'Wonderland' is great too. lovely vocal harmonies.
@aprendizdebrujo1002 жыл бұрын
SACRIFICIAL BONFIRE. Masterpiece!!!!
@tomwhitten73366 жыл бұрын
I have always had an obsession with XTC .Growing up at the vintage era(78-83)of British pop,they're palette was full of fizzy textured colours.Colin was totally underrated,and to here your fine examination of his song writing craft was a pleasure.The strange thing about the man..he is totally unassuming.A quiet genius .
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
True words, Tom. Thanks.
@michaelmeluskey94614 жыл бұрын
Thank you James for giving Colin the props he is due. My list: 10) Vanishing Girl 9) Love at First Sight 8) Generals and Majors 7) My Bird Performs 6) King for a Day 5) Making Plans for Nigel 4) The Meeting Place 3) Grass 2) I Remember the Sun 1) Wake Up
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Michael, great list.
@AlbertoVO54 жыл бұрын
Ach! How did I forget Wake Up!
@kieronbowker99836 жыл бұрын
About time for some recognition for Colin. I love Andy but I also love Colin in a different way. No XTC album was complete without Colin's songs. It wouldn't be an XTC album without both.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Kieron, much appreciated.
@crunchyballs5 жыл бұрын
His playing is tops. Big influence on me.
@cremejockey86365 жыл бұрын
I think the only xtc album that mattered was skylarking. And it has the most colin written songs on that album than any other xtc release
@HotStrange4 жыл бұрын
Kieron Bowker Agreed. And Colin wrote a lot of my favorite XTC songs. My Bird Performs, Sacrificial Bonfire, Grass, Generals and Majors, King for a Day, Wonderland, etc. Also his backing vocals on tracks like Summers Cauldron and Season Cycle are pivotal. Love both and couldn’t choose a favorite though.
@cremejockey86364 жыл бұрын
Blind Brazilian Tex Atlantis all the other ones are fuckin garbage and have maybe two good songs on them. Skylarking is a masterpiece every song and even note is perfect
@BMXOPHY5 жыл бұрын
Blame the Weather, I keep coming back to this song.
@WarrenCromartie23 жыл бұрын
Love that song. B side of Senses WOT, alog with Tissue Tigers. Still got the 45 :-)
@WarrenCromartie23 жыл бұрын
Colin was such an important member of the band and a big part of their sound. Apart from anything else, I like bands where vocals are shared between two or more singers who voices both differ and compliment each other. XTC was a good example, as was The Who and Supertramp, and I guess the Beatles.
@turnleftaticeland Жыл бұрын
Pink Floyd too!
@davidsimon20964 жыл бұрын
Colin Moulding was crucial to XTCs success especially in the early days- he only produced a few songs per album but they became the hits!
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
Very true David. Colin had a more commercial touch than Andy originally, though I think Andy did learn from him over time!
@SrTubular5 жыл бұрын
Love the idea, thanks for the great video. It was very difficult coming with just 10 songs by Colin, but here's my top ten: 10) Making Plans For Nigel; 9) The Meeting Place; 8) Bungalow; 7) Ten Feet Tall; 6) Grass; 5) In Another Life; 4) Love At First Sight; 3) Ball and Chain; 2) Generals and Majors; 1) Sacrifical Bonfire
@jamesgriffithsmusic5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your choices, we have a few cross-overs! Glad you enjoyed the video, all the best.
@HotStrange5 жыл бұрын
Wow good list but no My Bird Performs? It’s my personal favorite XTC songs. Just shows how music speaks to everyone differently :)
@AlbertoVO54 жыл бұрын
Colin has made a memorable career out of exalting the quotidian and eschewing vintage wine and designer clothes. God bless him.
@jaimetabilo20053 жыл бұрын
I started to listen to XTC this year, and already is one of my favourite bands. I love all their songs, specially the Colin's songs
@jeffrogers2104 жыл бұрын
His "Fly on the Wall" is like no other song. Fine and evocative stuff!
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
Very true....thanks Jeff.
@aleji02 жыл бұрын
That one doesn't get enough love.
