Reviews (page 3 of 8)
Very odd and unique. Some songs sound like theyre straight out of an anime soundtrack. Clearly novel and inspirational to bands that came after.
Æ e jammen ikke sikker på ka æ synes, det va på ingen måte dårlig, men det va så mye? På en litt sånn overlessa måte?
Interesting, very eighties
A bit cheesy at times, but the psychedelic vibe is great. Dear God is a standout of emotion in the album
Favorite Track: Dear God
Great album with a fantastic atmosphere and very satisfying vocals. It’s lush and consistently good. Can’t say I was all that impressed by it, but this album is still extremely enjoyable.
Cool album, was not familiar with the band
Pretty cool. I really liked Mermaid Smiled. I think it pulled off being playful in a “reminiscing youth” kind of way.
"Dear God" is really cool. Shame you have to sit through 45 minutes to get to it. The rest of the album is fine enough. Had a friend who was really into XTC. But asides from "Dear God", "Making Plans for Nigel", and "Love on a Farmboy's Wages", XTC has just never clicked for me. Like it's not offensive or inherently bad, just not my style. The lyricism feels really on the nose.
na ja...
I liked dear God but that was about it. The rest was just meh pop rock
Not an awful 80’s sound. 2.5.
That last song kind of goes
Did not especially enjoy. Vocals a bit annoying, music a bit boring. What was this? 80s indie pop perhaps.
Too many XTC
I am a huge XTC fan so I am very biased. This was my first real introduction to the band (other than some of their earlier singles) and it took me to another world. There is nothing else like it. It is a bewitching brew of melody, lyricism, and incredible songcraft as Partidge, Moulding, and Gregory embark on a song cycle about life, love, death, and rebirth. Kudos go to Todd Rundgren for his production and to the sound engineers, etc who brought it to life. I had the US version so "Dear God" went in the place of "Mermaid Smiled" so it's a little weird to hear it in this sequence with "Dear God" shoehorned onto the end. "Sacrificial Bonfire" is the only possible closer. I'm in awe of the songwriting from both Partridge and Moulding. It's exquisite. I know I'm a fan boy but this is on par with all of the later Beatles albums and they would go on to make further masterpieces with "Oranges and Lemons," "Nonsuch," and the Apple Venus albums. This album was a radical departure from their earlier work and ushered in their golden age.
Skylarking is a deeply weird pop album. Its a five for me for its sheer audacity, and how often that audacity pays off. Deserves more than one listen if you haven't heard it before, filled to the brim with both lyrical and musical ideas. Partridge has a genius-level ear for melody, on par with guys like Brian Wilson in my opinion, and both he and Moulding kill it with the poetic, paganesque lyrics. Stunning flow to it that is disrupted by the addition of Dear God - but who cares, thats a great, powerful song too. Other fave tracks - Summer's Cauldron, Ballet for a Rainy Day
This was at least interesting! I was pretty captivated by the lyrical content and the orchestration. I don’t know how many times I will revisit it, but in an endless wave of Brit pop and new wave stuff this one stands out.
Nice
Honestly, I was going to give this a 3, but I just love that last track. And it started to grow on me a bit more on my next listen through.
man, i really really wanted to like this more than i did! Dear God is of course the atheist anthem of my teenage (and adult dreams) and i played it a few times in a row before i wrapped up my album listen. but the rest of the album has such corny production and a big cheesy sound... it just didn't really add up for me.
i like xtc more often than not, and this album was definitely on the unusual side. is this a concept album about going for a stroll while it's raining? a weird number of tracks, especially toward the beginning, seem to support this crackpot theory i just devised. i listened to this album twice, and it was definitely better the second time. i think this may be an album that reveals more of its intricacies and idiosyncrasies on repeated listens, but it is certainly interesting on its face, if nothing else. also dear god fucking slaps, fuck da PMRC or whoever got this song removed from the original pressings. that's easily the zenith of this whole thing, with grass as a distant second. favorites: summer's cauldron, grass, that's really super supergirl, earn enough for us, mermaid smiled, the man who sailed around his soul, dear god
Definitely interesting. Definitely standing on the shoulders of giants. But also didn't really like the songs that much. Not bad though.
07/03/26
It’s not for me.
150726 23:31 4.5
XTC has all of the elements of something I would enjoy but it never really comes together for me
🩵
Not much to say - okay, but not for me
Quite weird and wacky, and quite fun.
I really enjoyed this album. I love when people can just put aside the idea of having to have a specific genre and they just write good music..
I’ve always enjoyed XTCs sound, but I’d never listened to a full album. This was fine.
Ugh
I think I wanted to like this more than I actually did.
I liked this better than the other XTC I've listened to. Not sure if it's really different or I'm just in the right mood or it's growing on me.
Dear God is a banger... rest is nothing special to me.
Previously rated: #191 - Apple Venus Volume 1 (2/5) **************************************** Album #1,059 I forgot I had heard one from them before. I liked this one a lot better. I'd call it sophisticated pop. It's missing a big standout track to elevate it more.
Decent mix of new wave and pop, but not really sure why this is on the list. Obviously familiar with Dear God, but the rest is pretty radio friendly, mid. One of those "had to be there" albums really, but nothing stood out to me to listen to again. Not bad though, just not memorable.
"Stop trying to make British 70s/80s rock happen. It is never going to happen"
Run of the mill brit pop
Great album 👍 🎶
Highlights: That's Really Super, Supergirl; Season Cycle; Earn Enough For Us Lowlights: Big Day; Another Satellite; Mermaid Smiled; The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul; Dying; Sacrificial Bonfire No idea what happened with the second half of this album, but it turned from a decent fun listen to one of the worst things I've ever heard in my life.
