my favorite album of theirs (Apple Venus Volume I). And... great video, as usual!

[@mondegreen9709]

"River Of Orchids"! You're the man, no we're talking! I thought I was the only one who frigging loves that one. What a miraculous hidden gem! The only song I can think of that uses raindrops for syncopation.

[@Lellos_]

@@mondegreen9709 exactly! One of the most overlooked tracks in their whole discography in my opinion. Easter Theatre is so gorgeous as well... Glad to hear that there's other people sharing this admiration!

[@markdrechsler5660]

Both great songs. “River Of Orchids” is impossibly lush and beautiful.

[@courtneywallace871]

Add another one to the list of people who love River of Orchids

[@aderyncoch3346]

I don't know of an XTC fan who doesn't like River of Orchids to be honest. It's just not that well-known generally.

[@JulioAnt2000]

I remember having a really rough start to a day I didn’t feel like waking up too. I woke up late with only an hour left before I had to go to work. I had no money or time to eat anything and not to mention no transportation to get to my workplace, so I had to do a 45 minute walk across town to get there. I was listening to my usual tracks when I’m depressed about how my life is going and then this song popped up, I was familiar with the group but never heard it before. I instantly fell in love with the lyrics. It was describing how I’ve been feeling over the past couple of years. Since I discovered it, It’s been on my music playlist rotation for weeks.

[@BaccarWozat]

When I heard the title "King For A Day" I was reminded of another song of the same name, by the Thompson Twins. When Andy Partridge heard the song from Colin, he misheard and thought Colin was singing about someone named King Farraday.

[@stephendennis5911]

Having been used to the classic hits of XTC it's good to hear songs I'd not heard before

[@colecomatt]

Great uplifting music. Reminds me alot of Split Enz.

[@mexicanson]

King for a Day is my favorite XTC song.

[@bendancar]

If you like this, check out Elvis Costello. So many great songs.

[@IndieBassJA26]

Where should I start with Elvis Costello?

[@josephthomas3912]

F.Y.I. The Thompson Twins also had a song called "King For A Day" that peaked @ # 8 in 1986.

[@delllittle5692]

Mayor of simpleton: One of their most addictive tunes. I love the lyrics ssooooo much. And again KM's bass. UNDERRATED

[@Scatherfirst]

Pop Perfection.

[@stevenmurano7863]

Such an amazing band. Smart pop. I still like their song 'No Language In Our Lungs' the best.

[@-davidolivares]

Who writes stuff like this? Crazy greatness.

[@stevenmurano7863]

@@-davidolivares absolutely. as unique as a band can be

[@ragoodvin44]

Big yes on Language in our Lungs!

[@LanceVanceDance84]

_No Language In Our Lungs_ is also my all-time favorite by them; every single aspect of it, from the drums and guitars and Andy's brilliant lyrics, are perfect imho, and the album it's on _(Black Sea,_ which is probably my favorite album of theirs as well) was my introduction to them back in 2008 when I was a junior in high school. _Towers of London,_ _Generals and Majors,_ _Respectable Street,_ _Love at First Sight,_ _Paper and Iron,_ etc., are all such incredible songs. Overall it's pound for pound one of the best albums by one of the best bands ever.

[@LanceVanceDance84]

@@-davidolivares If you're really big on great lyricism (as well as great music itself) then I highly recommend you check out a psychedelic pop band from Australia called Pond. Their lead singer Nick Allbrook not only has one of the most unique voices in the business, but he's also in my humble opinion the best lyricist in music today. If you do decide to give 'em a go I recommend starting with their albums _The Weather,_ _Tasmania,_ and their ninth and most recent album, _9_ (which is quite possibly their best effort yet). They always evolve their sound with each new album they release, and it's a real shame that they aren't more popular than they currently are, just like XTC. Both groups deserve so much more recognition and to be heard and appreciated by the masses.

[@anthonybailey1227]

You will be amazed by Deliver Us From The Elements from the Mummer LP. An amazing piece of work. Great channel!