@paull47836 жыл бұрын
"What sticks in my mind is the sweet jar on the sideboard, and the multi-colored tea cozy." I consider my self lucky, being in the US, to have purchased the copy of Skylarking with Dying instead of Dear God. Such a great song, again with the distinct imagery that only Colin can deliver.
@HotStrange5 жыл бұрын
I like the track Dear God but sticking at the end of Skylarking ruins it, imo. It has the best track to track flow of almost any album I’ve heard and the back to back of Dying and Sacrificial Bonfire was the perfect way to end it.
@etamommy4 жыл бұрын
@@HotStrange agree with you there and forgot that Dying was a Colin song. Love that song because well you just don't get beautiful songs written so well about such things!
@HotStrange4 жыл бұрын
David Evans Agreed. Colin wrote a lot of my favorite XTC songs. King for a Day, Wonderland, My Bird Performs, Dying/Sacrificial Bonfire, Grass, Generals and Majors, etc. Andy is a genius, of course, but Colin doesn’t get the credit he deserves, IMO. His backing vocals on a lot of Skylarking make the album for me.
@willharris37984 жыл бұрын
Hey Paul, I have the original Lp without "Dear God", and the revised edition vinyl. I don't understand your point. "Dying" was not the song removed to fit on "Dear God". "Mermaid Smiled" was.
@AlbertoVO54 жыл бұрын
Will Harris this is consistent with my edition which was the earliest distributed in the US. In fact I had to buy the single of Dear God b/w Mermaid Smiled to get the latter.
@ayeatropoulos13 жыл бұрын
I wish Colin would make his own album. I'd grab it in a heartbeat!!!
@spookerz353 жыл бұрын
He kind of did with TC & I about two years ago. Played a couple of sold out gigs with Terry Chambers on drums, then abruptly/sadly called it quits.
@benchampion37685 жыл бұрын
Great vid and nice to see Colin get some recognition and love. Big fan of his Generals and Majors, Making Plans for Nigel, Deliver us from the Elements, Grass, The Meeting Place, My Bird Performs, The Good Things and so many more too numerous to mention. I Remember the Sun is a superb hidden gem too.
@TonyLovell3 жыл бұрын
Deliver us from the Elements is a good one
@kathrynschauf17845 жыл бұрын
I totally agree with this POV. This is why I so enjoy Colin. Thanks for this!
@jamesgriffithsmusic5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Kathryn, glad you enjoyed the video.
@jonh9012712 жыл бұрын
Huge Colin Moulding fan so this is a gem of a compilation. Thank you!
@jamesgriffithsmusic2 жыл бұрын
You're very welcome, thanks for watching!
@thekingsservant17935 жыл бұрын
1980 was when I stumbled on Drums and Wires. I still listen to that album, and virtually all of their albums to this day. That's the only band I can say that about. Colin is a great songwriter. I Remember the Sun is a masterpiece...but so many of their songs are great. He supplied a great balance to Andy....both prolific and wonderful and ARTFUL songwriters. But Colin seemed to offer some relief to the jagged, brash, off color chords that possibly was Andy's trademark. Colin, the more soothing musician. Together, it was perfect. Colin is also probably my favorite bass player of all time. He played moments. There was always artistry and taste in his choices, and he buoyed or augmented the melodies of songs...for instance, in Stupidly Happy a train is referenced in the lyrics, and in that place Colin actually plays the feel of a train. He's just very good, subtle, and elegant on the fretless bass. I might have put Dying, Sacrificial Bonfire, and Ten Feet Tall on my list of top tens....but I'm happy to see his work in the spotlight. (The Drums and Wires album cover has to be one of the greatest album covers of all time...to me, it's just as great as what's inside) Anyway, I enjoyed this video.
@jamesgriffithsmusic5 жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
@talbrott3 жыл бұрын
I love all these equally: Set Myself on Fire, English Roundabout, Runaways, Plans for Nigel, Generals and Majors, What in the Wold, My Bird Performs.
@gostrum16 жыл бұрын
I wasn't aware until recently how many of the great XTC songs were written by Colin. So much talent in this band.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Geoff.
