Skylarking

Solid album - and more accessible than "Apple Venus Volume 1" - but I think XTC should have only one seat at this table, and it should have been reserved for "Oranges & Lemons".

I always forget I kind of like XTC. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5

I thought this was decent, opening tracks particularly. Pretty upbeat, summery feel and fresh sound. Pleasant listen

A dreamy breeze back to the good old days.

Interesting; good variance; easy to listen to

This is a beautifully-done record with oodles of melodic invention and immaculate arrangements. The songwriting on this album is uniformly very good, though a few of the tracks (like the jazzy number "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul") are stylistic outliers that, while solid on their own, sit strangely next to the more pastoral cuts that dominate this record. However, as good as this album is, the lack of percussive punch on this record keeps it from attaining the heights of other XTC albums like *Black Sea* and *English Settlement*, both of which paired acoustic guitars and powerhouse drums to better effect. *Skylarking* is like a pleasant stroll in the garden, but lacks the thrills and intensity of the busy world outside the garden walls.

Kind of dig it. It's not the XTC that I remember of the 80s. Kinda felt like this was way better. More of that 60s/70s Strawberry Alarm Clock kinda feel.

Rating: 8.5/10

Цей альбом вийшов після доволі непоганого пост-панк/нью-вейв періоду XTC. І саме в цьому завжди й була проблема цього гурту: вони просто були «непогані», але чогось видатного зробити так і не змогли. Той самий Black Sea (1980) - це дуже гарний альбом із цікавими та веселими поп-рок аранжуваннями, які приємно слухати, але коли в той самий час існували інші гурти, що просто перевертали музичну індустрію своїми роботами, робити «дуже гарну музику» було недостатньо. Сам гурт, принаймні його фронтмен Енді Партрідж, здається, цього не дуже розумів. Борючись із залежністю від валіуму з 1981 року та зловивши панічну атаку у 1982-му, він перетворив XTC на студійний гурт і, напевно, не дуже прагнув «успішного успіху». Проте продюсер Тодд Рандгрен розумів це дуже й дуже добре. В інтернеті можна знайти чимало суперечок щодо впливу продюсера на успіх Skylarking, але те, що саме він перетворив набір ідей на чітку концепцію та вибудував наратив цього альбому - це просто факт. Музично Skylarking став найвишуканішим альбомом гурту. Він набув легкої пасторальної атмосфери, підкресленої чудовими струнними та, часом психоделічними, клавішними партіями. Мелодії з купою дрібних деталей ніжно огортають з самого першого треку, який починається зі «співу пташок», що потім майстерно вплітаються в композицію. І далі на нас чекає ще 14 ідеально впорядкованих треків, що з кожною наступною піснею все глибше й глибше занурюють у ніби «заміську подорож» своїми медитативними ритмами. Саме завдяки бездоганній синергії пісень цей альбом, напевно, і вважають геніальним.А якщо ви фанат психоделічного періоду The Beatles та The Beach Boys, але з якоїсь причини пропустили цю річ - це неодмінно варто виправити.

This was a fun record. It’s cool how they deviate from the pop conventions and get a little showtune-y at times.

XTC's reimagining of the 60s. Dat Andrew Partridge altijd al de aantrekkingskracht voelde van de 'Summer of Love' en psychedelic pop was merkbaar, maar met dit album komt dat in al zijn glorie tot leven. Rond deze tijd had hij ook al een zijproject opgestart genaamd 'The Dukes of Stratosphear', dat de bekende new wave handvatten volledig los liet en zich onderdompelen in psychedelia. Het checken waard, een nummer als 'The Vanishing Girl' is powerpop van het hoogste niveau. Maar genoeg daarover. Dit album is denk ik hun piekwerk, in een discografie met vooral veel leuke maar niet al te consistente platen. De vibe is uniek voor een plaat uit 1986, en die retrostijl in combinatie met de catchy new wave van XTC levert wel echt. Door de dromerige productie van Rundgren, en Partridge die misschien wel zijn beste songwriting aflevert sinds het debuut, schaal ik deze plaat hoog in binnen hun carrière. Maar het is dan vooral door de unieke sound, en minder door de échte hoogtepunten, want die missen op 'Dear God' na wel een beetje. 7,5/10 Highlights: Summer's Cauldron Ballet For A Rainy Day Dear God

I like a lot of XTC, and I do think they were something special, but I have a hard time giving any of their albums 5 stars. I think they have mostly 4 star albums, but they never feel strong enough throughout the entire album. I do love the more expansive sound and songwriting on this album compared to some of their others, but it still didn't hold up 100% through the entire thing. So, I think a 4 or 4.5 is about as high as I could go, personally.

3.5 round up

Wow. So easy to let this be background sound.

Knew Dear God ofc but the rest was a pleasant surprise. Liked this a lot!

Hell yeah. The second XTC in the last couple of weeks. If the best thing that comes out of this is that a bunch of people learn about or remember XTC, then it was a worthy endeavor. I will admit that this is not my favorite XTC album, but like sex and pizza, there’s no bad XTC album. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Pleasantly surprised! Loved the chamber pop melodies here. Mermaid Smiled is so so beautiful. Will listen again

The whole album feels very surreal. Like... you're listening along, and it's weird, but it keeps pulling you along like you wanna see the weirdness around the corner, and it answers you with MORE weirdness.

this album might grow on me a lot but yeah this is rlly damn good

Very good album (better this listen) The album can be defined as a summery 60s psychedelic feel using 80s instruments/recording practices 4/5

This was quite weird but I really liked it. I can't really say why either, and I don't think any tracks really stood out to me. But the whole thing just comes together really well

Fun British pop. Really dug it.

I like XTC but have never really connected with any of their full albums. My immediate thought on getting this album today was a slight disappointment that this one doesn't include my favorite track "Making Plans for Nigel". But taking the time to explore "Skylarking" was well worth it. A concept album about the stages of life seen through the lens of a single day, the whole thing works. There aren't many strong singles, aside from "Dear God" (tacked on after the initial release due to some success from American college radio stations), but as a whole it's a really good album. The background makes it seem pretty unlikely. Lead singer Andy Patridge was a perfectionist who had dominated the band's previous producers to get the sound he wanted. But "Skylarking" saw Todd Rundgren in the role and his trademark was getting things done quickly and cheaply. Whether that was a genuine belief in embracing imperfections, or a cost-saving technique at the expense of artistic vision, it's clear that Patridge and Rundgren were at one another's throats. Remarkably, none of that comes through in the album, which does seem to merge the post-punk XTC with Rundgren's style of eclecticism and quick takes. It's obvious that the pair were never going to work together again but lucky for us that they managed to complete the album. It's definitely one I'll return to.

I can absolutely understand why some people have a hard time enjoying XTC, most of their music is very self-indulgent art-pop, but I confess that's pretty much the main reason I love them. They grace this list twice (the other album, 99's Apple Venus Vol 1), and I'd argue that Kid Rock should be kicked to make room for at least one more album. Anyway, Skylarking is a delightfully fluid album with beautiful string arrangements, often bouncy melodies and cheeky lyrics. While the I find the second leg of the album to be a little lacking compared to the front half, there's still a lot to enjoy throughout the whole thing. If it wasn't for the monumental hit that is "Dear God", I would have maybe swapped this album out for Oranges & Lemons instead

Went into this only knowing Dear God, discovered an eclectic mix of tunes, ranging from cheery to existential. Captivating melodies and arrangements.

Really enjoy this when I remember to put it on. Some real highlights but some of the deep cuts are a little bit kinda wish-washy/fillerish. "Dear God" is a classic.

Had a really strong start but became to beatles-esque

Better album than XTC should be making. A lot of it sounds like John Lennon during Revolver but it's actually pretty okay.

So at first the airy waffty 80s vocals gave me a bad feeling. But after listening they have a lot of experimental sounds and instruments and I thought that was cool. The mermaid song was like that and also I think that dear god song kind of has pop vibes of modern songs

Actually enjoyed this, no clue who they were before this

82% Best: The Meeting Place; Ballet For A Rainy Day; Earn Enough For Us; The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul; Dear God Must-Hear? Sure

I suspect that most of us can't think about the band XTC without also thinking about the song "Dear God". For me- It came out in a time of my life when I was literally a Catholic schoolboy. Hearing it for the first time had me clutching my proverbial pearls. Was this satanic? It didn't sound anything like the satanic panic bands of the era. But the song was so catchy. So goddamn catchy. It felt so wrong to love the song as much as I did (do). Eventually the lyrics began to resonate and I started to examine my own personal belief system. Sooner or later everyone needs to accept that change is hard, but there is no growth without change. So I think I owe a lot to this band for this song alone. I don't know if XTC is still making music but we could sure use a few more songs in the same vein. Here's a few suggestions: Dear responsibility - the drinking bone's connected to the drug bone. Dear political ideology - maybe I shouldn't be voting on whether or not Einstein got his math right. Dear bewildered - trying and failing is still progress.