[@rogerhennie8939]

As Easter is coming up, Easter Theater is a gem.

[@davidwoolbright3675]

That would be perfect for Easter!!!so beautiful!!

[@stoneybass5981]

There’s a wonderful documentary about XTC released a couple years back - the title escapes me. It goes over Partridge’s writing process and how he’s sees the guitar fretboard as colors. Really interesting.

[@opusnone1]

"This Is Pop"

[@slbgraphics2]

Yay!! You did hit more XTC! I am very happy. Please don't let one album give you the idea of XTC, because these guys have RANGE. Some albums sound nothing like the rest, except for the intelligence and artistry are constants!

[@gaiaeternal5131]

Hi JP. Dave from London. Your channel is Something Wonderful. Mayor of Simpleton was a hit single in the UK, and you're right about the bass. I love the guitar too, and I think both tracks have a bit of a Police vibe to them. Good contrast between the two as Andy wrote and sung the first, Colin the second. I agree the cover is great; brings back memories of The Beatles' Yellow Submarine film.

[@xnonsuchx]

Glad you got the meaning of Mayor of Simpleton! I've seen a few people reacting to it thinking it's glorifying being an idiot and it makes me weep for some people's comprehension skills.

[@markhehir7253]

By far, these are my favorite two songs by XTC!

[@rickyconner6782]

One of my favorite albums by them. Poor Skeleton steps out, One in a Million- hell, there all good.

[@IMheady]

XTC has so many excellent songs... please do Respectable Street and Tower of London.And just do more of them . LOL

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes, Genesis, XTC. My life in three bands!!!

[@JustJP]

Great bands!

[@markdrechsler5660]

Keep going, please. The best is yet to come on this album. I especially like “Scarecrow People,” “one In A Million,” “Across This Antheap,” “Pink Thing,” “Hold Me My Daddy,” and “Poor Skeleton Steps Out.”

[@groovytribemedia9231]

You are not wrong, mate. The guitar solo on 'Pink Thing' alone is worth the price of admission. It's so short, yet so gorgeous and proves that XTC had the musical chops to play most pop bands under the table. To see Justins face on this one when he here's the lyrics. It will be bliss. (chortle)

[@sylvanm4216]

I think the next two songs, "President Kill" and "The Loving", are probably the album's weakest, but they're still pretty good, and everything after that is great.

[@markdrechsler5660]

@@sylvanm4216 I agree about the next two. Let’s get him over the hump and into the gold.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Across This Antheap gets me every single time. SCATHING lyrics delivered brilliantly by Andy.

[@markdrechsler5660]

@@johnmavroudis2054 oh yes. I forgot that one. Excellent tune.

[@chriseidam7319]

Spot on! That base drives that song perfectly. I just love the way XTC were) produced and arranged. That is mostly due to Andy Partridge. That is fantastic cover art. I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that Andy created that. He's a fantastic illustrator, by all accounts.

[@adamp2029]

This was the first new XTC album for me after becoming a fan. It’s got a lot of great tracks on it and some I don’t dig so much. I’d rank it about halfway in their discography. Still an amazing album all around. But you’ve definitely heard three really good ones so far!

[@JoelAAK]

Thanks for highlighting XTC - they’ve been my favorite band since the early 80s and their album “English Settlement”. I have a sentimental connection to the songs you did today, and glad you rode the vibe! XTC has had very distinct sounds changes through the years. My song vote for the latter part of their catalog would be “The Wheel and the Maypole”. Cheers from Buffalo NY!

[@-davidolivares]

Love waking up to that cartoon psychedelic cover. One said Andy created it, that is marvelous. I prefer Mayor of S over King for a D but, Colin’s tunes are usually more sedate and a bit of respite, especially compared to crazy ingenious Andy’s concoctions. Throw another dart soon. Peace and Music

[@markfilla9305]

My two favorites off this album back to back! My wife describes Mayor of Simpleton as a perfect pop song. I don't disagree, but King for a Day is my top song here. Great reaction Justin!