@troygaspard67323 жыл бұрын
Skylarking remains my favorite of their albums, and both Andy's and Colin's songs are amazing. Around this same period, the two Dukes of Stratosphere Lps still bring me joy.
@halcyon2896 жыл бұрын
An excellent presentation. You have a great way with words. Like Paul McCartney, if Colin had never written a song or even sang, he would be recognized by some, as being one hell of an amazing bass player.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Yeah true, I didn't even mention his bass playing! Thanks for the nice feedback.
@HotStrange5 жыл бұрын
halcyon289 he’s definitely in my top 5 bassists ever.
@Ursulauu6 жыл бұрын
Great that you have recognised the wonderful Colin Moulding from XTC.! I would have stuck 'Generals & Majors' in the Top 3 along with 'Making Plans for Nigel' - two classic Colin hits. x LOVE XTC x - all members brought some magic!
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Very true! Thanks for watching.
@Ursulauu6 жыл бұрын
How about a Top 10 of the great Andy Partridge songs too? So many to choose from...
@HotStrange5 жыл бұрын
Ursulauu very true. No Thugs In Our House is probably my favorite Andy song. Or All You Pretty Girls.
@markcorey79173 жыл бұрын
I am touched by your very thoughtful review. You groked it. Thank you. (My Bird Performs)
@jamesgriffithsmusic3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, you're welcome and glad you enjoyed it.
@dalriadaskillen6 жыл бұрын
My favourite Colin songs include One of the Millions and from their alter egos, The Dukes of Stratosphear, The Affiliated and The Vanishing Girl. Even though you didn't include my favourites, I really enjoyed your musings.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@jeffpettit14 жыл бұрын
Vanishing Girl #1
@centuriocato58104 жыл бұрын
I used to prefer Andy's songs, but this has been changing the last couple of years. Currently my most favourite XTC/Dukes tune is "Vanishing Girl". But your list is absolutely great anyways! Expecially thanks for all these amazing background informations!
@TonyLovell3 жыл бұрын
I like your description of the "difficult" Andy songs. "Train Running Low on Soul Coal" or "... Donkey Up" are examples of ones I can't stomach. However, "You're the Wish You Are I Had" is a counterpoint. It shines.
@bradbull3926 Жыл бұрын
Can’t believe I’ve only just seen this. I obviously was never Making Plans for watching it. Terrific video James. Thank you
@jamesgriffithsmusic Жыл бұрын
Better late than never....glad you enjoyed it!
@davidmaholchic61465 жыл бұрын
Just stumbled onto this can’t wait to check it out XTC so good the whole Effen catalog
@etamommy4 жыл бұрын
great insight into Colin's contributions - agree with many of your choices for top 10- I remember the Sun - especially! Thanks!
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
You're welcome...glad you enjoyed it, David.
@therightrabbit2 жыл бұрын
Great observations, thanks so much! XTC is my favourite band of all times - Love the vid
@boxingday11 Жыл бұрын
King for a day, always moves me while I'm doing the ironing .👍🏻
@billkeon8805 жыл бұрын
XTC, one of the best bands ever. They were the Kinks of the 80s and 90s. Underrated, under appreciated and brilliant. Songwriting akin to Something Else and Village Green., but more angular musically, like no other band.
@jamesgriffithsmusic5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Bill, yes definitely some common ground between XTC and the Kinks.
@HotStrange5 жыл бұрын
My Bird Performs is my favorite Colin and favorite XTC song in general. He was so underrated within the band. XTC is my absolute favorite band by far. The 2 of them are a songwriting pair on par with Lennon-McCartney, imo and made some of the best pop songs ever. Colin’s work on Skylarking is the most experimental it’s ever been. Grass and Sacrificial Bonfire are excellent. Really enjoyed your video. I’m definitely a new fan of your channel.
@davismy23095 жыл бұрын
Fantastic!
@emanonfox17094 жыл бұрын
Hands down, the best narrative on XTC that I've ever heard. Absolutely brilliant commentary.
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
Cheers, glad you enjoyed it and appreciate the nice feedback.
@ArbeiterInnenlieder5 жыл бұрын
Standing In For Joe, The Affilliated, What In The World, Washaway, Dying... the list is endless. I love them all.