I don't really know what to do with this. But giving it 5 stars is certainly off the table. Almost every sound here is very slightly confusing – enough to give me pause but not enough to completely tank the rating. Strings are used, but to add quirk rather than sentiment. The bass, though passable, is mixed in a strange, almost "rumbly" manner. Summer's Cauldron feels like a track that wants to pick up steam but can never quite get there. The drumming is deliberately hesitant, and in my opinion this fact works against it. For the whole three minutes, I'm waiting for an explosion away from unplaceable exotic subtlety into harder rock. Instead, it transitions (flawlessly, I might add) into Grass, which is a sonically similar track. It feels more self-assured though, featuring a more grounded vocal delivery and slightly better melody. The choruses towards the end of the song ("graaaaaasss") are the song's high points. Regardless, both of these opening tracks are too weird (cerebral?) for my taste, and XTC responds to my demands with the simple, Bowie-/ABBA-esque The Meeting Place. Ballet For A Rainy Day has the strongest melody so far and a sick chord progression that blows the others out of the water. The lyrics sound a bit goofy but I'll let it slide because the instruments are played well. Harmonies remind me of ELO. The next song, 1000 Umbrellas, is extremely unsettling and I've half a mind to put it on the naughty list. But it gets a pass. (Those strings, though creepy, are extremely distinctive. And any music that ventures into uncharted territory should be acknowledged.) Earn Enough For Us marks a return to "normal" rock, if briefly. The guitar riff is easily the highlight, mainly because there aren't many other candidates. After this point, the album hits a rough patch with the underwhelming Big Day and Another Satellite. But then XTCsomewhat bounces back with the aggressive acoustic guitars of Mermaid Smiled and the circusy whatever that's happening in The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul. Dying's singing is extremely off-putting (very much living up to the song title) Dear God isn't part of the original album release, but it's on the Spotify version, so I'll include it in my consideration. Dear God handily outshines most other tracks. Great guitar, gruff vocals, a healthy dose of violins and cellos... Why aren't all the songs like this? 3/5 Key tracks: The Meeting Place, Earn Enough For Us, Dear God
Très sympa, printanier avec le chant des oiseaux derrière ;p ! Je trouve que l'album a une note assez joyeuse J'aime bien quand les musiques s'enchainent ça forme une sorte de continuité qui ne nous sort pas de cette bulle l'espace d'un instant, on reste ancré dans les sensations que nous procurent l'album Je voudrais mettre 3.5 mais on ne peut pas donc je vais mettre 3, parce que je n'étais pas été emportée non plus
It was really good but there are some ups and downs with this one. A solid 3.
Some nice variety, but the dude’s crooning voice is so irritating after only a couple songs.
Some interesting stuff on here. Unique melodies and song structures. I’m not in love with the vocals but they weren’t always terrible. Not something I’d return to but not that bad either.
Unexceptional Brit-pop that seems interchangeable with all other 80s Brit-pop. Not sure why this is essential.
Dear God is an incredible song. XTC is such an interesting band. I've listened to their 70s stuff prior and enjoyed it and was surprised to see how much they reinvented themselves in 7 year's. Great album from an underrated band.
I’ve always liked XTC but never owned a proper album until this. Skylarking is superb: very English, gently quirky, and often reminiscent of The Kinks. Warm, melodic, and effortlessly charming. One to buy, definitely.
A fun romp through what seems like a carefree, drug induced world. Rife with emotion yet lighthearted, all the same, reminds me of the freedom of existing in a place where you don’t belong.
Forgettable
I gave this album the attention it deserved - so not much.
There is nothing special about this album. I can turn on the radio at any time and hear music that is it’s equal or better. This album should have no place on this list but as we get further along, I can see the standards drop. When it came time to rate the album, the Russian judge deducted 3 points for having simplistic lyrics that a grade-schooler could have written. There are too many instances of mailing it in to list them all but the one that got me was: “If you fancy we can buy an ice cream cone. Your mate is gone, she didn’t want to be alone.” I mean…really??!!
It is a rare album that makes you challenge your deepest beliefs about the meaning of life. This is such an album. After Skylarking, I now believe that reincarnation is real and that I have done some sort of horrendous, unspeakable acts in a previous life for which I must now atone. That is the only explanation for the punishment I endured by listening to this torturous collection of musical masturbation disguised as songs. They are so far up their own asses with this music, I have no idea how anyone let this be released. There remain no redeeming moments in this endeavor. It is a boring, pointless collage of off-key singing and other assorted unpleasantness. What a bunch of asshats!
This was......creative. It wasn't good, but they had an idea and executed it in a manner that is polished and well produced. This is definately not for me.
Maybe the best album to be released in the 1980s? Definitely the best of the 1980s, in the sense that that were a lot of good albums in 1980 and 1989, but this motherfucker was right there in the belly of the beast and somehow sprang forth and achieved escape velocity. Certainly an undeniably valid contender for best album of the 1980s. I was a late arrival to it, and even the members of XTC themselves were late arrivals to it, famously hating the production, but goddamn. Also maybe the best thing Todd Rundgren ever did, too? Sublime in the sense of being better than anyone involved could have done, or even should have been able to do. Though none of them will admit it. Dying is a crushingly haunting song that no one really talks about. And it haunts me more the older I get. Go listen to it again - it will leave a mark. I'm going to step out on a limb and say that its writer, Colin Moulding, who was the second songwriter in this band, George Harrison-like in only getting a few songs on each album, is the best songwriter whose name never passed your lips. Actually, the last three songs, Dying, Sacrificial Bonfire and Dear God, what a subversively fucked way to end an album, especially one that starts with all sunshine and grass. Leave 'em feeling like shit, no one ever says. I love it! In fairness to Satan, I think it was sort of an accident in that Dear God was tacked on after it was released in UK (apparently the quaintly conservative record company thought it was too controversial or something like that). What a tragically underrated band and what a gloriously fantastic work we have here. I don't like telling people what to like, but if you didn't give this at least four stars then I would encourage you to listen again. Enjoy!
I'm only really familiar with XTC thanks to my younger brother's copy of "Nonsuch", so I wasn't really sure what to expect of this earlier album. I guess I kind of got what I expected, since I didn't expect all that much, but what an odd and sort of throwback album for something released in 1986. I can kind of see why producer Todd Rundgren envisioned it as a concept album, but it doesn't really feel all that cohesive, and honestly seems a bit trite at times, kind of a precursor to something Barenaked Ladies would make later ("That's really super, supergirl" and "Earn enough for us" especially seem to channel this), or maybe a later version of prog rock from Yes or the like (tracks like "The meeting place" or "Ballet for a rainy day" or the somewhat charming "The man who sailed around his soul" follow this vibe). I suspect diehard XTC fans have a very different experience of this album, but I was mainly left feeling a bit confused and nonplussed for much of the album, although the latter half seems a bit more consistent and solid (I enjoyed "Another satellite", their big hit "Dear God" and the following track "Dying" (very Pulp/Kinks). And after reading the incredibly long Wikipedia entry for this album, and all the conflicts between Rundgren and Andy Partridge, I now have a pretty low opinion of Partridge--what an overbearing jerk (although Rundgren sounds like a challenging producer to work with too).
I listened and liked the first song and the last one the best and rated this a 3, mostly due to what I perceived as weak songwriting. My kid brother suggested I listen again. So I am, and I apologize XTC, I was unfair, even though you often go for the easy rhyme. I enabled editing and upgraded you to a well-deserved 4.
Unmemorable, sorry.
Oikein positiivinen yllätys ja sopi mukavasti aamun levyksi. Tekis mieli heittää jopa nelonen mut niitä on tullu pohdittua sen verta että luikautetaan vielä kolmosen ovista sisään
Nää brittirimputtelut alkaa vähän tökkimään
Tää oli mukavan hyväntuulista ja rentoo meininkiä. Tuo "isoin hitti" nyt ei niin erikoinen ollut, mutta kolmosen arvoinen kokonaisuus silti.