[@jeremyb5640]

So glad you're enjoying XTC. Also check out Elvis Costello & The Attractions. Some similarities in the music, also with some really clever lyrics. And the Attractions' bassist Bruce Thomas is among the best of his era. Costello's very first album (pre Attractions) 'My Aim Is True' has some great basswork from Andrew Bodnar on songs like the brilliant Watching The Detectives.

[@sagnyc]

I had the same thought; "Mayor" reminded me of EC's "Veronica," in the breezy way the melody dances up and down the major scale.

[@jeremyb5640]

@@sagnyc Good shout. Incidentally, 'Veronica' was co-written with Paul McCartney and features Macca on his trademark Beatles Hofner bass guitar.

[@jamesguidry6669]

Hey JP, Rosenfeld10's evil twin brother here! LOL Mayor of Simpleton is my all-time fave by them but I'm so glad you did a twofer cause I haven't heard King For A Day in a while and boy does it speak to me now! Thank you, my friend. Now go do Oingo Boingo! LOL

[@jameswarner5809]

Two of the most uplifting songs ever written, one by Andy and one by Colin, and they're back to back on the same album.

[@deancarter9210]

The 'Mayor' bassline is like a peal of bells-who else could think of that but these guys?

[@rogerhennie8939]

My three favourite XTC albums must be Skylarking, Nonsuch and Apple Venus/Wasp Star. The last two was supposed to be a double album but was split in two. Collected in the Apple Box release.

[@kevinmottram9491]

Hi Justin, only recently found your channel, and I have to say that I'm loving seeing you discovering my favourite ever band, XTC. I got into them around the time of their Black Sea album (1980), and have never found anyone to compare with them. The Black Sea track 'No Language In Our Lungs' would be a good one for you to listen to, it's one of my favourite tracks of theirs. I hope to see you do a lot more XTC videos in future, and you've only just scraped the surface with them so far!

[@JustJP]

Thanks so much Kevin!

[@michlev9390]

You’r right on! Great song! Black Sea is just amazing from the beginning to the end.

[@heychiefy]

May I request Easter Theater? For Easter? One of their greatest songs.

[@JustJP]

Ooo, ill see if I can make the time for it!

[@johnmavroudis2054]

YES! Easter Theater is GLORIOUS.

[@CaryOn11]

Thanks JP! Good review and reaction. Very mindful and astute as usual. A well crafted pop song is a thing of beauty is it not? Some writers (Lennon and McCartney for example) can say more musically in three minutes than others do in an hour! The proof is that later today those melodies will still be reverberating through my brain. The proverbial "earworm." I have no doubt later today I will absentmindedly begin to whistle or hum (or both) these songs! I have collected music (rock, blues and jazz mainly) for over fifty years. My favorite genres are progressive rock followed closely by power pop. Both genres are not mainstream today by any stretch of the imagination but they both persist. The power pop genre has loads of ear candy but gets little attention by the mainstream reactors on YT. Jellyfish has been mentioned previously in the comments already. There are many other bands and even solo artists such as Matthew Sweet (Girlfriend) or Bill Lloyd (Set To Pop) to name a couple. There are many obscure power pop bands that have made absolutely exquisite music however you have to seek it out nowadays. Thanks again for being open and willing to explore XTC and music of this genre. Keep up the good work and I like many others will be along for the journey.

[@edmundau-yeung9598]

As you dig further and further into the Beatles discography you’ll realize their influences were everywhere around music in decades to come - like this particular XTC album.

[@michlev9390]

Justin I don’t know if you want to do others song on this LP but Pink thing is a so special one! No chorus and verse, it’s a delicate, stimulating and cycle run in which you perfectly shift six times. It’s a perfectly chiseled gem with one of the most delightful guitare solo I ever heard. A special one!