@edlawn54813 жыл бұрын
The Affiliated is a great song.
@osgar3335 жыл бұрын
Thanks for flagging up Colin Moulding. I've always loved the immense tenderness and sensitivity in his lyrics and his detailed observations. His poetic expression through English melancholy has always hit the spot. I've always admired his loving observation of the lives of his parents and his parents generation. That generation that went through the disciplined 30's, through the horrors of WW2 and out the other side; only to be confronted the crazy, rapid change they witnessed in the psychedelic 60's. Songs like e.g. 'Bungalow', 'Dying', 'In Loving memory of a Name', 'Frivolous Tonight' are all so respectful to that now; past generation. I was a professional bass player in the 80's and having been inspired by Paul McCartney's bass playing as a boy and a teenager, it was Colin's creative bass lines, that were my next source of inspiration through my 20's.
@jamesgriffithsmusic5 жыл бұрын
Great comment, thanks.
@kpec3 Жыл бұрын
Really good info. What is cool for me is that when song titles are mentioned, I know these songs! I can bring them to mind immediately!
@jamesgriffithsmusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!
@kpec3 Жыл бұрын
@@jamesgriffithsmusic Good job on the video.
@robwalkerletthemusicplay5 жыл бұрын
Hi James .. I’m really enjoying your videos .. I’m lucky enough to have seen xtc live in Manchester in 1980.. speaking to many people I’ve come to realise not many people seem to have seen them . I bought drums and wires when it came out and for a few years they were my favourite band . As time has passed they’ve been rediscovered by so many people .. keep up the good work James .. all the best for 2019 happy digging .. best wishes rob
@jamesgriffithsmusic5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Robert, appreciate the comment and glad you enjoyed the video. I wish I'd seen XTC in their hey-day!
@maxw43086 жыл бұрын
Colin always put a magic touch on the XTC, my favorite.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Max.
@Paneeks19606 жыл бұрын
Outstanding effort Professor James. I was getting a little bit anxious to see if you were going to dive into Nonsuch. But sure enough you pulled out one of my all time favorite Colin Moulding vocals on 'My Bird Performs'. There has late night XTC listening sessions where I have really studied their music. I think it is safe to say that I have got goosebumbs while listening to both Andy and Colin's songs. This is proof purchase that you are a longtime fan of the band. Two XTC related items that I am proud of is my copy of Nonsuch on vinyl and also my ticket stub from 1/29/80. The late show out of two. Well done again James. I would love to chat with you about everything XTC for about sixteen hours~ Rob/Boston
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Hi Rob. It's great that you've got a vinyl copy of Nonsuch...funnily enough I was just wondering the other day whether the record had been released on LP, and I searched for it online but couldn't find it. Amazing that you got to see them as well, given how early into their career they gave up touring. Hope you have a great festive season, and speak to you soon.
@sardinianqwerty57936 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your tutorial and, overall, to xtc 4 this amazing music. Max - Sardinia
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
You're welcome, thank you for watching.
@krollpeter3 жыл бұрын
Many people identify Colin Moulding by "Making Plans ...", but there is so much more. You shone your expert torchlight on the various Colin Moulding styles. He's the master of irresistible hooks and rhythms, and his vocals occasionally are unbelievable. I somehow have the feeling he only contributed a song when he was absolutely sure to have something very special. That list you did is truly a very clever one, highly recommended! Ball and Chain at the end ... and there is so much more.
@jamesgriffithsmusic3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Peter, much appreciated.
@pauladshead33325 жыл бұрын
Leaving out Generals & Majors as well as Life begins at The Hop! You cheeky bastard.
@bigguspeepus2 жыл бұрын
I personally think that my two favourite Colin songs have to be King For A Day and Deliver Us From the Elements. Both are just absolute art pieces in themselves
@jamesgriffithsmusic2 жыл бұрын
Agreed, both great. Surprisingly, Colin himself doesn't rate King for a Day.
@felixvids72386 жыл бұрын
Wow, spot on list! I'd like to call atention to two Dukes Of Stratosphere tracks, 'Vanishing Girl' and 'The Affiliated', which are also great
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
I know, I love the Dukes tracks. Thanks for watching.