On tää ihan viehkoo, mutta ei näillä kuunteluilla pääse iha XTCiin asti. Mietin jopa nelosta, mutta jotenkin vähän välimaastossa jäi piippuun ja vaatis enempi kuuntelua, mut IHA KIVA.
Oli aika tylsää ja mitäänsanomatonta. Ei nyt mitään ihan absoluuttisinta paskaa kuitenkaan.
XTC is one of those quirky bands that I usually can only take so much of. There's more variety than I expected here, though. But most importantly, this record has the great track "Dear God" on it, which I've always loved. If this whole album were as strong and angry as that song, I'd give it 5 stars. I've always loved that song.
Not their best album.
Skylarking sounds like it could have been made in the 90's. It is difficult to believe this came out in 1986. I have thought about it and XTC reminds me of a band but I cannot put my finger on which band. Perhaps they are an amalgam of many of the Brit-pop bands that would come out a decade later. Blur is mixed in here somewhere, I know that. The instrumentation and sounds on here are pretty delightful. An album that feels very ahead of its time to me. I have been waiting to hear this album and was not disappointed. My favorite tracks: Summer Cauldron Grass The Meeting Place That's Really Super, Supergirl 1000 Umbrellas Earn Enough for Us The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul Dear God
Didn't notice anything noteworthy compared to other bands from the 80s with the same sound.
This is a really interesting album. The US version of this album includes the song Dear God which is a great tune
Not for me
What was the point?
An ambitious album which works in places. XTC was an unusual band, responsible for some great songs.
There is a reason why people don’t buy albums. That’s because they are not very good. This is a good example of that. This album, like a lettuce has not got better with time.
Always want to like XTC more than I do. Clever lyrics. Nice tunes. But somehow it doesn't get my fire lit - perhaps it's the faint whiff of prog that just won't go away. That said, I'm giving it 3* cos if you're from Swindon you need all the help you can get (sorry Swindon, meant in a generous spirit. And yes, I have been). 3*
Forgettable but it's alright
8/10
I usually don’t like new wave/post punk stuff but there was enough outside influence to counter the corniness of those genres.
Nothin really stands out, this is pretty forgettable and this is what makes good albums so sweet.
Favorite track(s): Summer's Cauldron, Grass, That's Really Super, Supergirl, Ballet for a Rainy Day, Big Day, Mermaid Smiled, Dying Possibly the greatest permutation of 60s pop influence ever arranged. Nobody can do it like Andy (and Colin). Heard before Previous rating: 9/10
The most Beatles sounding non Beatles album I’ve ever heard but hey I’m not complaining I like it
This is quirky, I feel like XTC are a highly underrated band particularly in the streaming age
I love this album.
This was terrible. I wanted to tie it off but I powered through. I was not rewarded.
This was ok, not what I expected. The first half seemed like a concept album
The album was initially sold to me as a spritual successor to the Beatles' and the Beach Boys' catalogue -- which led to much disappointment when I first listened to it. Because there are some genuinely good and interesting songs when judged on its own merits, particularly in the first half. However, XTC ran out of gas towards the end of the album, concluding with an uninspiring last few songs.
This is from “my era” but not a fav.
This done nothing for me. The man who sailed around his soul was the most interesting track, the vocal style must have been what Southpark aped for the Catholic Boat theme. I found it boring and a bit insipid 2
Fair to say I hated that. Basically a guy whining off-key to the sound of a ticking clock. I gave up after three songs and put on Raw Power.
A bit too twee for me. It's well crafted and occasionally does pique my interest when it hits a nice melody, but this style is just not my cup of English tea.
Lahe kombinatsioon popist, süntist, jazzist... Mulle täiega meeldis see kuulamine. Vokaal polnud selline tüüpiline inisev britpop ka ja nii palju oli sellist kiiksuga kõla, mis mulle istub. 4.1/5
Tiene unos bops pero otras dos trikis
Didn't expect to see Dear God, which is a truly excellent song, although not technically part of the original album listing. Otherwise, we enjoyed this quite a lot.
#35/1001🇬🇧 I know XTC as more of a punk band and the style of this album has suprised me. Having said this i've listened to it twice today and its not that memorable. I enjoyed Grass and The Meeting Place but there is nothing really to bring me back to listen more. Best Tracks: Grass, The Meeting Place.
I don’t know why, but XTC just don’t work for me. Like so great songs, but I think in general it’s just the singer’s voice
'70s in 1986? No, thanks.
Loved it. I've had a go at it before, some years ago, but for some reason it just didn't click. This time it did.
It reminded me of a lot of different sounds and artists at the same time. Quite cool and interesting album, quite unique.
This album is a departure from earlier radio friendly releases. Its all the better for it as the mood going from song to song gives a feeling of being in summer 85 with all the uncertainty and unhappiness in thatchers Britain. Couple of missteps and the vocals are distracting at times but overall a very rewarding listen.
Their ninth album. Alternative Rock. A decent enough album. It flows quite well and has whimsical, fun and hard hitting lyrics. The influences on this album are obvious with who they're trying to sound like. That last track, Dear God, certainly packs a punch in terms of it's subject matter.
It’s a good album I’ve never heard of XTC before. The cover looks like something i would reblogged on tumblr in 2018 and the music fits that perfectly. ‘Summer’s Cauldron’ is a great opener track will definitely go into my summer seasonal playlist this year! GRASS! This is an amazing track the violins in the opening!!! Entire album is great it’s a very breezy summer album. It’s very reminiscent of the tropical water levels in 2000’s video games, I feel like i’m enveloped in a golden-sanded beach with a palm tree overhead. Veering into turquoise water which glimmers in the tangerine horizon. Another 4/5-GEMV (7.02.2026)
This album had a juvenile pedestrian vibe that sort of reminded me of Huey Lewis and the News with Jack Johnson of the 80's. It started off making sense and being like a nice summer day moving through the seasons. But then I got a little confused as we entered a spy movie and then focused on death so hard. I didn't mind 1000 umbrellas and Earn Enough for Us. But nothing is sticking out as amazing.
Strange in a good way. It doesn’t sound like it came from 1986. I feel like they’re trying to sound like The Beatles had they existed in the 80’s. Dear God is great, I like it but can’t see myself revisiting it too often. 3.75/5
This was a slog to get through. I didn’t really understand what kind of music this was supposed to be and it felt mostly boring and uninspired. I do like the Dear God song at the end though!
Enjoyable but not incredible
"Skylarking" claims to be a concept album, though identifying this concept is difficult at first listen. On the whole, it attempts to be a psychedelic album but gives the appearance of being rather thin in terms of musical performance and melody, particularly with the vocalist sounding like a budget store Tears for Fears. While there are a few good songs, notably "Ballet For A Rainy Day", the album leaves a rather unsatisfying aftertaste, and even the aforementioned song sounds like a bad ELO ripoff.