XTC. Amazingly creative songwriting. Any song that begins, you know you're going to be served something interesting for the next 3-4 minutes.

I like XTC. This is a good album. 4 stars.

I like the way this album starts, the nice transition between Summer's Cauldron and Grass is very satisfying. From there the album begins to lose me a bit until Mermaid Smile, which has a cool intro, and I liked The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul. Fave Tracks: Summer's Cauldron, Grass, The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul. 3.7/5

I really liked this - good melodies, interesting chord progressions, and some fun noises

Real nice harmonic content for a pop album, clearly Beatles and other psychedelia inspired. Need some more listens to dig in.

Some good music here ... I even marked one as a favorite (sacrificial Bonfire) so I could come back again. Also listened to some earlier stuff ... not as good .. so overall it was a good listen.

This review will not include the "Dear God" bonus track from the 2001 remaster. I've heard a few songs here and there from XTC, a group that has undergone some drastic stylistic changes over the years. These guys started as a new wave band and embraced more psychedelic pop by the end of the 1980s. We get a good sampling of that latter psychedelia on their ninth album Skylarking. This album oozes with inspiration from the more experimental late 60s music such as what the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and Pink Floyd were doing. Orchestral players were brought in to add a lively swell to the group's songs, such as the string arrangements that comprise the somber tone of "1000 Umbrellas", the mix of violin and guitar on "Grass", and the Beach Boys pastiche of "Season Cycle". Aiding that sentiment is the more free-form styled songwriting from Andy Patridge that captured a more emotionally resonant vibe, and Todd Rundgren's production chops which added the necessary warmth to these songs even as he was battling with Andy behind the scenes. My main problem with Skylarking is how wildly inconsistent in style and tone this album can get in trying to recapture the essence of what worked well for the psychedelic pop music of the late 1960s. Andy and his mates tried various arrangements and compositions without much to tie it all together thematically. This observation is especially noticeable at the start of the second half with the more standard power pop tune "Earn Enough for Us", the jazzy "Mermaid Smiled", and the beatnik "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul". Some of these songs sound great on their own, but they lack cohesion when put together. All's to say that Skylarking is a solid compilation of songs that wears its influence on its sleeve, and made for a reasonably decent listen with that mindset.

Liked these vibes!

One of those albums where it's really hard to form an opinion over a short space of time and then a simple score out of 5 feels too dry and reductive. I was pretty optimistic as XTC is quoted as being a big influence on Britpop and Blur in particular, and I definitely felt similarities to Parklife tracks. I was also optimistic as I 'met' Todd Rundgren last month on the challenge and really liked his solo album, and then read that he'd been brought in to channel the songwriting and arrangements here, and had wanted to build on the concept elements. All really promising before I'd even pressed play. So I was a little underwhelmed on the first listen but went away and found that bits of it had embedded themselves into my head. There are these great little bits of melody and hooks sprinkled throughout that really caught my ear. I don't necessarily think the 'concept' landed in the way that some albums nail it; songs run into each other quite seamlessly and there are noticeable lyrical themes, but it doesn't feel like a journey or experience to me. And the risk is that by running into each other, it can feel like a series of long pieces without enough definition. I'm probably being a bit generous and giving it more of a chance to 'click' with me as I want to like it, but I did find it really interesting and I will keep it in rotation a bit longer as some parts have really stuck with me. I feel like I'm still guessing at my rating at this point, and it might be one I amend later.

it's like if 00s emo made an album in 1986

Never heard of these guys, but really enjoyed the album, especially Dear God. Great album.

Skylarking by XTC. XTC (which I've now only just clocked is probably called ecstasy...am I just dumb) was a sleeper hit for me in this project, and this album hasn't disappointed me either. There's just something about it that makes it a real treat to listen to, I did occasionally find myself zoning out a bit but then it would all change up and engross me again

Pretty good british

Super interesting mix of new wave and Genesis-esque progressive music. With that said, some songs sounded like they could’ve been straight out of the nineties? I don’t care, I dug it.

I didn't know the album before, but I have to say I like it. The sound is calm and what struck me immediately was that it reminded me of the Beatles. Not the Beatles exactly, of course, but there's a certain Beatles vibe to it. I like it. It doesn't sound anything like "Making Plans Form Nigel", but it definitely has its qualities. The melodies are very beautiful and now on the second listen I've discovered a little bit of "Tears For Fears". All I can say is well done. I like the "Beatles", I like "Tears For Fears", I like "XTC", I like this album.

I hadn't really noticed that most of the albums I consider "great" are also pretty depressing. They might be ironic or heartfelt, but rarely just happy. I was surprised listening to this album how upbeat many of these songs are. And how much I enjoyed them. They remind me of Paul MacCartney's "granny" songs, which I also really enjoy. 4/5

love 1000 umbrellas

Actually quite tuneful 4?

This is fairly good. There are songs on this album that sound, to me at least, pretty clearly inspired from others. I’m not sure if I would say that’s derivative or if it’s paying homage. It’s all about how much they use and for the most part it isn’t too noticeable. For example “The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul” has some clear “Nature Boy” vibes going for it. The line between respecting the original and building upon it and just taking and using is hard to discern. Other songs seemed to do it better so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. Otherwise, some songs could feel a little goofy, but wholly original and unique to the band. Especially instrumentally. Vocals aren’t the most groundbreaking thing I’ve ever heard, but they get the job done. I enjoyed most of it, but wouldn’t listen to the whole album again. Just specific songs and that’s alright. 4/5

I was not terribly familiar with this band and was very surprised how unique this album is. I'll keep listening for sure.

exciting fun & unique, though can drag in some parts of second half

Pretty good, some really good songs

This album grew and grew on me. A fine mix of pop, psychedelia and whimsy, reminiscent of, among others, the Beatles and Divine Comedy. Earn Enough for Us is a classic, so catchy.

It's weird and sometimes too much, but it's quite entertaining.

Inventive and well produced. Worth more listens.

Never heard of this group, but I liked them a lot! Grass is going in my downloads

I never listened to xtc despite friends being big fans. A great mix of tracks that sound like a lot of other artists

This album sounds like XTC wanted to make Pet Sounds their own way, and it’s pretty good!

A nice one, with lots of fun little melodies and recording tricks. Will look forward to coming back to it. 7/10

quality pop rock album that is exceedingly bri ish. this was a great listen from start to finish.