@talbrott3 жыл бұрын
@@stephenkulakowski1040 agreed, love the hokey 60's lyrics too.
@d.p.jvandeelen5390 Жыл бұрын
That painting on the wall reminds me of the albumcover of Strange Fright by The Band ☺️
@zap21046 жыл бұрын
Hi James, great to see appraisal for the Paul McCartney of XTC. I think your list of 10 CM songs is on the mark. Again an interesting subject, makes me want to read that book. Thanks for sharing and a happy christmas to you and your family -Johan
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Many thanks Johan, and the same to you and yours.
@HotStrange5 жыл бұрын
I wouldn’t quite call him the McCartney unless you mean he was the pure “pop” writer of the band compared to Lennon/Andy’s more experimental tracks. Macca was much more of a dominant force within the Beatles than Colin was within XTC.
@Suburbangeek5 жыл бұрын
Very informative, astute and unusually enthusiastic! Making Plans For Nigel is definitely #1 but like other commenters, I'd have had Generals & Majors in there, too.
@trappistpreserves4 жыл бұрын
Bloody great vid, James. Thanks for that!
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
You're very welcome!
@Hartlor_Tayley4 жыл бұрын
Great review. Thanks.
@bubbles343434346 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. Xtc is a band that I enjoy quite a few songs from but I don't know a lot about them, I need to change that. Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, and the very same to you.
@christophertrinidad89646 жыл бұрын
Epic video! I am a HUGE XTC fan! I would love to see a similar video for Andy or your take on their catalogue. Tying into your prog comment, I found it interesting Steven Wilson remixed Drums and Wires, Skylarking, Oranges and Lemons and Nonsvch recently in 5.1!
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Hi Christopher. Glad you enjoyed the video....I'll try and put together another XTC video later this year. I have a couple of new XTC vinyl pick-ups to show.
@JonPickles6 жыл бұрын
Very enjoyable always loved Nigel it was so different when it came on TV
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks John.
@oliviergeoffroy9823 Жыл бұрын
superb video about a band a bit forgotten and underrated except by true listeners and more often musicians ... especialy bass players...;-))
@jamesgriffithsmusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks Olivier!
@MisterLumpkin3 жыл бұрын
"Vanishing Girl" is my all time favorite Colin Moulding song.
@jamesgriffithsmusic3 жыл бұрын
Great track.
@aydnofastro-action17886 жыл бұрын
But my list would have to have Ten Feet Tall and fly on the wall and English roundabout.
@robinjones6999 Жыл бұрын
an excellent description
@jamesgriffithsmusic Жыл бұрын
Thank you kindly
@paulcurd76176 жыл бұрын
Great video James. That piano break on Runaways is one of my greatest moments on vinyl, ever. The first time I heard it it sent a chill up my spine and I knew I would love this band for ever. I could probably come up with at least 10 more Colin songs which I love, but this is a good list. Can’t wait to see Colin & Terry play live at the end of October, it will be an emotional moment, that’s for sure!
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Paul, glad you enjoyed the vid. Wish I could get to Colin and Terry, but it's too far away from me.
@paulcurd76176 жыл бұрын
Colin said in an interview that if all goes well they may play in London, if that’s any easier for you! Cheers James this XTC video led me to discover your channel so I’ve been enjoying catching up on loads of your stuff. BTW if you’re ever on the South coast check out Wow & Flutter in Hastings, it’s my favourite record shop!
@jasonpaulelder6 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much, James, for the thoughtfulness in giving Colin's songs the much-deserved attention. It would probably be easiest for me to list a Moulding song per XTC album (before additional tracks were brought to CD releases), or to solely feature b-sides, but here's my own list, which is subject to change at any given moment due to the quality of sentiment that I carry throughout his discography; I'd actually like to extend it to twenty, but.... :D : 1. The Good Things (demo version) 2. Runaways 3. Wake Up 4. Big Day 5. Deliver Us from the Elements 6. Find the Fox 7. The World is Full of Angry Young Men 8. Fly on the Wall 9. Didn't Hurt a Bit 10.Vanishing Girl
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Good list Jason.