This one's kind of fun. Enjoyed listening.
I always found them too cutesy and the years haven't changed that opinion. There was a lot interesting starting to happen in this time period and this held little interest for me then or now.
That’s Really Super, Supergirl Ballet for a Rainy Day 1000 Umbrellas Season Cycle Earn Enough for Us The Man Who Sailed Around his Soul Sacrificial Bonfire Dear God
Grass That’s Really Super, Supergirl Another Satellite Mermaid Smiled Dear God
Not bad not my favorite
Wow I really just wanted this to end
I really liked this. I only knew Dear God going into it. Still I'm not totally sold on the idea that this album really needed to be included on this list. It's like 'oh look another obscure Brit-pop album' 3.5 but I'll round up.
Their masterpiece, though I am partial to Apple Venus Volume 1.
It was nice to hear Dear God again, but otherwise?
Eh. Didn't really stick out to me, aside from Mermaids
Sophisto-psychedelia, fey-rock opera, what is this thing? Simon, help, I like it, I just don’t know if it’s the good or bad kind of pastoral nostalgia at heart.
XTC irritate me. Would their Beatles-minus-the-tunes dorkiness be improved here by the equally prolific and aimless Todd Rundgren? Turns out, not at all. Really captures the majesty of Swindon.
really cool
Memorable first half. Second half of the record was a desperate attempt to sound lke mainstream 60s music especially the beatles. Despite that, it remains a very fun album that gets repetitive and boring as you listen along.
An 80s album that sounds like the 60s and the 90s had a baby. Not that it's a bad thing.
Jeg kunne faktisk bedre lide sidste album vi havde med dem. Minder lidt om tears for fears
Superlækkert. Bangerparade.
This style of music is just not for me.
It's every 80s band you've heard of, at home. Thing is, I do like a bit of home cooking, and some of these tracks absolutely slap - see Dear God.
Low key liked That’s really super, super girl sounds. Don’t know why reminds me of Pokemon…
Meh. It was aight.
It wasn’t the most enjoyable listen, but there were a couple good tracks that grabbed my attention. I’ve heard worse two star albums, but it’s still not quite a three.
Oof... I did not like that. Some songs were okay but others felt like they were off key. I don't know exactly what it was but it just was not pleasant.
Such a cool album, definitely a save, so many good songs on this album, I love the whole vibe around it, nothing like I’ve ever listened to before
Egentlig okay hyggeligt. Stilen minder dog om rigtig meget andet, så er der andre jeg hellere vil høre..
Synes det har været virkeligt rart at lytte til mens jeg arbejdede. Lidt beatles lyd nogengange. Noget af det blev dog lidt shrek-soundtrack- agtigt...i det her tilfælde, på en ikke-fed måde
idk what i thought xtc sounded like, but it wasn’t this. it's very eclectic. pop. classical. psychedelic. indian raga. jazz. dear god is great. making plans for nigel is a great tune not on this album. i was told to check that out as well.
I know nothing ab this......excited to listen Interesting and complex instrumentals.....that said, don't know if this is for me......don't feel strongly negative but this is not particularly exceptional (in my opinion!!!!!!) also LOVED yesterday (my first 5!!!) so I might be coming off that high too lol this is growing on me a bit....
was unfamilly with this band, but from fist song i was intrigued there’s a goofy vibe that im enjoying dear god threw me tho i wasnt expecting a child
I wasn't particularly familiar with XTC prior to today (I had maybe heard "Dear God" once or twice in passing), but I actually ended up enjoying it quite a bit! It almost feels like the perfect bridge between the post-punk of the late '70s and the Britpop of the early '90s – at least, to my relatively untrained ears. It gets weird without ever going too far, is accessible without coming across as trite and displays a genuine understanding of musical composition that many Book Albums honestly haven't – in many regards, it's not unlike a Jacob Collier album. It's also got some great transitions between certain tracks, which helps smooth out its varied tracklist. I did want to briefly touch on "Dear God" – although it wasn't part of the original LP and I don't normally go out of my way to mention reissue tracks, the song does seem to be an important part of Skylarking's legacy and is arguably XTC's biggest hit. I can't say I agree with Andy Partridge's plight – I don't think war, starvation or disease disprove God's existence and humanity's free will ought to be blamed for most of our troubles (though that second tenet might actually be Partridge's point), but that also doesn't make it a bad song. I'm surprised that the song led to such intense action from the religious and non-religious alike, but then again, maybe I'm not. All that aside, I want to congratulate XTC for finally breaking my post-punk/new wave two star streak with this one! Hopefully Apple Venus Vol. 1 will be just as good (though its lower community score doesn't bode well). I'm also taking bets on whether or not "That's Really Super, Supergirl" will be needle-dropped in the DCU's upcoming Supergirl movie, so ring me up at +1 (555) 555-0167 if you think James Gunn will be able to resist the low-hanging fruit. Highlights: Summer's Cauldron, Grass, That's Really Super Supergirl, Bullet for a Rainy Day, 1000 Umbrellas, Earn Enough for Us, Another Satellite, The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul
While this wasn't as shitty and stupid as their other album, I still didn't find this too interesting or compelling at all. Or all that good, for that matter.
Not bad.
Skylarking is a warm, imaginative album that flows seamlessly from track to track, evoking sessions, nature and nostalgia. It blends sunlit calm, psychedelic whimsy, cosmic 80s textures, and playful theatricality, with touches of jazz and waltz-like elegance. It sounds as a precursor of 90s Brit-Pop with the closing track "Dear God". It Edwards attentive listening with vivid imagery and a strong sense of mood. 4.5/5
Stand out songs are 1000 umbrellas and dear god.
I mean I love new wave and basically all of the genres that they straddle so I have no complaints
no.
Litt skuffa
Not as familiar to me as other XTC albums (was this one on less frequent rotation, Dad?). Added three tracks to my faves playlist (Season Cycle, Earn Enough for Us, and Mermaid Smiled). 3.5 rounded up.
This is only my 4th favorite XTC album, after English Settlement, Mummer, and The Big Express. The only other XTC album we’ll see is Apple Venus Vol. 1, a soft and beautiful album but maybe my 8th favorite of theirs. How my top three didn’t make the list over AVV1 is a mystery. This album has a typical wide variety of songs, all great, no filler. As usual, Andy Partridge wrote most of the tracks, but Colin Moulding’s five contributions are all lovely, especially Dying and Grass. Arguably Colin’s best batch of songs on any album in their discography. The original album didn’t have their “hit”, Dear God, so I think of the album a bit differently than what is here. In late 2024 there was a great Blu-ray release with one of the best 7.1 surround mixes I’ve come across — distinctiveness from all the speakers but doesn’t come across as gimmicky. The Blu-ray also has 7.1 instrumental mixes which is fascinating to me as the vocals and lyrics are such a strong part of the band’s appeal, but they are great musicians as well. The instrumental mixes highlight how good they are, especially Dave Gregory on guitar and keyboards. There was a 5.1 surround Blu-ray issued in 2016 that has 41 demo and non-album tracks. Of course I have that as well. Give English Settlement a try. Three very strong opening tracks, and musically great and funky songs in the latter half of the album. 5.5 for the Blu-ray Disc, rounded down due to scoring system limitations.