is like a happier Elliott Smith at a festival

4+/5

In-Depth Review of Skylarking by XTC Released on October 27, 1986, Skylarking is the ninth studio album by the English rock band XTC, produced by Todd Rundgren. The album is often hailed as one of the band's finest works and a landmark in the evolution of alternative rock, characterized by its lush arrangements and introspective lyrics. This review will explore the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also discussing its pros and cons. ****Lyrics Analysis The lyrics of Skylarking are a tapestry of personal reflection, social commentary, and whimsical storytelling. They explore themes of love, loss, nature, and the passage of time. Youth and Innocence: The opening track "Summer’s Cauldron" sets a nostalgic tone, evoking the carefree essence of summer while hinting at deeper undercurrents of change and impermanence. The lyrics capture the sensory experiences of summer—heat, sounds, and sights—while subtly introducing the concept of life's cyclical nature. Love and Relationships: Songs like "Mermaid Smiled" delve into complex emotional landscapes. Here, frontman Andy Partridge reflects on lost love with poignant imagery that conveys both longing and acceptance. The juxtaposition of upbeat melodies with melancholic lyrics is a recurring motif throughout the album. Mortality and Reflection: Tracks such as "Dying" confront themes of mortality and reminiscence. The sparse arrangement complements the lyrical content, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and introspective. Partridge's exploration of personal loss resonates deeply with listeners. Existential Themes: The album culminates in "Sacrificial Bonfire," which serves as a metaphor for endings and transitions. The lyrics reflect on rituals associated with change, symbolizing the end of summer and the inevitability of life's cycles. ****Musical Composition Musically, Skylarking marks a significant evolution in XTC's sound. It blends elements from various genres including art rock, psychedelic pop, and new wave. Psychedelic Influences: The album is heavily influenced by 1960s psychedelia. Tracks like "Another Satellite" feature lush harmonies and intricate arrangements that evoke a sense of dreamy nostalgia. Orchestral Arrangements: Rundgren's production adds depth to the music through orchestral arrangements and innovative soundscapes. Songs such as "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul" incorporate jazz elements with rhythmic bongos and piano chords that create a unique listening experience. Cohesive Sound: The album flows seamlessly from track to track, with sound effects linking songs together to enhance its conceptual feel. This approach reinforces the idea that Skylarking is more than just a collection of songs; it operates as a cohesive narrative. ****Production Quality The production process for Skylarking was fraught with tension between XTC and producer Todd Rundgren. Despite these challenges, Rundgren's influence ultimately shaped the album's distinctive sound. Creative Tension: Partridge often clashed with Rundgren over artistic choices, leading to a difficult recording atmosphere. However, this tension may have contributed to the album's creative output. Rundgren's insistence on certain arrangements forced the band to refine their ideas. Innovative Techniques: Rundgren employed various studio techniques that enhanced the album's texture. His use of drum programming and orchestral elements added layers to XTC's sound that were not present in previous works. Final Product: The resulting production is rich and multi-dimensional, showcasing XTC's ability to blend complex musical ideas with accessible pop sensibilities. The clarity of each instrument allows listeners to appreciate the intricacies of the arrangements. ****Themes Explored The overarching themes in Skylarking revolve around nature, time, love, and existential reflection. Nature and Seasons: The cyclical nature of life is a central theme. Each song reflects different aspects of this cycle—from the vibrancy of summer to the introspection associated with autumn. Personal Growth: Many tracks explore personal development through relationships and experiences. The lyrics often convey a sense of maturity as they navigate love's complexities and life's inevitable changes. Cultural Commentary: XTC also touches on broader societal issues through their lyrics. While maintaining an intimate perspective, they comment on human behavior within various contexts—romantic relationships being one prominent example. ****Influence on Music Skylarking has had a lasting impact on both XTC's career trajectory and the broader music landscape. Critical Acclaim: Upon its release, Skylarking received widespread critical acclaim but was not an immediate commercial success. Over time, however, it has been recognized as one of the defining albums of its era. Legacy: The album influenced many artists in alternative rock and beyond. Its blend of introspective lyrics with sophisticated musical arrangements paved the way for future bands exploring similar themes in their work. Reevaluation Over Time: Initially dismissed by some critics for lacking hit singles, Skylarking has since been reevaluated as a cohesive masterpiece that stands out in XTC's discography. ****Pros and Cons Evaluating Skylarking, several strengths and weaknesses emerge: Pros Lyrical Depth: The album features some of XTC's most profound lyrics that resonate emotionally with listeners across generations. Musical Innovation: Its blend of genres showcases XTC’s versatility as musicians while pushing boundaries within alternative rock. Cohesive Concept: The thematic unity throughout the album creates an immersive listening experience that encourages repeated plays. Production Quality: Todd Rundgren’s production elevates the music’s complexity while maintaining clarity in each track’s arrangement. Cons Initial Reception: Some listeners may find it less accessible due to its lack of conventional singles compared to other albums from that era. Tension During Production: The conflicts between band members and Rundgren might have resulted in some compromises that could have affected creative freedom. Pacing Issues: Certain tracks may feel slower or less engaging compared to others within the album’s flow, potentially affecting overall enjoyment for some listeners. In conclusion, Skylarking by XTC stands as a significant achievement in alternative rock history. Its intricate blend of lyrical depth, musical innovation, and production quality creates an enduring work that continues to resonate with audiences today. While it faced challenges during its creation and initial reception, its legacy has grown over time—solidifying its place as one of XTC's most celebrated albums.

Went into this completely blind, never heard of it and it was genuinely lovely almost the entire time.

I really enjoyed this! "Dear God" was particularly good, even though it wasn't originally on the album. I have never heard of this band, but I would definitely listen to more of them in the future.

I thought it would be better.

Very very good considering this is many albums deep in their career. The material here is very distinctive and inspired, it holds up very well for it. The band's charming quirkiness is still very present here. I prefer their earlier work overall but this did not disappoint 👍

Interessantes und abwechslungsreich chaotisches Album der goldenen 80er. Es enthält mir “Dear God” Stilikone des Wave und Punkrockzeit. Insgesamt auch ein konzeptionell gutes Album; ich freue mich aufs Wiederhören.

Day279 - kind of an underrated band overshadowed by the big 80’s bands like the cute,rem and the smiths but they have some really good songs

Very good album. Seemed like music I'd actually listen to

When it comes to XTC, I’m not really sure if I’m a fan or not. I’ve only listened to most of their albums once, and usually just in the background. I’ve spent a bit more time with English Settlement, and it was a decent album, and now I’ve given Skylarking a couple of listens. This album is a big deal for them, probably their most well respected work. Personally, I’d say it’s slightly better than average. It’s a lush, colorful album from start to finish, and while it’s not bad at all, it doesn’t have many qualities that really make it stand out. After a while, it starts to get a bit boring. So overall, I’d give this album a fair, middle of the road rating.

I liked this album a lot. XTC is always a band that I imagine sounding completely different than they actually do; means I should listen more often. But this has some cool twists and turns and some theatricality that make it similar to Oingo Boingo. 4.25/5

I need to get more XTC albums besides English Settlement. This is lovely stuff. B

XTC is another one of those bands that I find interesting but have never dug too deep on. This album has a lot of interesting moments but Dear God sticks out and doesn't really fit, which I guess is why it wasn't originally included but it had to be because it's such a great song. Other songs I enjoyed were Summer's Cauldron, 1000 Umbrellas

I had a hope that maybe after powering through the last 6 days, the universe would throw me a bone. And I am delighted to say that it did. I didn’t know what to expect, but I don’t think I could have asked for something better. The name XTC seemed oddly familiar to me for some reason. I’m sure it’s just because I’ve come across the name at some point on the internet. But I had never heard music from them. I saw new wave and post-punk being thrown around, but this album in particular was being labeled psychedelic pop rock. So I was intrigued to say the least. And it seems like the band intended to thrust the listener into this unique world very quickly. Unlike the music from earlier in their career, this draws heavily on the contemporary sounds of the 60s. Taking inspiration from Love, The Zombies, Os Mutantes, and of course The Beatles. 1000 Umbrellas could probably fit right in on Revolver. But they don’t entirely abandon their roots. Because the jangle pop and new wave foundations are still here. And somehow, they manage to make this undeniably strange combination work. And near flawlessly as well. This, to me, is the absolute best example of why I still love doing this even after all I’m put through. Finding new music that really blows me away like this makes it all worth it. This album balances lighthearted and super catchy songwriting with some amazing arrangements. The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul is straight up a jazz pop song, and it is way too fucking cool. It also has some spectacular production from Todd Rundgren. Although I’ll agree that the mixing could be a little more full in some places. I just really admire what they are doing here. Every song is doing something original and unique. And there aren’t any objectively bad songs that I outright dislike. It’s all around a very impressive effort. I’m just happy that I was able to end potentially the most lackluster week I’ve ever had on a strong note. Rating: 8/10

Easily one of the best pop albums I have ever heard from the 1980s. The songs actually have depth and mystery as opposed to the artist finding the 1,000,001st way to describe the woman they are lusting after. The music is interesting and varied. It sounds like a mashup of Roger Waters and Ween to my ears, and that is a very good thing. A total surprise, and a positive reminder of why I am doing this project.

Cute, fun, enjoyable if a bit long and samey. Can see why people ate this up in the 80s.

I like xtc but this album never clicked with me. I enjoyed a few songs but some are a bit corny. I really hate the kids voice on dear god. The album is interesting and different though.

A strange and pleasant mix of Ben Folds and Elvis Costello and the Beatles and God knows what else.

