XTC-The man who sailed around his soul

Video from ¨The Tube¨ 1987.

[@patkeeg1]

Skylarking is simple a masterpiece from one of musics all-time greatest bands

[@johnday7134]

still my favourite band, and still the most under rated band in Britain. geniuses.

[@tonebenderx]

Awesome song. And I love the homage to "The Prisoner" one the most interesting and surreal TV shows from the 60s.

[@deepalmer3960]

I love this song! Absolutely one of my favorite! I always thought this should’ve been on some James Bond movie.

[@viachicago]

Re: this song in Pitchfork’s review of the album in 2020: “the recorded version saunters like a Scott Walker Bond theme.”

[@Carlito1988]

People keep digging up all these XTC videos I never knew existed...Great!!

[@redmanthinks]

My favourite band in my favourite place playing jazz. I`m in heaven.

[@JustAFocus]

Not my favorite XTC song, but I dig the tricky 7/8 meter in the verses, then the sudden shift into a more traditional meter for the chorus. Love those jazzy piano stabs in the chorus, too.

[@BifMcAwesome]

This song is so well crafted. Listen the the parts apart and then together. The bass line, the drums, the piano, the flute, the brass embellishments, the "secret agent" guitar, topped off by Andy Partridge's flawless vocal work. Listen to it's dynamics, it sneaks it on flute and bogos, it winds itself up with the piano, it keeps a syncopated time with the drums, it gets brassy and loud with the horns, and then it sneaks back out on its flute with bongo feet. Cool Daddy-O!!!

[@valvemania]

This song is such a drum lesson... Prairie Prince is one of the most under-rated drummers on the planet.

[@ricsabatino9929]

Its Ian Gregory not Prarie Prince

[@k2ombs]

I agree for sure. The first time I heard this song...when the album came out....I was immediately drawn in, and blown away by the drumming . The song arrangement allows for such imagination for a great drummer..

[@andrewgoode2164]

Fantastic; they could do anything.

[@KaitainCPS]

@TimServo This video is actually from a one-off TV programme called "The Laughing Prisoner", a spoof of "The Prisoner", with Jools Holland in the Patrick McGoohan role.

[@walkerbrothersmusic]

Thank Todd for this one, this was his arrangement. Actually the whole sequence and song cycle was his doing along with a lot of uncredited playing.

[@aggremo]

One of my favorite XTC songs, always gets stuck in my head(along with "That's Really Super, Supergirl)") and maybe only surpassed by "Dear God", their obvious masterpiece. OMG, all off the same album. Then again, there's "Holly Up On Poppy" and the entire Apple Venus vol 1 album is great..arrgh, it's hard to narrow down, just like the real Beatles. Back to this song, those eerie, almost Indian-sounding strings that "mimic" the refrain are perfect! The melody itself on the titular line is haunting, unusual and super-catchy. I love it when "rock" bands insert jazzy motifs, do it right, and it works to create a much broader palette than what most such bands are perpetually stuck with(do it just right! or u become the abomination that is "fusion" or even worse, "prog")

[@anthonynicholas3741]

One of my favourite xtc tracks, love the 60s groove.

[@darling_danke_schoen]

This sis so COOOOOL! I love this song, neve5r knew there was a video for it! So so so... British! And retro, even for the day...

[@mikereiss4216]

I like it. It sounds a bit like Joe Jackson.

[@Lynn22823]

Nice song, first time I hear it, love XTC versatility!

[@RinTab24]

ディズニーランドのカリブの海賊に初めて入った時はこれを口ずさんでしまった。 今ではパイレーツオブカリビアンが混ざっていて、以前にも増して陽気なムードも持ち合わせたアトラクションになっているけど、 初期はこんな雰囲気がないわけでもなかった。

[@NordicMother]

Wow! I've never seen this before! Love this song. Thanks for uploading...

[@ladycplum]

Love this song, and love Ruben Blades' cover version of it on A Testimonial Dinner.

[@deepalmer3960]

ladycplum Omg, Yes!!!!!!