I was introduced to this album by a coworker at my first real job out of law school. But I probably haven’t listened to the album front to back in a decade. I remembered it being 4-ish, with “earn enough for us” the clear standout and the only song I regularly revisit. I think it’s a bit of a letdown today. More in 3 territory.
Vs Adam Ant, I probably enjoyed antmusic more. Little pretentious and sure shits catchy, but c'mon if ur gonna take on God, you gotta come harder than a jingle.
I don't know about this one Will I listen to again: 15%
I don't know why, but I have a built-in aversion to New Wave. It has just never done anything for me. That said, this is undeniably a well put-together record, and the production really elevates it especially when played through a good set of headphones. 3/5.
It started out pretty good, but turned into a lot of sameness.
One of the ultimate summer albums. It's got crazy good melodies - just so sticky and warm. The songs are both incredibly catchy and very gorgeous. The way the first 2 songs transition into one another is so genius. I love the maximalist production, the warm guitar tones are just so addictive and again - the melodies are amazing. The Meeting Place has some Beach Boys vibes but modernized to the 80s sound and it sounds gorgeous. That's actually the case for most songs here, except they don't have some of the filler songs that Pet Sounds has. Just the good parts - the hooks, the textures, the vocals... all top notch. Just listen to Season Cycle, what a banger. This album is really flawless and consistent front to back, even with the 2nd half getting a bit more spacey. This is just pure bliss, I love it.
very good...of course!!
Great background music
It was fine
It had some interesting melodies and riffs, but I didn't care for the lead singer's voice.
This is OK
They went off my radar after the brilliant Making Plans For Nigel and Senses Working Overtime. I don't know why. I guess radio didn't like them? After just one listen I can rate this as an excellent collection of songs. I will listen again.
I know I listened to this album but I actually cannot remember anything to write about it. So I guess that makes it entirely forgettable.
Interesting, but I wouldn't say inspiring for me.
Bestes Lied: dear god
Sardonic solipsism. This record references it own rectum.
really unique, took multiple listens to fully appreciate
I had always heard good things about these guys but for some reason I never checked them out. That was my loss because this album is amazing. Serious Beatles influences here. Excellent songwriting.
I feel the same way about this XTC album as I feel about every XTC song I've ever heard - ANTSA(XTC).
At no point did I have any idea what they were singing about, but I’m not made about it. It was just a fun silly album Fav songs: Dear God, That’s Really Super, Supergirl
Huh. My first XTC. Not at all what I was expecting (somehow I had managed to get the vague and obviously incredibly mistaken impression that they were, like, a hip hop group or something) but a pleasant enough surprise... I'd be interested to see more from these guys
Nice listen, “pastoral” really does describe it. Overall cohesive and a nice concept for a song cycle.
Tarde o temprano tendré que admitirlo: nunca voy a entrar del todo en la música de XTC. Llevo años pensando que quizá no los había escuchado en el momento adecuado, pero a estas alturas de la vida, creo que ya no tiene remedio. Puedo disfrutar de canciones sueltas, algunas incluso me gustan mucho, pero los discos se me acaban haciendo cuesta arriba.
це харашо боже це справді зарашо цей гурт це шосб з чимось тексти такі жоскі АХАХА
a lot of the songs were 🔥 appreciated this rec 100%
Two new favorites but really found the whole album pleasant. 4/5
I'm all for having an album that has equal parts traditionally-structured pop songs and artsy psychedelic tomfoolery, but by putting all those tracks at the end it really makes the B-side really drag by comparison. The reissue with Dear God remedies this a bit, ending on a slightly higher note than the questionable closer that is Sacrificial Bonfire, but after Earn Enough for Us this record really falls off. Genuinely if the track listing were improved this would be a near-perfect album. So many incredible pop tunes on the A-side, they're simultaneously reeking of the 80s and one-of-a-kind. There isn't a single track I don't like from Summer's Cauldron all the way to Earn Enough for Us. The album is so vibrant and fun and undeniably catchy, I don't think it's humanly possible to not have That's Really Super, Supergirl stuck in your head for the rest of the day. I don't hate the B-side, but it really does feel like a step down from the brilliance of the first 8 tracks. I think the dramatic shift to a looser psychedelic sound just makes the last 20 minutes of the album feel slow. I get the cyclical concept they were going for, but I can't help but feel like interspersing those tracks rather than lumping them all at the end would've made for a more dynamic and interesting experience. The production is lovely throughout the whole record though, everything is so lush and every song fully commits to its atmosphere. Partridge's voice complements the instrumentals so well, while Moulding's vocals offer some nice variety and add a casual playfulness to tracks like Grass. Overall Skylarking is an incredibly fun and accessible summer album. The spacier psychedelic tracks are a little awkward in the context they've been placed in, but I am always in the mood for about half the tracks on this record. Todd Rundgren's quirky production can be an acquired taste for some, but it adds some amazing flavor to some amazingly-written tracks. It's a close battle as to whether or not this is XTC's best, definitely beats Drums and Wires but Black Sea might have the edge outside of the summertime buff Skylarking gets.
Quirky music written by dorks, but I kind of like it. I'm not sure how often I would listen to it again in the future however. I do have the feeling that whoever wrote the lyrics would probably be insufferable at a party.
Good album. Someone said x but worse and this is v accurate. Dear God was disappointing imho. Grass is the best song argue with a wall
Another pleasant surprise! It's a fun little pop / psych rock album with a lot of variety across the track list. The choruses are catchy, there are hooky guitar riffs, lots of different instruments that keep it interesting the whole way through. It's hard to pick songs for my playlist because there are so many great ones. For now I added Summer's Cauldron, Season Cycle and Earn Enough for Us.
this is interesting, kinda theatrical, cute but forgetteable, probably won't listen again but it was sort of a vibe, so can't be too mad.
I really like XTC. This album is no exception.
Divicive band but this is a high water mark in music.
Amazing record, great songs, perfect production.
Muscially liked it but couldn't get past the lyrics. Never heard of this band before but looks like Phish covered them before. I think I can see where the Kasvot Vaxt influence may have come from too.
60年代のポップスに影響を受けたアルバム。 アルバム全体に漂う軽薄な感じが少し微妙。何かの二番煎じという感じがする。
Sterling work!