Je vais commencer par une confession, XTC, pour moi, c'était une vieille connaissance un peu reloue. Je les avais croisés à la fin des années 80, avec des albums comme "Black Sea" ou "The Big Express". De mémoire, ça m'avait laissé un souvenir de pop anglaise un peu trop intello, un peu trop alambiquée, un peu trop... pas assez The Cure, en somme. Alors, pendant des lustres, j'ai soigneusement évité le sujet. J'ai rangé XTC dans la case "groupes surestimés par la presse" et je suis passé à autre chose. Et quelle putain d'erreur monumentale, quelle négligence coupable. Car en 1986, pendant que je devais probablement m'extasier sur le dernier album de The The, ces types d'Andover accouchaient d'un chef-d'oeuvre absolu, un disque d'une beauté et d'une ambition folles, "Skylarking". Un album conceptuel sur le cycle des saisons, de la vie, de l'amour, de la mort. Le genre de projet casse-gueule qui peut vite tourner au ridicule. L'histoire de sa création est déjà une saga en soi. Le groupe est envoyé à Woodstock, non pas pour un festival, mais pour s'enfermer dans une cabane avec le producteur Todd Rundgren, un autre génie au caractère bien trempé. L'accouchement se fait dans la douleur. Le leader Andy Partridge et Rundgren ne peuvent pas se supporter, ils se battent sur chaque arrangement, sur chaque note. Le chaos créatif. Et de ce conflit, de cette tension, naît un album d'une sérénité, d'une beauté pastorale absolument renversante. C'est le paradoxe des grands disques : la musique la plus apaisée naît souvent de la plus grande des guerres. Dès les premières secondes de "Summer's Cauldron", on est happé. Le son des grillons, la chaleur moite d'un été qui s'installe... C'est plus qu'une chanson, c'est une sensation. Le disque est un écrin de pop baroque, psychédélique et luxuriante. On pense aux Beatles de "Revolver", aux Beach Boys de "Pet Sounds". L'obsession de XTC, et surtout de Partridge, a toujours été de composer l'album pop ultime des années 80, celui qui pourrait se mesurer sans honte aux chefs-d'oeuvre des sixties. Avec "Skylarking", mission accomplie, haut la main. Chaque morceau est une merveille de composition. L'enchaînement "Summer's Cauldron" et "Grass" est d'une fluidité parfaite, deux odes à la nature et aux plaisirs simples, avec une ambiance psychédélique et relaxante qui vous transporte. Puis vient la pluie, la mélancolie, avec le diptyque "Ballet For A Rainy Day / 1000 Umbrellas". Les arrangements de cordes sont à pleurer de beauté, la solitude liée aux chagrins d'amour n'a jamais été aussi bien décrite. On sent l'humidité, on sent le coeur qui se serre. Et puis, il y a "Dear God", le coup de grâce. Cette chanson, initialement une simple face B, est devenue un tube underground aux États-Unis, forçant la maison de disques à la rajouter sur l'album. C'est peut-être, la meilleure chanson jamais écrite sur l'athéisme. Une lettre ouverte à un Dieu dont l'existence est mise en doute avec une colère froide et une logique implacable. C'est d'une audace et d'une force incroyables, surtout pour l'époque. "Skylarking" est le sommet d'un groupe fascinant, ambitieux, et, il faut bien le dire, trop souvent méconnu du grand public. C'est un disque qui ne cherche pas à être à la mode, qui existe dans sa propre bulle temporelle. C'est de la pop pour adultes, intelligente mais jamais pédante, complexe mais toujours accessible. C'est un album qui se révèle un peu plus à chaque écoute, un disque à emporter sur une île déserte pour y découvrir de nouveaux détails pendant des années. Alors oui, ce sera un gros 4 sur 5. Pourquoi pas la note parfaite ? Peut-être parce que mon coeur de vieux con aigri a encore un peu de mal à s'abandonner totalement à tant de perfection pop. Peut-être parce qu'il me manque ce petit grain de folie, cette petite once de danger que j'aime tant. Mais ne vous y trompez pas, c'est une note qui frôle l'excellence, c'est un disque indispensable, une perle rare qui prouve que les années 80 n'ont pas été qu'une décennie de synthés en plastique et de coiffures improbables. C'était aussi une décennie de chefs-d'oeuvre discrets et "Skylarking" en est le plus bel exemple. Si, comme moi, vous êtes passé à côté, je vous en conjure : réparez votre erreur.

Really good. They have better albums though.

Good stuff

An album packed with great interesting pop tunes. Heard it once before but definitely got more out of it on my 2nd listen here. Good range to it, doesn't stick to the same idea which keeps it fun.

I like these guys. This one was less (a bit less) gooby than the last, and the Todd Lundgren mixing error lore is real interesting. Would like to hear that original mix. Like the last one, we’re riding the line of being too Preciously English here, but something about XTC makes it work to my ear. Quickly becoming One Of My Bands.

Hidden gem. Wonderful album. If you enjoyed listening to this album I really recommend you the video essay done by Trash Theory on XTC (available on YouTube, I didn't get paid for this mention, I just think this video elevates the experience of this particular record).

Musically, perfect. Lyrically it struggles more than it should. Dear God is a very weak track, even as an atheist. However, 1000 Umbrellas, Earn Enough for Us, are some of their best work.

Certainly a bit too British for my tastes but the overall experience was a net positive. I love the playfulness of a lot of the songs and how experimental they get with a few different styles. It also gets bonus points for coming out in '86 and not sucking penis, so good job XTC. Favorites are Another Satellite, Grass, and Dear God

The first half of this flows really well together and is a bunch of super catchy pop songs. The second half, while not being as good still has highlights. Favorites were Grass, That’s Really Super Supergirl, 1000 Umbrellas, Season Cycle, and Dear God.

I had forgot about this one. Still super enjoyable, and difficult to pigeonhole.

I can understand why XTC left Dear God off the first print of this album. However, I am truly thankful that it was reinstated. What a phenomenal song and deserves five all on its own. Every time I’ve listened to XTC on this project I have been surprised and excited that they are so much better than I remember. I can still hear the English whimsy but these songs are real growers. I was happy to play again and again and then I just stuck Dear God on repeat. That never grows old - the nuance, the beauty, the existential crisis. Still so resonant. And delivered with such heart.

A genuine question for the group: is 'Skylarking' anyone's favourite album? There are many things to enjoy and appreciate (chief among them: Todd Rundgren's production), but I have yet to encounter one person who would choose this - THIS - to accompany them on a desert island. Simply put: there are songs that work and work beautifully, and there are songs that don't work at all. A funny but delightful assorted bag of lush tunes with chintzy synth tones thrown in. A pastoral affair that seeks to recontextualize the spirit and sound of 60s psychedelia and chamber pop while using the technology of 80s musical production. The end result is the aforementioned cheap, ice-cream-truck-jingle synth at work with occasional harsh aesthetic contours. Still, I too am totally serene when I hear the birds chirp at the opening seconds of "Summer's Cauldron." I too deeply relate to a uniquely 30-year-old-person problem of wanting to settle down comfortably with your partner while staring down the grim reality that economic and social mobility will be nearly impossible to achieve ("Earn Enough For Us"). And I too feel heartened by the dewy clarity of the acoustic guitars in "Mermaid Smiled," probably the strongest track off the album. But when things go sideways, they certainly go. "That's Really Super, Supergirl" has a fumbling quality that echoes the protagonist's own awkwardness, sure, but I just can't abide the synth tones or the lyrics. You hear a song like "Season Cycle" and understand where Ben Folds Five comes from and I suppose that speaks to XTC's innovation. But there is a saccharine quality to this track in its attempt to rewrite and recreate some of Paul McCartney's worst musical impulses (the so-called "granny shit.") I think "Sacrificial Bonfire" is a fitting climax for the record with some wonderful bass from Colin Moulding (the real MVP of XTC) and beautiful strings but the way that Andy Partridge screeches out "sacrificial bonfiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiIIIiiiiire" is just...I don't know...awful. I'll end with this: Sarah McLachlan's version of "Dear God" is better than the original. She is lightyears beyond a better vocalist than Andy Partridge and her artistic sensibility as a singer-songwriter behind the piano gives the song a needed gravitas and poignancy. As the song swells into its climax of "the father, the son, the holy ghost/is just somebody's unholy hoax," Sarah sounds legitimately pained and conflicted; Andy Partridge, once again, just sounds goofy as hell. My favourite thing about 'Skylarking' is the album art. It looks how the album sounds. A-

Dear God is a staple on a lot of the rewind shows. And it's a powerful song. With the exception of Earn Enough for Us, the rest of the album is fairly uneventful. But overall a decent album.

I owned this album in college and certainly enjoyed XTC, so it is comfortable for me to ease back into this clearly british nerd alt rock. Earn Enough is truly pop and Dear God is pretty bold and creative, though the rest of the tracks do their own interesting exploration. Mermaid Smiled is the only skip for me, though Grass is a little boring. There is a ton of variety here that keeps the listening interesting.