[@martinredfern8154]

ive always loved this very english band, and what a cool place to film a music video the prisoner village in north wales , portmeirion the perfect soundtrack to a spy film

[@DaveSmedleyis93]

Genius band, loved them.

[@petermcintyre100]

Remember seeing this on the 'Tube' Typical excentricity from the xtc'ers. Loved the original 'Prisoner' as well, which is the location of that series used in the video. Of course you knew that. Po.....me...on Superb Song by the way

[@GaryALucas]

WOW! Did I ever miss it, my friends too! I should have know about this at least 20 years ago. But then I never was the most avid XTC fan, I just had 'Nonesuch', and of course this was never played on Chicago radio, that I ever heard. I never saw the videos on MTV or VH1 either, or I would have gotten the record. Better late than never though. Love Partridge's work with Peter Blegvad. I am an avid "Prisoner' fan though. I'd love to visit Portmeirion ! Thanks

[@strongbutmighty]

i love this song

[@wrongheaven]

Lyrically this is an amazing song!!!!

[@3rdbillygoat]

Friggin' dope wordplay and metaphors in this one. AP - you goddamned genius!

[@pamphish]

Andy is brilliant, along with the rest of the group.

[@EnnioRome]

With Skylarking the XTC introducing the atmospheres of the past,very good!

[@jackdollhandler]

bravo!

[@3rdbillygoat]

Peep the vocal lines in this song. Nice bend in the verses and diminished outline in the chrous AP!

[@PeterMayer]

Scooner jazz! Of course we never saw this on f-ing MTV!

[@wrongheaven]

Greatness

[@butiamthedoctor]

This is from The Laughing Prisoner, a Tube special from 1986, cool stuff.

[@BlackMonk66]

That's what The Prisoner needed; choreography from West Side Story.

[@xnonsuchx]

For those who think this video makes no sense, Andy Partridge agrees. He (at least once) said they are meaningless fodder and mocked being directed to make videos with, "OK, boys...just go stand over there by the exploding jockstrap."

[@jamiewesson6606]

the chess game is from the avengers not the prisoner

[@Mrpaulaustin08]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Checkmate_(The_Prisoner)

[@danr.5017]

It's sad because the song itself tells a powerful story. I know that Canada and Britain had art grants a la the National film boards and the BBC. they easily could have gotten a small animation studio to do a proper video. It's a simple metaphor this song is based on. Hard to do IRL and relatively easy to do as a cartoon.

[@viachicago]

It might be the greatest dance ever. I’m sure Andy realizes this.

[@TheDistorted]

To quote magneato23: "The original Fuzzy Warbles version sounds a little more straight-forward xtc, kinda strummy and nice. I read that the spy movie sound was Todd Rundgren's idea." Irregardless, to not consider this a fine piece of music (no matter one's personal taste) is to be willing obstinate, at best IMHO.

[@dftdty]

This song makes me remind Zappa a lot

[@josephbruno2998]

from the best XTC album.......and don't forget production and arranged by the great TODD RUNDGREN!!!!!!

[@summerswinterer9247]

Exactly and why this album stands out unique to all of their others. It's their Sgt. Pepper.

[@moonbeanification]

So right! I heard an interview with Andy Partridge, and despite their well publicized difficulties in the studio, he credits Todd for his amazing production and arranging skills. This tune in particular, Andy said he could hear in his head how he wanted it to sound (British spy movie / beatnik vibe), but he was having trouble getting the exact sound he wanted. He gave the rough outline and notes to Todd, who came up with this brilliant arrangement. Creative collaboration at its finest :)

[@wangdangdoodie]

Have to disagree. Though chock full of good songs, the production is lifeless and flat. It just sounds miserable and devoid of the joy and exuberance that usually accompanies an XTC album. It is often cited as XTC's Sgt Pepper, and like that album it is the said artists work i listen to least.

[@lokrume04]

Only exist videos for Grass, The meeting place, Dear God and this one from the Skylarking era.

[@PaulButtrill]

XTC are my favourite band, the Beatles 2nd. I'm in an electronic band myself and still prefer XTC over Gary Numan for creativity. It was the Skylarking album that first got me into XTC although it's difficult to decide which XTC album is my favourite because they all have their own individual styles.