Thoughts before listening: 80s pop rock from the new wave era although I don't think they have the new wave sound. More of a power pop band than anything. Lots of Beatles inspired harmonies and melodies. Review: Yeah definitely pop rock with a 60s inspiration. There is really nothing here to tie this to the typical 80s sound, and the album is better off for it. Pretty organic sounding instrumentation for these catchy little tunes. Also just a little bit of weirdness to keep it interesting, possibly thanks to Todd Rundgren's production. I think my favorite song is "Earn Enough for Us" which is a fun little bit of power pop bliss. All in all this is a fun listen and a number of songs are going on my playlist. 4-stars
didn't finish listening
Uninteresting and far too British for my liking.
Had never heard of this band, but Dear God is a song I've liked before from a movie soundtrack I can't remember. The album is okay, very forgettable & especially the initial release without Dear God. Sounds like everything else.
This one felt less innovative than the other one that we did by these guys, but I still appreciated a more creative take on this kind of indie pop.
This is what the Beatles might have sounded like if they weren't very good. 2 stars or D.
I know I'm supposed to love this, and I appreciate a decent amount of the songcraft, but I'm really not hot on their voices. It feels just a *bit* too sanitized. 3/5
173/1001 XTC - Skylarking Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ❎ You know what I've said about 80s synth pop before? Yep, what I said. It's not awful, but it's not particularly good either. The couple of tracks that actually did away with a lot of the synthetic actually made the songs a bit interesting. All too few and far between though.
Better as it went on
This album is pretty unique, and I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t love it…. I listened to it a couple times, and the music is nice and the vocals are good but its just a little too out there for me.
Buen album. Un estilo igualmente que no me llegó. 5/10
I liked the first track. Then it seemed like every other track was a slip. I made it few several though and it was better than I remembered but Dear God is one of the worst songs ever recorded.
From what I had previously heard of XTC, I thought I'd like this a lot more than I did. I had heard it years ago as I once downloaded all XTC albums but couldn't remember much about it. Dear God is the song most people will know and the best track on the album. Might be one that grows with multiple listens but so far I prefer a punchier XTC with great hooks, a la Senses Working Overtime.
Solid record .One of many for this band
Not my favorite XTC album, but this one is pretty decent-listened to it 1.5 times.
British Pop Punk New Wave. 2/5
Skylarking is clearly smart, carefully constructed, and immediately catchy. The melodies stick, the lyrics are clever, and the sequencing gives the album a sense of intention rather than just a pile of songs. From a craft perspective, there’s a lot to admire here. That said, it never quite resonates with me. The cleverness creates a kind of emotional distance, where I’m appreciating what the band is doing more than actually feeling pulled into it. The songs feel designed rather than lived in, and while that makes for a pleasant listen, it also keeps the album from really landing on a deeper level. I enjoyed it well enough and understand why it has such a devoted following, but it doesn’t spark a strong desire to return. For me, it sits squarely in “respect, not love” territory. A solid three stars: well made, engaging in spots, but ultimately a bit too detached to fully connect.
155/1089 an aggresively *fine* album. didn’t feel super original but it had it’s moments and wasn’t “bad” but just didn’t really connect much faves: Dying, Sacrificial Bonfire, That’s Really Super, Supergirl 48/100
It’s just… there. Some songs seemed memorable for a moment before I forgot them. Dear God was at least memorable, as sophomoric as the arguments in it sounded. Not horrible, but not great.
It’s sort of like a mish mash of The Stone Roses & The Beatles but without any of the musical ability or soul. I feel like I should like this, but it just feels off, empty, and hollow.
This shit is so boring and so lame it made me legitimately angry. Never again.
What nice transitions, had fun and want to listen more of it
I was kind of expecting some 90s dance or electronica, but this is some very gentle rock. It reminds me a bit of early Wright/ Waters Pink Floyd with its constant reminiscing about childhood and happy memories. I like the sentiments, but the music is just not quite for me. Another Satellite and Mermaid Smiled also remind me strongly of Neil Innes's Bonzo Dog Band songs, specifically I Want to Be With You and Piggy Bank Love. In fact, a more than few of these XTC songs are quite Bonzo-ish, goofy and varied. It's interesting, and I don't love it, but I quite like it.
This one is tough. I like the musicality but the songs are all matchy matchy; nothing stands out as unique from the singing perspective. Dying was just awful, but Dear God was a-mazing. This comment from another listener: "But the singer sounds like being rick rolled for 49 minutes". Listened before? N Saved tracks? N Favorite tracks? Summers Cauldron, Season Cycle, Mermaid Smiled, Dear God ⭐⭐ Liked it, Didn't hate it
Not familiar with XTC. Sounds like '80s Ben Folds. I liked Season Cycle. Dear God was great aside from the singing child.
Maybe would throw this on in a Spoons
Love it! 1. Summers Cauldron 2. Grass 3. Dear God (best song ever contender)
3.47/5 Stars Top Songs: That's Really Super, Supergirl, Dear God, Summer's Cauldron,
Wouldnt skip wouldn't pick
great
There’s been enough said about Partridge v Rundgren. What makes this a world class record is the songs themselves. Not the album concept, not the production, not the impeccable musicianship throughout, etc. etc. Those things do contribute, but 14 fabulous songs by two brilliant songwriters at the top of their game are the core strength of Skylarking. It’s the same with all the best XTC albums and to be fair, that means most of them. Over the years I’ve read possibly too much about this band and their history, but I’ve had a gap recently and in fact today is the first time I’ve heard them in maybe years. This has given me fresh ears on this album and it’s a welcome reminder of the pure class on display from needle drop to the end of side 2.
Wasn’t that impressed on the first listen but it grew on me. Especially „Dear God”. Still, not something I will be getting back to often.
Overall: 8/10 I found this album to be incredibly diverse, both in it's musical stylings and lyrical subject matter. I'm honestly shocked these guys weren't a bigger deal cause they had a lot of interesting ideas. There are shades of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Byrds and lots of other B letter bands, but there seems to be only one XTC. Fav Song: That's Really Super, Supergirl
Although I don't think I will revisit it, this is one of the few brit-pop albums that actually deserves a place on this list.
Really surprised how much i enjoyed this one. I was only aware of "Making plans for Nigel", but clearly they are very thoughtful and talented songwriters. I would like to further explore their back catalogue.
Not gonna lie, this is hard to take today.
Enjoyed "Dear God" for the decades, but never got around to listening to the rest of the album. I wanted to enjoy this album, but it just never worked for me. It is produced and engineered with skill, and while I could hear the influences (The Beatles, The Beach Boys, David Bowie, and The Moody Blues), like most Todd Rundgren produced albums, it just felt like a collection of ideas that never quite coalesced into something larger than the quirky parts. A bit too baroque and ethereal. Only track I ultimately enjoyed was "Dear God". I was not a fan of the drum arrangements on the rest of the album. A part of me wishes the whole of Skylarking had been recorded with the same college rock sound in mind as they pursued on "Dear God". I think Tears for Fears does better versions of all of these ideas, particularly on ELEMENTAL, which I think doesn't get enough love. 3 Stars for the one song and the meticulous production and engineering.