I listened to this album so much in high school. Dear God and Grass are both amazing. They brought something new at the time and still sound fresh and different. But I can't deny at times it just seemed a bit much.

July 22, 2024 HL: "Summer's Cauldron/Grass", "The Meeting Place", "Season Cycle", "Another Satellite", "Mermaid Smiled", "Dying" Probably enjoyed this more, or faster, than Apple Venus, though I attribute that to Apple Venus opening the door on XTC's peculiar style. There's something uncanny about listening to Skylarking as a Beatles fan, since you can find similarities to the earlier bands at the surface level, but the more I pay attention to the songwriting those similarities vanish like smoke. Whose idea was it to put muted trumpets in “Mermaid Smiled”? They’re awesome!

I liked this album! In particular these tracks: Ballet for a Rainy Day, 1000 Umbrellas, Another Satellite, Dear God.

I really like the Beatles and creative music that escapes from the mainframe. Therefore, this album sounded like home.

I only knew Dear God of XTC but man, what an album. Glad I've listened this.

Definitely got more into it as it progressed. Quite a pretty album with great sound.

MORE BRITISH MUSIC? The British haven't exported this much since Colonialism. This is significantly closer to what I like. The tempo changes pretty frequently with lulls and surges and it's equally hypnotic and reassuring, like the waves. I think they spent too much on the sound effects CD they bought, but the instruments seem to get what's up. This kinda hits the same vibe as the Alan Parsons project, which is actually very interesting. I think Partridge's voice is what does it, but I'm also getting a little bit of the Police in there too. I will not be listening to this again, but I like the concept behind it.

I usually don't like when singers sound like this guy, but the rest of the music makes up for it. I'm a little enchanted. 4/5

Absolutely Charming with notes of both Fox Robinhood and 1960's. Amid the tense recording sessions, they were really able to make an incredibly charming project. The loose concept of the album encompassing the passing of time or an event is especially relevant as it is flexible.

I liked this a lot.

hello what this is so fun. I think like a 8/10. was just a super enjoyable listen. idk how much id listen every day but I think as an album this is super duper great.

Really liked this! Especially Another Satellite and Dear God. 8.5/10

Inventive and catchy, albeit slightly unfocused.

For a band with such a boring name as XTC, this semi-conceptual, semi-psychedelic trip sure sounds like some of the member indulged in ecstasy while … Wait a minute?!

Enjoyed my two listens. Some great tracks on here, "Dear God", "Grass", "That's Really Super, Supergirl", "Ballet for a Rainy Day". 4/5!

Really chill but so lush. I love the variety of instrumentation. The vocals are super upbeat and pleasant as well. Good relaxation music!

British pop. Kinda ethereal and light, reminds me of tally hall which I like

A great mix of jangle kind of pop and psychedelic music. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did!

A surprising album with bursting and quite unique arrangements. I loved the overall mood and their solid take on 80s psychedelic music.

Good bit of well produced pop. Has some stand out tracks like Earn Enough for Us and Dear God, which I feel still stand up today. Having said that there are a couple of tracks that borderline grate a bit

Summers Cauldron Grass The Meeting Place That’s Really Super, Supergirl Earn Enough for Us The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul Dear God Feels like a hot summer day vibe. Funky and groovy. Nice change of beat. Something different. really enjoyed its upbeat catchy melodies.

Prog punk - odd as a concept, but wonderful in practice. Not my favourite of their albums, and not quite flawless, but a great album to elevate a sunny Saturday

I was familiar with "Dear Hod,@ but not the rest. I enjoyed it.

1000 Umbrellas, Big Day, Sacrificial Bonfire are too slow; I especially like Grass, Earn Enough for Us, Dear God

I enjoyed this album

I enjoyed listening to this.

This is almost like steely Dan meets talking heads. Really cool album

Really enjoyed this. Great vocals, interesting vocal melodies and instrumentation, weird/funny lyrics. This just sounded good from start to finish. The last track was a standout

Wonky and complex psychedelia, which I really like. I knew Dukes of the Stratosfear who ate the same people but not this. Definitely coming back to it again.

Strangely fascinating album

Sans prétention, rassemble des influences jazz ou plus classiques dans des pièces réussies, au climat feutré sans être précieux

no estaba malo, buen sonido y econtre el sample de una rola

I’ve had 2 albums in a row mentioning eclipses after the eclipse on Monday… interesting I guess? This is my 2nd listen of this album. This was one of the albums where I couldn’t decide between a 4 or a 5 before, but I’m pretty sure about a 4 now. It just really slows down at a certain point (after Earn Enough For Us) and doesn’t really pick up after that in my opinion. I still really enjoy the album and somehow didn’t really notice the obvious transitions before? They sound great and I don’t know how I missed that. I’ve listened to Black Sea and Drums & Wires and I don’t like them as much as this. Favorite song: 1000 Umbrellas. (Also, I was absolutely taken aback by the reviews saying that this is worse Tears For Fears, since I really like XTC but have always been the only person I know who dislikes Tears For Fears.)

Beatles inspired, though a bit more modern. It was well done. Stand-out: Another Satellite, Mermaid Smiled

3,5

Pretty fly for some white guys. 4 stars.

Much better than expected! Well played and listenable. I wouldn’t buy the music but wouldn’t change the station if they came on.

Pretty good. Nice range of songs and an enjoyable listen

I think I need another devoted listen, but I would say this is solid. Perhaps it suffers most from both “this walks so something else can run” and “grower, not a show-er,” but I think given its withstanding through time, despite being accidentally mishandled and rejected on release, I’d imagine I’ll come back to this occasionally in earnest excitement.

I enjoyed this

Not really a fan of their hits so didn't expect to enjoy this, but I was drawn in by the quirkiness and overall vibe, and I found it really satisfying as an album.

Loved this from the birdsong at the start to Dear God at the end, even though I know that’s not how it was planned. The first 3 tracks were especially evocative; growing up in an English village they really spoke to me. Will definitely be listening again.

Hooray! An album that I didn't know before, that I really enjoyed, and will listen to again. Thank you, 1001 heavy rock-leaning gods.

Quirky sound, but catchy. I’m kind of into it.

Sólo ubicaba esta banda de nombre. Me sorprende lo adelantado de su sonido, similar a Tame Impala y a las bandas neopsicodélicas de estos años, pero en 1986. Ya desde la primera canción la percusión tiene protagonismo. Algunas guitarras suenan a math rock y tanto la música como las voces me recuerdan a Zappa y a The Beatles, particularmente Sgt. Pepper. Buen descubrimiento

Yet, another album I am sure I have never come across from a band I only have a vague recollection of. One of their later albums far removed from what I understand to be heir punk/new age roots. Thoughtful lyrics, good melody and nice arrangements/orchestration. A notable song is "Dear God". Reflects many thoughts I have had and I would like to write a song with this theme one day once I figure out a new way to present it.

Been a while since I've listened to this one. Quirky vocalist, but really really strong core song writing and stellar production. This is some high quality 80s pop-rock. That's Really Super, Supergirl is a catchy AF jam. Love all the layered effects, as well as the supporting vocal harmonies. But at the core, it is just a really catchy, bright melody with a wonderfully blissful guitar solo. Really enjoy the log-running, seamless format of this album. Shows that some care was taken in sequencing to enable the transitions. In particular, the bleed from Ballet For a Rainy Day into 1000 Umbrellas is superb. Two very different songs both in tone and composition that work great as a pair. Love the string work on 1000 Umbrellas. Almost makes me think of The Beatles a la Elanor Rigbsy, but much darker feeling. Standout track for me. Love the guitar work on Mermaid Smiled. The cabaret jazzy shuffle on The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul was completely unexpected. What a jam this song is; that bass groove paired with some solid drum work and flute. Just wow. Man this is a great album that sounds so far ahead of its time. I can see where the vocals could be a bit polarizing, but the quality of production and songwriting cannot be discounted. In my eyes this is a very high 4.

Skylarkbunting.

This first song is a trip with the melodica/crickets/birds. Also has a great transition into Grass. Some pretty wild looping on The Meeting Place. Fun song! Super, Super Girl is a tricky one for me. Really love parts of it but then it feels cheesy af at others. Season Cycle is apparently influenced by the Beach Boys and you can hear it. One thing that really sticks out after the first side is the production. It sounds incredible and deserves a listen on headphones. I loved this album and was bouncing along the whole time. Debated giving this album a 5 but going to go with an extremely high 4 cuz it fell off in some songs. Downloaded the album though and will be back.