[@zoebanks687]

The drumming on Mayor of Simpleton was by computer as I discovered when Rick Beato broke the song down on his What Makes This Song Great.

[@kevtruth]

I couldn't have put my headphones on faster. What a great idea to put those two songs together. Great review, JP

[@JustJP]

Ty kev!

[@1mbpdf33]

I'll be so glad if you're going to do this album. It's one of my top 10 all time albums and at this point, it hasn't even got going yet... things are about to get very interesting! Andy Partridge is the primary songwriter for XTC but Colin Moulding chips in with a few now and again and King For A Day was one of his. It was written to be the intended hit single from the album and they used to jokingly call it "Everybody Wants To Rule The King For A Day". Before making it as a band , Andy Partridge was a graphic artist who used to design greetings cards. he is heavily involved with XTCs artwork and drew/painted the album cover.

[@psmith669]

"Your only here once,so you gotta get it right. Cause life dont mean much ,if measured out with someone else's plight. " hits home every time.

[@JustJP]

Great line!

[@davidcopson5800]

*You're (sorry)

[@Jonni1027]

In Mayor Of Simpleton I just love the line: “Well I don’t know how to write a big hit song”.

[@slbgraphics2]

That was hilarious. I've really just started watching your reactions, but after maybe 10 or so, from the second I saw you were reacting to this tune I thought: "JP will dig the bassline". Also I love the lyrics, as always with XTC: "I don't know how many pounds make up a ton of all the Nobel Prizes that I've never won.." Great reaction, again!

[@TmRnBn]

For this kind of music, I ALWAYS go to Camper Van Betthoven, Suggestion: Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart: Eye of Fatima--Might'swell start at the beginning of the LP. The whole thing is beautifully perfect.

[@davidcopson5800]

There's not tons of simple comments here, they're all erudite. In general, the major focus is on lyrics. If AP ever muttered "words fail me" he was certainly wrong. As an Englishman, I'll settle for that. Keep up the good work Justin. You are truly a Justin of the peace.

[@Bob.L.Shirley]

First thing in my recommendations was JP doing an XTC double-dip. It's gonna be a good day! Great reaction, as usual. Two killer songwriters, both capable of invoking lots of feels. Mayor is a little too pop-py for some but I love it. Never fails to put a smile on my face. Please continue enjoying this album, bud, before moving thru their catalog. So much fun to watch you discovering them!

[@JustJP]

Ty Bob, will do!

[@brucer2152]

Your hooked JP. Welcome to the Family. *grin* Keep going!!! G o! GO! GO!

[@lewisb85]

The singer from a Dave Gregory band called tin spirits could play the bass for this and sing the lead. He said it was the hardest song in the set partly because there were no breath points.

[@MrCREWCRUSHIN95]

Do the DUKES OF STRATOSPHEAR. XTC went incognito as a psychedelic 60s band called DUKES OF STRATOSPHEAR and played and recorded on only vintage equipment. They recorded 1 album and one EP and The Dukes. (And only admitted years later that the band was, indeed, them)

[@Pcrimson1]

I saw this posted first thing this morning. I knew it's going to be a great day! This is perfect power pop. I'm still baffled how this band wasn't a big as it should have been. Yes, they didn't tour at this point, but the music is so strong. I hope you throw them on your play list. You'd be surprised when they pop up in odd places, like movies, ads, etc...Once again, thanks JP...

[@dave-jk6en]

Andy actually wrote the bass line for Mayor of simpleton, well the verse part and then I think Colin added the rest

[@jonathanbennetts2632]

You can watch King for a day live. XTC were, I think the first to do MTV unplugged. Not sure but I think they were.

[@eng605]

If you like bass lines, try some of these The Smiths songs: Barbarism begins at home; Rusholme ruffians; Rubber ring; Cemetry gates. Any of these songs are worth it.