@jasonpaulelder6 жыл бұрын
James Griffiths Thank you, James. I soon realized how difficult a task it was to list only ten of Colin's songs, as I suspect you had initially felt as well.
@AlbertoVO54 жыл бұрын
#7 yes! I couldn't think of that title.
@psychinthevalleys53246 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed your video. A great band and the recent doc on Sky Arts is one of the best music docs I’ve ever seen. You are spot on about Skylarking - it has a strong feel of a Wiltshire summer. A teenage summer with that hot sun and a country lane cycle ride. English Settlement is my favourite album but then, Apple Venus vol 1 is incredible from start to finish. You put a lot of time into this vid - much appreciated.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks really appreciate the feedback.
@HotStrange5 жыл бұрын
English Settlement is my favorite as well. Skylarking gets all the attention, and rightfully so, but something about ES touched me on a different level when I first heard it.
@gurgisjones11202 жыл бұрын
I've always appreciated how well the two went together. Their singing is a bit similar, and their writing styles blend well together. And let's not forget Dave Gregory's distinctive guitar (and keyboard) work. I'd rather just enjoy their music, and not mess with the behind-the-scenes stuff.
@jamesgriffithsmusic2 жыл бұрын
Good points, thanks.
@TheWesternunionman Жыл бұрын
Great essay James, thank you. Should you be able to contact Colin, perhaps ask him to release a compilation of his songs with or without XTC??? If you would be so kind. For the first twenty years of my life I was Nigel. Thanks again.
@covkid21974 жыл бұрын
Cheers for this - really interesting commentary on Colin Moulding songs. Definitely the more Mcartneyesque and accessible songwriter in XTC. Great to see Bungalow in there. I think the recent 'Scatter Me' is one of his best yet. What do you reckon? I'd also put In Loving Memory of a Name up there!
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
Yeah, both great tracks. I could have done a whole other video.
@Mo_Ketchups5 жыл бұрын
Any hardcore XTC fan is a friend o MINE! ✌️👏👏👍👍
@jamesgriffithsmusic5 жыл бұрын
Cheers, thanks for watching!
@jameswold14346 жыл бұрын
OMG! JK! I initially watched this with judgement in my heart but I appreciate your appreciation for these guys. Colin is one of my all-time- favorite musicians & writers. Thank U. F
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Hi James. Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.
@guanoleicester5 жыл бұрын
Ten Feet Tall...absolute fave Colin Moulding song. End of.
@toddhill7483 Жыл бұрын
Great block of tracks from Colin. I would add Sacrificial Bonfire. Also love Colin's cover of Pink Floyd's Brain Damage.
@jamesgriffithsmusic Жыл бұрын
I haven't heard Colin doing Brain Damage!
@keithlewis7945 жыл бұрын
My my where is Generals and Majors, this is by anybody’s imagination is quintessential Xtc! Great video though, thanks.
@jamesgriffithsmusic5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Keith, glad you enjoyed it. I tried to stay away from some of the bigger more famous songs.
@zoebanks6874 жыл бұрын
As much as I enjoy this video it is nice to read other people's top ten songs and it has made me realise how many great songs that Colin wrote. My own top ten would have included Ten Feet Tall, Life Begins At The Hop and my personal favorite, The World Is Full Of Angry Young Men.
@ArbeiterInnenlieder3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, Angry Young Men is great. As is The Smartest Monkeys.
@nickwhitfield38984 жыл бұрын
Terry Chambers left the band (I think) at the beginning of the sessions for mummer. Very good presentation of colins' song writing. I love general & majors, English round about, the meeting place, the smartest monkeys and war dance.
@steve17514 жыл бұрын
Your description of “My Bird Performs” is perfect. My #1 Colin song.
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Steve.
@lerneo6 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed your video because Colin Moulding is so underrated as a songwriter, but in my opinion there's a couple of his greatest songs you didn't mention: "Cynical Days" is incredibly brilliant and "War Dance" is kind of a masterpiece. Thank you anyway!
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Hi Pierre...I would loved to have talked about more songs, maybe a top 20 rather than a top 10. But it would have made the video too long. Thanks for watching.