Amazing! How I missed this in 88 is a wonder. The Dear Gid is the hit, but the other tines are wonderful.

4 - I really like the songs that I like off of this album. The transitions between tracks are awesome and flow very well, which is something I always like. The reason I'm leaving it at a 4 is because I don't care much about the tracks I don't have saved. They're not bad, just probably not songs I'll come back to unless I'm listening to the whole album. But, overall, it's a great album and I like the concept. The album's presentation is top notch.

Good experimental 80s boosted by the awesome Dear God

This was pretty good. Enjoyed listening to it.

i quite liked this the second time round

Didn't understand the Beatles comparisons routinely associated with *Skylarking* when I first got aware of the latter's "reputation", but I have to admit that I had only browsed through this album before, and now that I gave it a proper listen, I can see where so many people (and critics) drew that comparison from. With their lush string sections, sophisticated-yet-airy myxoldian chord sequences, and catchy vocal harmonies, "Ballet For A Rainy Day", "1000 Umbrellas", "Season Cycle", "Big Day" or "Dear God" sure have a Lennon/McCartney flavor to them. Just as I wrote it for my previous review of later half-succesful XTC LP *Apple Venus vol.1*, that doesn't mean Partridge and Moulding are exactly in the same league as the Beatles' legendary songwriters. Yet you would have to be tone-deaf not to hear the connection here. Apart from that, you have an interesting string of songs opening the album, namely "Summer's Cauldron", "Grass" and "The Meeting Place" (the two latter being singles for the album)--with a few moments in them rather recalling Brian Eno's pre-ambient-era pop rock experiments than anything Beatles (and maybe also reminding of album producer Todd Rundgren's own off-kilter endeavors in a somewhat similar pop experimental mode). Weird-yet-hypnotic short cut "Another Satellite" also made me think of circa-*I Love You* Beach Boys, when Brian Wilson's late seventies insanity brought him to unwittingly foretell synthpop shenanigans that didn't really exist before the eighties. And somehow, that endearing cut reminded me of Animal Collective as well. Evidence enough that there is something truly timeless in some of the songs displayed in this LP. Unfortunately, you also have a fistful of naff songs in it that are heavily indebted to far more overblown eighties aesthetics, such as "That's Really Super, Supergirl" or "Earn Enough For Us", in spite of rather groundbreaking production values elsewhere which conversely aged quite well. Worse, those sorts of tracks are just a pretext for XTC to exert their muscle memory and rehash their earlier pop-rock-by-way-of-post-punk highlights. Except that this particular rehash is nowhere as good as most of the tunes from *Drums And Wire* or *English Settlement*. And they don't really fit with the rest anyway. Add a couple of fillers into the mix, and that's one point taken away from the whole thing. Because beyond the letdown that those individual songs are, they also hurt the album's momentum in several crucial points of the tracklisting. That said, I admit I was still pleasantly surprised by this record overall, contrary to the earlier admittedly superficial listens I had given it. Turns out I pushed the "like button" for some of the 2-star and 3-star reviews on this app before I got the chance to revisit the album myself. It's something I shouldn't have done. Hence why I won't hesitate to give at least four stars to this thing, to make up for that blunder. So if you want to help me repair my mistake, please push the "like" button as well for my own review, ha ha. 😉 A few words about "Dear God" to end my tentative blurb now: once again, this complaint about organized religions is not really up to the level of John Lennon's own gem about the same topic from *Plastic Ono Band*, as another reviewer estimated in here. But c'mon, it's still a great song, both lyrically and musically (that final climax!). I've just read on Wikipedia that this tune--missing from the first version of this LP, and then quickly added to it thanks to its success as a single stateside--has been placed between "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul" and "Dying" for the 2016 release. And honestly, it's right where it should go, instead of the last slot, as on the Spotify link given in this app (and also in the previous releases). Having it at the very end made it look like a last-minute addition that stuck out like a sore thumb. Now you feel like "Dear God" is truly part of the overall "program" offered by this loosely conceptual album. Not sure if such a concept about "cycles" is that deep or enlightening in the long run. But as long as the music supporting it goes from decent to excellent, I see no reason to complain here. 4/5 for the purposes of this list, translating to a 9/10 grade for more general purposes (5+4). Number of albums left to review: 290 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 312 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 171 (including this one, and I swear I will try hard to place it in a high position in my own sublist) Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many other records are more important to me): 230

Балдёжные лёгкие, я б сказал даже летние треки. Приятный вокал, движовые ритмы, очень приятно слушается. Первый раз слышу про эту группу, но звучит приятно. Четвёрочка )

This album reminded me of ELO, I liked it overall

Very enjoyable. I listened to it in the evening while I was working and it kept me going.

Summer's Cauldron Earn Enough For Us Dear God

I like XTC and this is a great album. The production is really quite amazing. I'll admit that the album I'm most familiar with is "The Big Express" with only passing familiarities with some of the other records. I'll need to find the time to revisit and dig in a bit more. I enjoyed this more than I expected.

There are quite a few good songs, and enough variation that you don’t feel like you’re listening to the same few ideas over and over again.

Crazy that I got the 2 XTC albums so close to each other. I liked it, but there was something that felt unfinished about it that did drag it down for me.

I've never really been an XTC fan, but after listening to the albums they have on this list, I'm coming around. :) Standouts: Dear God, That's Really Super Supergirl. Others: Ballet for a Rainy Day, Season Cycle, Big Day, The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul, Grass, Dying

This had a lot of interesting elements, and the production has aged very well. The closing track is a showstopper.

I have already listened to this album and enjoyed it hehe.

I wasn't as familiar with this album, but I still enjoyed. And of course I adore the song 'Dear God'.

Удивительно лёгкий по звучанию альбом. Ничего лишнего. А ещё и с концепцией

Lourd

jai bien aimé !!!!! 🙀

Delightful

I love XTC, and I like Skylarking, but I really prefer their more energetic and quirky earlier stuff. This album in my opinion, is a solid album, but is overrated in the end. If you are someone who listened to Skylarking and found it to be too twee and gave this album a low rating, be advised that it is only representative of their later work. I encourage you to go back and listen to English Settlement, Drums and Wires, and my personal favorite album of theirs - Black Sea. Those three albums are almost perfect. If those aren't energetic enough for you, go back to their first two albums - White Music and Go 2, which are pretty frenetic.

This was actually a good album

This was pleasant, I'd probably Listen again.

For a long time I got mixed up between XTC and INXS, but no longer. XTC are the good ones. It's a really beautiful and atmospheric album, and one I'll definitely come back to, even if there are no truly standout tracks.

3.5/5

I like XTC and I liked this album, but I had never heard any of the tracks from Skylarking before. I didn't find any new immediate favorites from the band, but I'm worried I'm being too critical. I do have some strong favorites from the band, and this album didn't quite reach those levels. Could I listen to this album again? Yes. Will I listen to this album again? ¿Maybe? XTC has enough layers to their music in general, that I'm pretty sure that this album could be work listening to again.

8/10

I've always enjoyed XTC, but sometimes I felt it was a band that people were like "you should listen to XTC." Me: "Why?" And no one could give a great single reason. Is it their quirky lyrics? The hooks that suddenly go completely askew from what you expect? The fact that the songs sound like they're pop songs but from another planet? It's like aliens listened to the music of the 60s and tried to make their own version and so the music sounds a bit... off. Regardless, there's something about them I always enjoy. And then there's "Dear God", the non-album single that made its way back to the album. I like the song quite a lot, but putting it back on the album in repressings... it doesn't feel like it fits the overall tone of the rest of the album. A lot of the songs run together so well, and that's just... thrown on there. I remember hearing Rundgren on a podcast about this album and how rough it was because Partridge was so difficult. I like this album a good deal, but it's not my favorite: "The Meeting Place," and "Grass" are the two standouts for me.

Quirky and melodic goodness

first listen i think this is actually quite good

3.5 - bump up for Dear God

An incredibly unusual album. Needs further listens, but like a combination of the strangest ends of 80s pop - like Scritti Pollitti doing Kate Bush covers, or Duran Duran produced by Robert Smith. I honestly don't know of I like it or not - which usually means I'll love it in about 6 months.

Dear God is the best song of 1986, quite possibly of the 1980s. It’s the atheist’s swan song; it has such a high place in my heart. Interesting that Todd Rundgren produced this. Even more interesting that XTC thought this was a subpar album. It’s a great album with a singularly lovely tune.