[@RubesGoodBrainCoffee]

The drummer is Pat Mastelotto, who would go on to play drums for King Crimson.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

I always think of "Mayor of Simpleton" as an english psych-power pop reworking of Sam Cooke's "What a wonderful world". Sweet sweet song. "King for a day" is a lovely example of how Colin Moulding's songs leaven the XTC sound and complement Andy's songs. You can't really go wrong with XTC, especially the albums "Oranges and Lemons", "Skylarking", "English Settlement" and "Black Sea", but they were interesting from their first album right to the last.

[@67Svenski]

Thanks JP. I've never really listened to this band but I'm liking what I hear. Thanks to the subscribers below for showing their favorites, I will give them all a listen.

[@JustJP]

Definitely! We're both being exposed to some good music!

[@pwensor]

Really glad you liked these. If every album had two tracks as good as these, what a better world it would be 🙂

[@chriseidam7319]

For another one to punch by XTC Listen to earn enough for us and also big day from their Skylarking album. That is a concept album about young love as it progresses into young marriage, and then into stresses of keeping a afloat as daily modern life' crushes you, very much like Pet Sounds.

[@Dacaed]

Now do Complicated Game off Drums and Wires or Respectable Street off Black Sea! :)

[@bennettwolf3821]

Love Simpleton. So Happy !

[@geneleonard4368]

Hi 🌞 Justin ,I love this Album although Nonsuch & Skylarking are still my personal favorites . But all are clever , quirky imaginative ,fun with excellent songwriting & musicianship . So good that you can almost take them for granted . But they have so many great songs & Albums . Enjoy !!! ✌️😎

[@johnmavroudis2054]

OMG!!! MORE XTC!!!!! THANK YOU, JP!!!! (Yes. I'm yelling) Absolutely top songs on this album: Across This Antheap, Chalkhills and Children... the rest are pretty damn good, too! BEST albums to listen to: English Settlement, Skylarking, Apple Venus Vol. 1.. but the rest are right there, too. Nonsuch, Black Sea (a louder, crunchier album), Mummer,... and don't sleep on their alter-egos, The Dukes Of Stratosphear!! (I think you might have covered one song... but there's so many gems!). Thanks again!!

[@JustJP]

Haha ty John! Glad youre enjoying them as much as me😃

[@rogerpatton5604]

XTC sang King For A Day on David Letterman... Video is on KZbin.

[@robertjewell9727]

Their sound just meets me on many levels that I rather sort of relish in. King for a Day is one of my favorites by them. Sharing on my FB page see what friends' reactions generate.

[@JustJP]

Ty!

[@Pstanich]

Such a great band

[@jtenaz]

Me And The Wind! You can love that song, Justin.

[@rogerhennie8939]

Perfect pop. And What a bass Line.

[@sarahzentexas]

Reaction of the week, maybe? 🏆 That album cover reminds me of the work of Peter Max in the 60’s. It had to be an homage to him.

[@JustJP]

Thank you! :D

[@dalebaker9109]

They really are pleasant to listen too. Decent driving music! I say that and I don’t even drive.

[@fractuss]

The Mayor of Simpleton bass line is simply incredible.

[@RayRay-ot5xd]

The thinking person’s pop band: heady lyrics, stellar musicianship and memorable grooves. There’s not one bad XTC album!

[@maureenwagg5305]

Yay! Generals and Majors is great too.

[@jimbricker4982]

And should you go all in, Justin, "The Loving" and "Poor Skeleton" should be listened together (segues - at least in the original release), and "Sun" and "Chalkhills." And as good as this album is, just remember that it withers in the shadow of English Settlement and Skylarking.

[@adamp2029]

I agree with all of this!

[@davidwoolbright3675]

Absolutely agree!!

[@kevtruth]

You're spot on there. I always have thought O & L would be better if they'd curtailed the length.

[@JustJP]

Ty for letting me know!

[@eboethrasher]

Oranges and Lemons was my first album, so I will of course be inclined to disagree, lol. Skylarking hit differently in the US back then because it felt like it was warped around Dear God. Which, in retrospect, it was. And English Settlement was one I came to much later, so it never became as entrenched. This one was just right place, right time, while I was still super impressionable. And it has always struck me as super smart too.