Fantastic album. Definitely not your typical dad rock that haunts this list. Very worth a listen.
Not my cup of tea.
This is my favorite XTC album pretty solid wanes a little towards the end but it is consistently sharp throughout. Richly crafted with simple motifs that become more complex as a song progresses.
Much prefer this album to Apple Venus although that was a pretty low bar. Skylarking is a very listenable collection of pop songs with beatlesque vibes. Perhaps if I listened a hundred times I would like them more. As it was after two listens they were all pretty forgettable. Nothing offensive but nothing to get my juices going.
Skylarking I really thought I would like this more than I actually did. I had high hopes based on reputation and particularly after really enjoying Apple Venus Vol 1, but it never quite landed for me. I think a major part of it is the combination of the production and Andy Partridge’s voice. Despite being a Rundgren fan it just feels the wrong side of mid 80s pop-rock, feeling a bit too spacious and lightweight and plasticy, it never quite soars who you expect it might, and the nasal tone and intonation to his voice kind of detracts from the melodies and overall feel. Which is a shame, as often the songwriting and arrangements are very good, with nicely Beatles-esque touches, like the strings on 1000 Umbrellas and the Macca-esque backing vocals throughout, particularly on Ballet for a Rainy Day, and some nice, slightly leftfield synthy quirkiness, as on Mermaid Smiled or That’s Really Super, Supergirl. Dying and Superficial Bonfire are also a nice songs. But, ultimately I struggled to engage with it, it didn’t strike me in the same way Apple Venus did, and it all feels a bit crusty and Levelers-y, especially when compared to something like Drums and Wires. I’d like to give it another go in future, so I’ll go low 3. There is too much songwriting quality to be lower than that but I didn’t really enjoy it that much 🪺🪺🪺 Playlist submission: 1000 Umbrellas
'Summer Cauldron' immediately makes me think of McCartney's ear for melody, wrapped in the warm sounds of Summer, but with the warbling, unsettled synth underneath. Without fanfare it moves into 'Grass' which is a sublime piece of ambient pop. Partridge has an unapologetically British lilt to his vocal, not the greatest vocalist perhaps, but it's delivered with great authentic 'post-punk meets pop' conviction. The album is full of earworms, acoustic hooks, harmonies which all flow into one swirling ambience over the course of album. 'The Meeting Place' is a highlight. This is up there with the best work of XTC I've heard to date. It is even better than 'Apple Venus' which itself was approaching a masterpiece. This most certainly is a veritable masterpiece.
Great song writing. Thought there would be more radio hits good English new wave sound
A delightful album to listen to in full
I really like the overall sound of this album, and there are some real bangers, but some misses too. Not my favorite XTC, but still really good.
XTC has done better albums. No idea why this one is on the list, but hey: let's review. The version without 'Dear God' is pedestrian. The version with 'Dear God' is pedestrian-ish. The end.
Not half bad, I really liked the last song!
For some reason (artwork, timeframe, etc...) I thought this band was gonna be like New Order. And I guess on some level it was, except it was not good. The singing was painful and the music was soft. Not soft in a delicate beautiful way but in a there is absolutely no edge here kinda way. That said there was one good song. The last track Dear God was a good stomper. Other than that, I will never listen to this album again.
As one half of English Rock icons, Houmous & Chutney and having released over 85 number 1 records I can really appreciate this album. 4.2 4/15 - that’s really super, supergirl
Brilliant melody nerds
A nice listen but didn't find it to be anything special.
An elegant album through and through—in both sound and content.
Quite enjoyable but not very noteworthy 3/5
It feels like a update on the Beatles later sound: wonderfully Beatle-esque pop songwriting
Ugh. Not my jam.
I somehow made it to the second to last song...but everything has just been such a drag. Can't even force myself to push through. Can't even tell if I liked the album or not...but it's not the worst crayon in the box.
This album is just flat-out fun to listen to. It’s like a blend of Sgt. Pepper’s, Pet Sounds, and a splash of Selling England by the Pound. What really makes it special is the flow.. each song moves seamlessly into the next, as if the whole record were one coherent composition. My favorite XTC album by far.
By far my favorite XTC record. Which is to say, it’s the one I like.
Seemed a little bland. Except for Dear God which was my favorite on the album. Seems weird it wasn't included on the initial pressing.
It was fine. On par with the other XTC album
I just happen to be in the mood for this. I don't mind a bit of New Wave but this was different. More like New Wave Theatre.
Ok
A pleasant listen to me. Weirdly the only song I was familiar with was the last track “Dear God” which is quite different than everything else. 3.5/5
Much like Apple Venus Volume 1, I quite enjoyed my time with this album! Although I think I found Apple Venus to have more tracks closer to my taste.
XTC's best album in my humble opinion, and from an illustrious discography too. Shedding the new wave of their earlier days, this album dives fully into psychedelic pop delights, in a send-up to the various styles of The Beatles and The Beach Boys. The songwriting, the production, and the album flow are all on point - a delight all around.
The one compliment I can give is that it was a better overall listen than Apple Bullshit Volume One. But I still didn’t like basically any of it.
Corny lyrics are the bitter taste of the XTC pill. Once you get past that first unpleasantness, there’s a lot of meaning to appreciate, and the excellent songwriting with its layered instrumentation really starts to shine through. The lesson for today? Sometimes it pays off to let a guy get a lil goofy with it. Standouts: Summer's Cauldron • Grass • That's Really Super, Supergirl • Ballet For A Rainy Day • Big Day • Another Satellite
This was a hard one to rate. It interests me more than Apple Venus, but as with that one I feel you could trim the end and lose nothing. However, I found these songs to be a little less silly and a little more engaging. The first five or six songs are an absolute 5/5. The production is extremely crisp as well.
At 14, this album changed the trajectory of my musical taste for a lifetime. For those who have never heard of XTC or Skylarking, oh what I would give to borrow your ears to allow me to hear it for the first time again. Tips: Headphones: Always Edition: Steven Wilson Remaster Track Listing: Original (-Dear God + Mermaid Smiled)
Oh great! I remember the song Dear God from back then and I remember liking it. I never knew that it was a dilemma whether to include that song on the album or not. I never got the chance to hear any albums from these guys so it’s great to finally listen to one and this one is pretty great! So creative and progressive! Great songs with great chord progressions! I can see once again how an album like this back in the day would be more of a college radio staple rather than on mainstream radio. Listening to this was so enjoyable that I definitely need to check out the rest of their catalogue!