Rock. Muy bueno!

the beginning of summer's cauldron really got me hooked, I felt like I was ascending. i am not usually big on this genre but this album was so unnecessarily good. I also genuinely appreciated how most of the songs blended together.

Great songs very unique... Ween, Phish, 80s music, experimental. Dear God, Grass, and others were great.

Þessar raddir gera ekki mikið fyrir mig, en það er eitthvað töff við þessi lög og production. Ég hlustaði tvisvar og mæli. Þetta kom ánægjulega á óvart.

This one took me by surprise, I think I had these lads pegged as annoying 80s synth pop but they are closer to 10cc than ABC. Loving how blasphemous the last track is, loads of interesting production going on. The vocals irk me a little though, maybe I need a few more listens to become a proper fan.

It confused me when I heard this album referred to as psychedelic after my first listen. But after my second, I get it. While it's pop at its core, many of the songs have that same dreamy feel present on many late Beatles recordings. It's sort of all over the place, while still sounding like every song belongs to a piece. It's a great, dense pop album, if maybe a little too whimsical at times.

алкоальбом: кисло сладкий травяной коктейль на джине очень умиротворяющая музыка

В целом, только позитивные впечатления. Очень лёгкий альбом, музыка тебя не нагружает, её приятно слушать. Но нудновато как-то слегка. Не могу сказать, что испытал какой-то прям вау-восторг от прослушивания, но и блевать не тянет.

Really like this album!

I was always worried about listening to a full XTC album because I really liked the songs I'd heard (like "Dear God" and "Earn Enough For Us" are pretty brilliant) and was worried that the rest of their catalog wouldn't live up to my expectations. Turns out I was right. This album has a handful of great songs and the rest are pretty aggressively average. The great songs pull it up a little, but I wouldn't listen to the whole album again.

Reaaaaally good! 4+

Really surprised with the sound on this. I’d only heard a couple of XTC songs before and always had them down as more punky. A few songs have the new wave / post punk sound, but quite a few are almost Beatles at times without ever sounding exactly like The Beatles. Then theres songs like Earn Enough For Us that is pretty much the blueprint for most late 80s / 90s US rock (REM / Guided by Voices etc). Cracking album though, slows down a bit at times in the middle though. Grass / Meeting Place / Really Super, Supergirl / Big Day were my highlights

Pop-rock suavecín. Me ha gustado.

Very good find. 80s British pop and rock that actually sounds good.

A unique and enjoyable album. Some Beatles-esque tracks, and lots of unique uses of "found sounds".

This was my first ever listen to this album (and an album by the band). I'm quite smitten. It is quirky and beautiful. Psychedelic pop brilliance.

This album was a pleasant surprise to me. I knew them from Making Plans for Nigel and Senses Working Overtime, both not on this album. Those songs are OK, but didn't make me check out an entire album. I should have. It's great. Todd Rundgren was supposed to make this sound less European. I don't think it worked. Reminds me of lots of other artists - older artists like Duran Duran, ELO, Joe Jackson and newer like Blur and the Kaiser Chiefs - but it sounds consistent. Most songs are great, but they could have left the last 2 off. Favorite song: Mermaid Smiled.

Even though this album loses its way toward the end, I’m gonna give it a 4 because I loved how strange it was. First few songs were great and Dear God was a strong closer. Man, this was a doozy.

Love it. This album is somehow both poppy and melodic while being incredibly complex. Sometimes Andy Partridge's often unorthodox vocal melodies are hard to follow (he's a bit quirky that one) that I know that I didn't immediately always gravitate to back in their heyday but it fits the music to a T. Also noting the production on this album that you don't necessarily notice at first, there are tiny gems in each song that makes it all worth multiple plays - one little example is the chime melodies that parallel the vocal lines (e.g. "The Meeting Place") - just gives it an extra boost and sounds fantastic. The melodic influences bleed all over this album (Beach Boys; Beatles; Badfinger) - but also you can hear how they influenced the next generation of melodic pop rock; e.g. one of my alltime favourite bands is "Jellyfish" and holy hell you can hear how XTC influenced them, especially on a song like "Season Cycle" - the propelling melodies and unorthodox chord changes are never boring, and the vocals are Beach Boys level of smooth and complex. Keeper for anyone who likes power pop/rock and a bit of complexity. 8/10 4 stars.

Als een soort Marty McFly zitten we nog steeds vast in het verleden, de jaren tachtig in dit geval. Ik vond dit een vrolijk en afwisselend album, eentje dat je rustig nog een keer kunt opzetten en dat is altijd een goed teken. Het doorstaat de tand des tijds een stuk beter omdat men niet achter alle elektronische modes (de al genoemde blikkerige keyboards en hakketakkerige drumcomputers) aan is gerend. En naar het schijnt gaat Grass niet eens over drugs.

The Sgt. Pepper vibes are strong with this one. Maybe Andy Partridge and Todd Rundgren really did hate one another with the white hot intensity of 1,000 suns. Does it really matter if it leads to this sort of magic?

It was good

I loved this. I will be listening to their whole discography.

Great stuff, quite possibly XTC's best. This record plows it's way through so many genres and feels at home in all of them

I weirdly enjoyed this album! It felt like a bunch of 40 year old dads making a band. The arrangements and sonics were actually great, nothing was uneasy to listen to. The vocals sounded a lil goofy at times but nothing that wasn’t still at the very least fun to listen to. All of the songs sounded different enough that I never felt like they were repeating ideas too much. At times felt like a poor man’s Peter Gabriel or somethin haha. Really dope album and a cool listen, though I probably will not be revisiting.

Loved this album. Have loved a few songs off it for a few years now but never sat down and listened to the full thing until now. I've always considered the 80's to be simultaneously the best and worst decade for music. This albums definitely leans more towards the best part of it. Such a strong and specific sound. Lyrical content in some songs is also great (Dear God obviously) considering a lot of music from that time was words that sound cool. The album had a really strong start but it does kind of fall off in the middle a little for me, less clever song writing, sounds aren't as interesting. But it picks up again for the last few songs. Great cover art too.

-"Ballet For A Rainy Day" sounded like an Electric Light Orchestra song -"Grass," "That's Really Super, Supergirl," "1000 Umbrellas," "Season Cycle," and"Earn Enough For Us" are all catchy fun tracks. -All the songs were good and cool to jam along to, but nothing stood out as impressive. I still enjoyed listening, and didn't mind doing a second listen, so that just bumps it up to 4 stars

I remember liking -- and probably owning? -- this album when it was released back in the 80s. It came out at a time when I was into this kind of pop and even though it's been decades since I've listened to it, it holds up better than I would've expected. My present-time ears hear a little too much of the typical mid-80s production things (sorry, not well-versed in music production so I can't name the techniques, but it seems around the kind of effects they use, the synths, and the mixing), so that sets it back a wee bit for me, but overall this shows some really nice songwriting and performing. But to this day, 'Dear God' is one of the finest songs I've ever heard. It's still brilliant to me.

7/10. Some of the songs were really good, others rather annoying. Still, didn't know I knew and liked so many XTC songs

Enjoyable enough. 7/10

Interessante, bem agradável

I have a feeling that the more I listen to this album, the more I’ll like it. On my first listen, it had enough high points that I don’t remember the lows, but it was by no means perfect

i love that xtc

I’m more familiar with their earlier stuff, but this was excellent.

This was a lush well orchestrated album that reminded me of The Beach Boys with English folk revival and experimental folk like the Kink’s ‘Village Green Preservation Society.’ The biggest issue for me was the length and the fact that the album sounded a bit dated. In its greatest moments, it was absolutely gorgeous.

Couple of these songs really pulled me into alternative music in the late 80s, notably Dear God. These guys were ahead of the game in my book, especially when you think about bands like Modest Mouse, Death Cab, and the Indie movement that emerged in the background of the 1990s. Not to mention some pretty good guitar work.