[@benoitdesmarais2948]

Oranges & Lemons is a four stars record, Skylarking is five stars and worth a full listen.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Yup... Skylarking, English Settlement, Apple Venus Vol 1... all brilliant. ...and the Dukes Of Stratosphear would be up there, too... with the rest not far behind!

[@judithweiss6727]

I think English Settlement is the best

[@AdolphSaxOfficial]

Nobody ever mentions Nonsuch. My favorite XTC album

[@psmith669]

​@@AdolphSaxOfficiallove on a farm boys wages. Lady bird

[@chriseidam7319]

I have a lot of their records, but I don't have English Settlement. In my opinion, every album starting with Skylarking and going forward to the end of the band in 1998 is a fantastic record and often a masterpiece.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

Nice traditional song in the theme of "Don't Know Much About History" by Sam Cooke." and "King" reminds me of "Utopia."

[@jaybird4093]

I enjoyed the bass and the vocal harmonies of Mayor. I’m not a fan of this genre but I did appreciate this particular track.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

If you like the psychedelic side of XTC's music, you should listen to their alter-ego. XTC decided to do an anonymous EP and album that were a pastiche of the sounds of their favourite 1960s influences. They used the name The Dukes of Stratosphear, and the music is fun, light-hearted, and lovely. The Dukes' Beach Boys homage "Pale and Precious" is a good example.

[@a.k.1740]

Two top quality pop songs by great songwriters/musicians unfortunately disbanded since a long time ago now ! Justin, you said "King For A Day" reminds you of The Police, but you'll have to listen to the track "This World Over" on the album The Big Express (released in 1984). this one is even more rhythmically influenced by The Police !!!

[@-davidolivares]

Great song, one my favorite XTC gems. Hadn’t really noticed the Police influence... duh.

[@EC-dz3fb]

𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘖𝘯 𝘢 𝘍𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘺'𝘴 𝘞𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 is another really fun XTC song - if you're so inclined. Thanks for all you do! ♡

[@maruad7577]

2,204.6 lbs = 1 tonne, also known as a metric tonne. 49 tons = my favourite Blackie and the Rodeo Kings song. The album cover has a serious 60s era vibe to it. The album made me think of Elvis Costello but your Police comparison is probably closer. A good album so far. I am impressed.

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

Hold on - you heard some psychedelic overtones you liked. So have you heard the XTC side-project "Dukes of Stratosphear"? Absolutely wonderful neo-psychedelia by Andy and the gang. A must-listen!

[@JustJP]

Ty! Ive only done one song from them long time back

[@stephanieo2509]

Scarecrow People and The Loving on this album are also incredible.

[@kato0828]

Summer’s Cauldron next please!!!

[@doplinger1]

Great album, best tracks on the album!

[@gerardmccavana4905]

Another gem from Andy Partridge and XTC. Nother understanding and great review.

[@JustJP]

Thanks Gerard

[@courtneywallace871]

As I’ve said before this is probably my favorite album of theirs if for no other reason than there’s 30% more XTC goodness in that if this were vinyl it would be three sides. So many great songs by this band, but if you decide that veer away from this album, check out Shake You Donkey Up off of The Big Express or You and the Clouds Will Still Be Beautiful of of Apple Venus vol. 2. Both songs are so hot in their different ways.

[@sylvanm4216]

It's kind of a weird length of an album! It was actually released as a double-LP back in '89, but it's got one weirdly short side (side 3 is just 11:40). Odder still, the first pressing on CD was a 3-disc box set of little 3-inch baby CDs. I wonder who thought that was a good idea.

[@tdstone]

I consider “King For A Day” to be a damn near perfect pop song, thanks for the reaction! I have always read the lyrics as much more of a political statement. This is an anti-capitalist screed (written in the 80’s natch) wrapped in beautiful pop hooks.