@erikhassell76896 жыл бұрын
Great video James. We do tend to forget that XTC might be Andy's band but the contribution of Colin in the song writing scheme is essential. A band that kept getting better album after album instead of fading. If you love XTC, you are part of a very lucky few.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Cheers Erik.
@HotStrange5 жыл бұрын
To be fair Colin did write 1/3 of the tracks and most of the hits. Quite an accomplishment but Andy’s dominant personality kind of overshadows Colin’s more quiet demeanor.
@dondevice33423 жыл бұрын
Nice job you made me get up my copy of complicated game.
@jamesgriffithsmusic3 жыл бұрын
That's a book I need to get.
@dondevice33423 жыл бұрын
@@jamesgriffithsmusic I'm honestly surprised you haven't already got it-- you're quite well informed.
@yousellouts3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for reminding me why I love this band! Others i'd have are In loving memory of a name (Mummer) and Cross wires from White music, which kind of sounds like an Andy song.
@maharaniu43135 жыл бұрын
This is great.
@mrscott-illustrator63574 жыл бұрын
Cheers, Mate! Excellent Video....I too any thrilled to have discovered XTC here in America. I'm unable to make a top 10 because all of them are crammed in at #1. :) XTC are my absolute favorite band. I feel Colin, Andy and Greg all deserve equal credit for bringing such wonderful music into the world! Thanks, James for such a great review.
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
You're welcome Scott, glad you enjoyed it.
@MusicWorksTeam6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this excellent video- best wishes for 2018.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks and the same to you.
@simondrew29143 жыл бұрын
Andy Partridge released the Go+ and Take Away dub albums, which also showed that he was more experimental. Excellent video, by the way.
@jamesgriffithsmusic3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Simon! Just heard that Colin has some new material coming out.
@petercarr83254 жыл бұрын
Rewatching this video as i go deeper into XTC!!!! When's your top 10 andy partridge tunes haha..??
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
Good point! Will try to do it this year. Thanks Peter.
@vinyltransmission6 жыл бұрын
Finally unearthed this Christmas present, James! I definitely gained a deeper appreciation on Colin’s songwriting. And your breakdown of the arrangements was stellar. And ending with NIGEL was great, interesting how the factory jobs and pensions look like from today’s generation. I never made the connection between Blur and Colin before, being American I guess I was oblivious to it but I totally see it now that you mention it, wild. Ok, I really like the Dukes THE AFFILIATED, I think that is Colin’s. And his last song I think with the band, I think the song is YES? Or something, it is a bonus track on the Apple Venus 7” collection. And one more, his track with the PROG COLLECTIVE was was great as well. Very stylish bass player as well. Cheers, man! This was great! Chris
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Chris, glad you enjoyed it!
@xtstevie Жыл бұрын
I'm a bit late with my reply as just found your channel James & a huge Colin & XTC fan here James & my top 10 Colin songs are as follows.... 10 - Washaway 9 - Shiny Cage 8 - Ball & Chain 7 - Deliver Us From The Elements 6 - One Of The Millions 5 - Blame The Weather 4 - Making Plans For Nigel 3 - Bungalow 2 - Runaways 1 - I Remember The Sun.....
@jamesgriffithsmusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks Stevie, appreciate the comment and you list!
@ShamrocknRecords6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this James. It was quite the tutorial for me. Since meeting yourself, Jeff, and Sean, I’ve been trying to fill that XTC void in my life. I loved how you spoke the lyrics like poetry. Imagery is such an important part of music for me. I can’t wait to delve further into Colin’s music and also Andy’s. Happy Holiday’s, -Brian
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Brian, glad you enjoyed it. Happy cooking! Or is it eating now??
@ShamrocknRecords6 жыл бұрын
James Griffiths - Still cooking!!! Haha
@pshowisitto4 жыл бұрын
I Remember the Sun...Exquisite
@jamesgriffithsmusic4 жыл бұрын
Yeah, love it.
@machango19706 жыл бұрын
Great video paying a so much deserved homage to Colin! "Life Begins at the Hop", "Teen Feet Tall" and "War Dance" are some favourites of mine. Merry Christmas!