[@nigel630711]

This song is soooo cool it should be viewed from within a freezer.

[@angievaughan]

There's a great version of this song on the new The Manhattan Transfer album, The Junction

[@DarthClam]

Cool I didn't know that.

[@lokrume04]

It's Ian Gregory, Dave's brother. Also known as E.I.E.I. Owen, drummer in The Dukes of Stratosphear.

[@barbedwiretumbleweed]

I prefer his stage name. (emoji here)

[@StillOnFire]

I think it's meant to be themed on the British television show 'The Prisoner' from the late 1960s, which starred the fantastic Patrick McGoohan!

[@lokrume04]

Hi NM, glad you like my uploaded videos. It's Ian Gregory (Dave´s brother) on drums in this one.

[@oa9002]

and Prairie Prince playing drums on the track.

[@bonzodog6872]

XTC go all Lionel Blair on us GROOVY

[@shortyktfc]

I did not know they did a video to this song! Top bombing lads. Skylarking has to be up there with the great albums of all time. It's only "Dear God" that got it some reasonable airplay in the first place... and it wasn't even on the original album!

[@101Volts]

Nice, Flipron are showing up in the suggestions bar.

[@petermcintyre100]

I reckon a selection of sandwiches accompanied by English tea was served following the making of this.

[@stylophobia]

The Manhattan Transfer covering this song now

[@deepalmer3960]

stylophobia What????? Seriously?? I have to find that!

[@notjoes]

I dont know, but I dig it.

[@caseyforever]

@lokrume04 yeah this video doesn't add to the song but man... this song is AMAZING. the bass line and drum track is pure genius, and no, i don't use that word often. one of my all time favorite drum tracks but yeah... WOW this video is AWEFUL. i'm gonna go before it imprints in my memory! hahah.

[@PeterMayer]

Praire Prince smokes on drums on this cut.

[@noheadhollow]

Of course this song is brilliant - it's XTC! But Ruben Blades' cover of it from the "Testimonial Dinner" tribute album is excellent as well. If you've never heard it you should seek it out. Very different than the original, but still great. Probably the best cover version of any song that I've ever heard.

[@TimServo]

Whoops! My bad. I did a little research and found that it really was Prairie Prince who played drums on the Skylarking album!! I though Valvemania was confused, but it turns out I was the one who needed straightening out. :) And yes, he's a VERY good drummer.

[@jakespeed63]

Amen to the last comment Music for intellectuals Just about wore out this cassette tape

[@amandacosta6901]

The man who sailed around his soul From East to West, from pole to pole With ego as his drunken captain Greed, the mutineer, had trapped all reason in the hold The man who walked across his heart Who took no compass, guide or chart To rope and tar his blood congealed When he found his self revealed ugly and cold And the Sirens that sing By your nose with its ring They'll drag you in For your sins Now he sits all alone And it's no place like home It's empty skin A bag to keep life's souvenirs in The man who sailed around his soul The man who sailed around his soul The man who sailed around his soul Came back again to find a hole Where once he thought compassion and the truth Had laid to warm his freezing carcass on return The man who walked across his heart Was doomed to journey to the start Of every love affair he'd broken All the lies he'd ever spoken Tattooed on his arm And the jellyfish stings Even angels with wings Who look too deep And dare to peep Now he sits all alone Knowing flesh blood and bone Is everything He found the treasure he'd been seeking The man who sailed around his soul [Repeat x6]

[@PeterMayer]

Scooner jazzzzz.......

[@valvemania]

Quite alright. He is also the drummer on Stupidly Happy off of Wasp Star.

[@magneato23]

The original Fuzzy Warbles version sounds a little more straight-forward xtc, kinda strummy and nice. I read that the spy movie sound was Todd Rundgren's idea. Classic song and record.

[@jsilence418]

Two of my favoritte British imports in one XTC , and the Prisoner. any post for Dying? thanks for the post!