Yeah I liked this!
Wow… this was a boring album. Didn’t like the singing or the arrangements. Not much more to say. Weak 2.
I really tried with this one, but it never stuck. If felt like a whimsical mix of 80s and 60s pop, a bit like the band “Love” with an 80s twist. Maybe someday I’ll get back to it but for now a 2.
Pleasant album that I put on quite often. It's somewhat of a concept album, but all the songs stand on their own and are all well crafted. The inclusion of Dear God lifts it up a point for me, brilliant alternative song that for some reason isn't included on every version of the album.
Had never listening to XTC before. At different points I thought “oh they kinda sound like _____” until I had to just admit they’re their own unique thing. Really liked it.
ok
this was weirder than I expected. The production is super glossy 80s pop but the songs take some twists and turns esp as the album progresses. Some tonal ideas that would pop up later in a lot of 90s indie. I don't like how "Dear God" is just tacked on at the end though. Sounds like it's from a totally different project.
Great album. Dear God was life changing
Didn't particularly care for this. The songs are okay at best, and I often found any potential enjoyment squashed by the annoying drawn out vocal melo-dieeee-eeeee-eeee-eeeeee-eees & the eye-rollingly simplistic rhymes & the poorly aged 80s instrumentation. All of that said, when Dear God came on at the very end it nearly singlehandedly raised the album rating an entire point. Now that's a song right there!
8 / 10
It ok
I like the first track and the last. Apart from that I was disappointed because I like XTC because they were ok at best and annoyingat worst. Sneaks a 3 because it's better than the albums I've given a 2. There's some complex logic in my ratings :)
Patchy. Quite a silly album at times. Reminded me of Orange Juice. Moments of real creativity but a fair bit of nonsense too.
Really enjoy this band. Melodic and catchy music. Understated musicians who are phenomenal to listen to.
Liked some of this. Really could do without the weird new-wavey parts or stuff that sounds generically 80's. At the very least this one isn’t boring.
Sounds good. It is also pretty fucking goofy.
i prefer English Settlement, but this is ok
"Upon release, Skylarking was met with indifference in the UK". Men for all del, noe alle må høre på tydeligvis....
Didn’t get this one. It’s ok, but I don’t want to listen again.
...
I was initially intrigued and enjoyed the start but my attention wasn’t held all the way through. A few nice moments but equally as many that weren’t so good.
The album flows well and I liked the last track but overall it is pretty poor. Too many songs influenced by 80s nonsense.
I was struggling to find a way to describe how naff this is. But then I read that they came from Swindon and it all made sense. This is absolutely the Swindon of music.
Dosta lejm, baš ništa zanimljivo. 2/5, 3/10
Not bad
I was expecting another throwaway mid-80s British pop-rock record and got something a cut above the rest. Enjoyed this much more than I expected. More interesting ideas and deft execution than some of its peers. Flows together beautifully. Bits of it (“1000 Umbrellas” comes to mind) reminded me of The Beatles without being outright mimicry. It could be leaner. I’d revisit.
This was a huge disappointment, sadly. I adore the song Dear God, and, having never listened to this entire album before, was expecting more of the same. I am gutted to announce that the rest of the album was nothing like Dear God, which was the last song. Now, just because I didn't really love the album doesn't mean that I can't hear how influential and creative it is. I'd love to give this a 2.5, but I'm going to give it a 2 because I just don't ever want to hear it again. I feel bad about it, but there's really only one good song on the album.
mooie pop liedjes... Dear God is relevanter dan ooit maar Andy mocht gerust wat kwader klinken ...
Summer’s Cauldron // Ballet For A Rainy Day // 1000 Umbrellas // Dear God
Unique voices. God was an unlikely hit.
On first listen it sounds like a fun pop album with enough quirkiness throughout to make it interesting. Rundgren’s dynamic production shines. However, some of the lyrics are cheesy and full of contrived rhymes; “the man who sailed around his soul, came back again to find a hole” or “fire they cried, so evil must die” “did you make disease and the diamond blue.” Overall I feel like I should be at some posh garden party, just outside of London, sipping G&Ts, surrounded by obnoxious people and revolting small talk.
I was unfamiliar with this album going in! I liked Grass, 1000 Umbrellas, Sacrificial Bonfire, Dear God. Again, this is one where I know what I like and I find myself getting more with each listen. High 4 low 5.
I know some XTC songs but hadn't heard this album before - and yet, as soon as it started, it felt familiar. It has that boppy, poppy, weird flair that I really love. Sounds newer than it is. Happy to have discovered it; this is an instant classic for me.
I vaguely remember XTC as a pop band who were of minimal interest when I was at school. They had a few hits, the one about Nigel, Sergeant Rock, and Senses working overtime. Then they faded into obscurity as far as I was concerned. Then I discovered the Dukes of the Stratosphere, the XTC spin-off band. I loved the first album, and the second album was also good. This invigorated a fresh interest in XTC, but they had a lot of albums, and streaming wasn't a possibility in the 1980s. I never really had enough interest to invest in buying an album, and people consistently told me that they were a bit crap. This album didn't cause a major shift in my preconceptions, but I did listen to it all the way through twice. I remembered Dear God as a good song, and indeed it is. The rest is a bit light, but it was pleasant and there were some interesting melodies. I'm feeling generous, so I'm going to give this four stars, but it's really a 3.5 I think.
Nahh
Correcto
All of this, from the singing, to songwriting to music, is only vaguely entertaining. Far too theatrical for my liking. Sounds like a bunch of idiots trying to be British bards.
Fun! Very fun. Weirdly on the nose about every song title though.
4+*
Im sure I have heard an XTC album before, and to be honest it didn't live up to expectations. So I had lowered my sights for this one, but it was really quite good. It doesn't have any of the big 3 on it but its still quite a pleasant album. Now for the score, its kind of between the previous two, its about a 3.0 so three it is, but not as good as the Black Crows.
Not terrible but it evoked absolutely no emotion of any kind. Seemed like they were going through the motions.
Even though it has nothing like 'Making Plans For Nigel's etc, it has still got that old XTC quirkiness which I like. As a whole I enjoyed it, but there just wasn't any particular standout tracks.
I enjoyed it very much where I thought I wouldn’t at the outset. It won me over with “That’s Really Super, Supergirl” and never looked back. Nice!
Perfect to disconnect from the world and just feel the music. Dear God kind of freeze me on the spot while a deep, not too sweet melancholy embrace me.
I didn’t care for XTC with the first album that was recommended for me to listen to. I feel the same way. Not a fan of the music.
This one is pretty good. Its a bit of a mess, but mostly that is a good thing I thiiiiiiiink i prefer apples. How do you like them apples?
Well this took me back and now I’m Skylarking all over again! Dear God, it’s fantastic!