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Compliments of the season! Thanks for watching.
@docteurrobert6 жыл бұрын
I'm intrigued. Never heard of this band. Thanks Professeur.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
But you must Paul, you must!
@HotStrange5 жыл бұрын
Definitely do a deep dive into their catalogue. My favorite band ever.
@aydnofastro-action17886 жыл бұрын
Absolutely awesome video! I’m am huge XTC fan in the US. Great job!
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Aden, glad you enjoyed it.
@SteviesVinylCupboard Жыл бұрын
Very interesting overview, XTC fans need more of this. PS Xmas does this kind of thing to me as well
@jamesgriffithsmusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks Steve! I think I subbed to you last week, but haven't paid you a call yet. I'll do that right now.
@SteviesVinylCupboard Жыл бұрын
@@jamesgriffithsmusic no problem, defo be going to look at some more of your vids, cheers
@spaceengineer1452 Жыл бұрын
10 feet tall, king for a day,Nigel.
@triggertunes63926 жыл бұрын
Noce one prof, only knew a bit about xtc....good to know more, have a great chrissy👊🎅
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks VBT, and the same to you my friend!
@bobsabat68713 жыл бұрын
I would put "In Loving Memory of a Name" near the top.
@SteveWhitty19656 жыл бұрын
Perfect Christmas morning viewing James. Colin Moulding wrote some great songs. Life Begins At The Hop was my introduction to the band. I must admit I need to catch on later XTC. I always thought that Colin had the pop sensibilities within the band. Have a great day today.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Steve, merry Christmas!
@BMXOPHY5 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate your video. Thanks. In the beginning it seems your view is a competition between the two. I think they have always collaborated together. Merry Christmas!
@jamesgriffithsmusic5 жыл бұрын
Cheers, glad you enjoyed it.
@bluetonic786 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making the video James, I really enjoyed that. It's only been in recent years that i've started listening to XTC. Prior to that I knew 1 song - Making Plans For Nigel. Not too long ago I heard a song that I liked, subsequently discovered it was XTC and then bought English Settlement as a result. I was shocked at how good it was and so not long after I purchased Skylarking and that was as good, if not better. I know i've shown the former on a video quite some time ago but not that latter so i'll do that next month actually, thanks for the reminder!
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I thought you’d like XTC
@AlbertoVO54 жыл бұрын
Without having watched your video here's my top 10: Blame the Weather, Bungalow, Day In Day Out, Dying, Find the Fox, Frivolous, Grass, I Remember the Sun, King For A Day, The Meeting Place. Ps: these are favorites not most critical to the band's canon or popularity.Thanks for your considered and enthusiastic presentation.
@pshowisitto4 жыл бұрын
I would add “Deliver Us From the Elements”
@doylesimon5 жыл бұрын
Great video James. Nice that you didn't just focus on the obvious and included a few gems from the often overlooked Wasp Star. Didn't Hurt A Bit and Blame the Weather would be my additions to the list.
@GrandmasHandbag6 жыл бұрын
Hey James, glad you divested those lights off yourself early on - had me a bit worried for your safety there... this is yet another illuminating video on a subject dear to your heart. I like how you place these songs in context and dig deeper as to just WHY they work, why they move you. Never knew Runaways was Moulding, always enjoyed that song, but my word I did not know the lyrics behind it!! It's amazing hearing the songwriting progression in this video as well. I really need to investigate more XTC... thanks again for this video, James.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Sorry Dean, I did read your comment at the time but I obviously neglected to reply to it. Glad you enjoyed the video...yeah I was surprised when I finally sat down to read the lyrics of Runaways. Hope you do get to check out some XTC...
@zloch16 жыл бұрын
Great video James! Colin is such an underrated force in XTC. It’s great to see him spotlighted. I really need to listen to Nonsuch more. I’ve only heard it once and have no recollection of it.
@jamesgriffithsmusic6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Sean! You must be sick of the sight of me though. I'd largely forgotten Nonsuch before I started researching this video. I had to put it on the ipod and spend some car time with it. It's a good album but too long...came out in the CD era so probably has at least 4 surplus songs on it.