[@monkeytrousers]

Ian Gregory (Dave's brother aka EIEI Owen)

[@monkeytrousers]

XTC Man who sailed]

[@xnonsuchx]

@lokrume04 - Keep in mind Andy has held music videos as not at all a good thing...usually lampooning them. In one interview, he mocked a fictitious director as saying, "OK, boys...just go stand over by that exploding jockstrap!" or words to that effect. Andy HATED most of XTC's videos.

[@cheleni1]

cool

[@lokrume04]

Jacob, you've already told us. And still you're coming back to this song. Interesting,

[@garryclegg6499]

I wonder if any inspiration came from tavistock institute.

[@garryclegg6499]

No one has sailed from pole to pole. Just saying. Also one of my favourite bands.

[@TimServo]

Agreed, great song and neat drums. However, I think you're confusing this video "from 'The Tube'" with a video from the BAND called The Tubes. Prarie Prince is the drummer for The Tubes, but this band is XTC.

[@jerrymariano8937]

Dave Gregory's brother drummed for the Dukes of Stratosphear sessions, so that might be him. If you like this song, turn off this video version with it's audio drop-outs and truncated ending, and listen to the real track from Skylarking. The pictures in your head are better than this video (but the dancers are cool as is Colin on the upright bass).

[@lokrume04]

Hi Jacob, I accept that you maybe don't like this video. But what's wrong with the song. Think it's one of the strongest ones on Skylarking. And besides I believe the composer (Andy Partridge) himself has this one on his own XTC top 10 list.

[@oogie11]

a james bond theme this were surely meant to be, eh? ;)

[@shrew972]

the end is missing :'(

[@unkleskratch]

cut off at the end, and generally muddled

[@deadwoodmountain]

I love the Latin influenced piano riff during the first breaking leading into the chorus; they should have repeated it in the latter parts of the song as well. Just my opinion. Amazing song nonetheless.....these guys are very creative and out of the box thinkers.

[@purm0ndis]

this should have been a james bond theme song.

[@kurt52073]

@lokrume04 Where, just out of curiosity, can one find that top ten list?

[@zebonaut]

Such a dramatic song..and cool Prarie Prince on Drums (not in the vid..who IS that?)

[@barbedwiretumbleweed]

Apparently it's Dave Gregory's brother, E.E.I. Owen.

[@NateSabatBass]

great tune, probably there best jazzy number, but it's so obvious colin isnt actually playing the double bass haha its so funny

[@Justchev]

rad

[@Vpmatt]

All XTC fans need to see this documnetary of the band from 1983 I just discovered on this site - do a search for "XTC Documentary (Play at Home) 1983" by user cowsill2x2 - it's brilliant!

[@101Volts]

@Darrylizer1 Agreed. However, Influence is a strange thing. If a person has too huge of an influence from one band they end up sounding pretty close to that band even if they don't want to be a ripoff. On another hand, I want to sound like The New Pornographers but I don't sing often so instead I try to sound like them through guitar parts - My guitar playing is influenced by the singing!

[@melcher]

You mean.....BOTTLES your mind, right?

[@Zetapimpkin]

Yeah, not quite the same without it, is it?

[@ibazookajoe]

Why would watch this video then?

[@barbaragambini]

Portmeirion? :-O

[@NordicMother]

At this time (Skylarking), wasn't it Andy, Colin, Dave and ? (confused)

[@MsMini67]

The drummer on the recording is the mighty Prairie Prince! A-team session drummer for Todd. Besides The Tubes, Prairie is on many other artists' albums. The Bay Area's "Hal Blaine"! He did the whole of Skylarking. Give's the album have a unique feel.

[@rdo540]

Im not sure why I wrote that

[@Darrylizer1]

Why would a band or any artist want to sound like or be like everybody else?!? Its their individuality that makes XTC interesting. Go back to listening to Creed or Nicklecrack, for gods sake.

[@redscarletto]

video-schmideo. the song and band are tight. and head and shoulders above today's drivel. listen closely, there are actual instruments being PLAYED in the background. and andy is SINGING, not "auto-tuning".

[@TighelanderII]

Love the song, hate the video.