Pretty good, enjoyed listening to 80's Brit sound

Summer cauldron- samples are ingenious here👍 Grass- catchy but not my thing The meeting place - the bells in the chorus really remind me of the ring doorbell sound That's really super, supergirl - love the production on this one, is quite kitsch Ballet for a rainy day - great imagery in this song👍 1000 umbrellas- lots of strings on this one, very angst Season cycle- V cute👍 Earn enough for us- vocals a bit whiny on this one Big day- cynical wedding songs are not my genre. Another satellite - gotta respect dedication to the metaphor👍 Mermaid smiled- more tropical instrumentation diversifies this song The man who sailed around his soul- almost a bossa nova feel here, enjoyed this track👍 Dying - quite simple musically. Lyrics capture that some memories remain in your mind however trivial Sacrificial bonfire - sounds like a song in a shit musical about pagans Dear God- bars at the end tbh👍 I liked the first side more but all in all a very pleasant listening experience Very Beatles esque 4/ 5

4.2 - It might take a few minutes to get back into to this 80s pop sound that's a blend of INXS, Tears for Fears, Simply Red and other adult contemporary acts of the era. But the songs and the themes definitely warrant a close listen. The observation that this record feels like a "summer day baked into one cake" is an apt one. There are copious references to seasons, weddings, grass, rain, the ocean, punctuated by sounds of buzzing insects, waves, fire. I especially love the two-song suite of "Ballet For a Rainy Day" and "1000 Umbrellas" that explores the pleasures and pains of love. The latter song features some strange and intricate strings and vocal harmonies that are remarkable. I also love the synthesized drone in "Another Satellite" that evokes ocean waves, combined with staccato xylophone and Beach Boys-style harmonies. A couple of cloying moments ("That's Really Super, Supergirl", "The Man Who Sailed...") don't do enough to detract from an overall refreshing record.

I've listened to this band more this year than any other. While Earn Enough for Us & Dear God are the radio friendly hits, I'm blown away by 1000 Umbrellas. I love the strings & structure of the song. I'm wowed! Love me some XTC.

Ethereal. Makes me feel like I'm floating on clouds, maaaaaan. "Dear God" is one of the best songs of all time. So good in fact, that it has a two paragraph long "Controversy" section on Wikipedia - that's how you know a song is bangin'.

Way better than I was expecting. Definitely going into my regular rotation.

This was a new one to me, I knew of XTC but was only familiar with a couple of their hits. I really enjoyed it, kind of like a weird cross over between Tears for Fears and the Beach Boys. Definitely think I'll be back for more of this, and will check out their other albums!

Beatlesque in the best possible way. Lush and layered and sweet-natured, with the exception of the stunning and irreligious closer, "Dear God." Partridge is a skilled lyricist (with a slightly endency toward cuteness [e.g., "pushing the pedals on the season's cycle"]) and, as a chamber pop composer, knows how to make excellent use of the strings. It approaches a kaleidoscopy swirl at times, which was cutting-edge in the day but still works pretty effectively, thanks to very strong overall content and strong production.

sounds felt like a modern twist on the Beetles. kept getting their melodies triggered.

A really solid album with some eclectic songs. I’ve never listened to this band before. I’m going to check out some of their other albums.

Wow. A genuine find here. I sort of knew about XTC ('Making Plans for Nigel' etc), but had never troubled to explore further. Rundgren I met thanks to an earlier selection of 1001. 'Dear God' has left me in a puddle of inchoate emotion

Lovely, smart, quirky pop songs. Lyrically clever, absolutely beautiful arrangements. There's a complexity and depth to these songs that lends itself to repeat listening. The album is new to me, but I imagine you could listen to this many times over and find something new and interesting every time. It's that kind of album. Fave Songs: Season Cycle; Ballet for a Rainy Day; 1000 Umbrellas; Sacrificial Bonfire; That's Really Super, Supergirl; Big Day. I didn't include "Dear God" in my rating, which wasn't on the original version of the album. It's the best song on the album, really brilliant. But musically it sounds like it doesn't belong with the others.

Occasional diatribes against God aside, this is a fun, intelligent, hook driven smart pop record with plenty of wit and verve. It is fascinating to see the move away from the early spiky punk to something more mellow and finely crafted. A great reminder that not all albums from the eighties were terrible.

Kooky and catchy

I like this a lot. Very eclectic with interesting arrangements and great melodies.

This is the real indie, very weird and relatively unsuccessful in its time. I liked it, it seemed like a genuine product of unique individuals.

Probably my favorite XTC album

I quite enjoyed this. The vocals weren’t amazing, but the instrumentation was cool.

I liked this one! Reminded me a bit of the Flaming Lips.

May downgrade later but really enjoyed this yesterday

Actually really enjoyed this one

I know a good amount of XTC but the only track I knew from this one is Dear God, which I've never been a fan of. Happily the rest of the album was much better to my ears, it's all quite smooth and poppy compared to their earlier post punk work but the tunes are great.

Probably my favorite XTC album. Never realized Todd Rundgren produced it, but it makes sense that he'd be the perfect fit for their unique arrangements and structures. Too bad he and Andy Partridge didn't get along, but they ended up making great work together.

This album is lush and complex. It foreshadows quirky, witty and nuanced indie groups like Dirty Projectors, Grizzly Bear, The Antlers etc. XTC was definitely ahead of their time.

Really intriguing album!

Solid and enjoyable album with some Britpop and 60s pop elements. I can't tell you why I like it specifically but I can tell you that I do!

I had no idea what to expect from this album but it was pretty good. I really liked 1000 umbrellas and the rest of the songs were enjoyable too

A decently catchy album. Nothing groundbreaking, but enjoyable.

XTC is one of those bands that I enjoy when I hear them, but have never heard more than a handful of songs. So, I was glad to have the chance to listen to an entire album. I thought it was excellent. 4 stars.

Perhaps the best Beatles record not made by the Beatles, this is maximalist chamber pop that veers into overindulgence now and then. Partridge sings like McCartney and writes songs like Lennon. There’s real joy and some pathos, and the quality is sustained at a high level across the record even it’s occasionally too clever by half. 4.2 for 4.

Rocked! Really enjoyed it

The album is neurotic and baroque at the same time, like 1000 Umbrellas, and which will remain one of the milestones of pop. …Produced by Todd Rundgren.(7/10) FT: Dear God, 1000 Umbrellas

Nada a ver com que eu costumo escutar, mas gostosinho demais

gostar

Ekalla kierroksella kuulosti aika peruskamalta, mutta kun tokalla kertaa kuunteli keskittyneemmin, niin biisitkin tuntuivat paremmilta ja tuli noteerattua taustalla hiljaisempiakin instrumentteja. Loppujen lopuksi päädyin tykkäämään!

Enjoyed this. I just want nice rhythmic jangle pop that chugs along at a good pace. I don't want my ears blown off with guitar wankery or stupid drumming. Maybe a bit pedestrian at sometimes but couldn't ask for more from a jangle pop band

Pop-rock suavecín. Me ha gustado.

there are a couple of tracks off this album i've always liked - predictably enough, dear god and earn enough for us - while the rest of it, though plenty good enough, kinda just melds into the audio wash that was 1986 for me. still, i like it

Classic

4/5

Rather enjoyable.

What a brilliant idea. Start a record with summer cricket/bird songs. That way, every listener comes into the music with a happy feeling. And then, deliver with some good 80s pop music. I like this music a lot. I'm really pleased with the amount of British pop music on this list. Makes it worth the list's Janes Addition addiction. I have always heard about XTC but the name made me think they were goth or glam or something. Nope! They sort of sit nicely between Psychedelic Furs and the early 90s Britpop movement for me. There are so many sounds on this record that sound like they significantly influenced...wait for it...I say it all the time............Blur! Who cares? I do say it all the time. But, it's true and it feels like I found a new Blur record. "That's Really Super, Supergirl" sounds like it could be on The Great Escape. XTC is a band that will be in rotation for me. For sure.

First time listener - new fan of this album. I feel like this album would have held up in any of the decades that followed its release in '86. It sounds very 80s, but - at the same time - very current. If the right bands covered these songs today, they'd be huge commercial success, IMO. Plus, the vocal remind me of Ben Folds.

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: That’s really super,Supergirl, Earn enough for us, Dear god

I actually really like the sound of this

Slow to start but all comes together nicely post 1000 umbrellas. Ballet for a Rainy Day and The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul were my highlights. Also loved the string arrangement in 1000 umbrellas. Get around that Todd Rungren production.

Enjoyed this. Not heard of this band before and was pleasantly surprised.

Todd Rundgren helps this album. As a thematic piece, it has a Beatles Sgt Peppers vibe that finishes weaker than it started. Dear God feels thrown in at the end - which of course it is and while it's a good song, it doesn't feel connected to the album. 3.5/5

Really interesting production on this album. Pushes boundaries just enough not to reach pretentiousness all while keeping a level of character and charm.

I feel a bit let down by the end of this album. It just went on a few tracks too too long. That's preventing me from giving it 5 stars. But I still loved it. 1. Crickets... Become fun 80s thumps... Becomes foot-tappin' pop! 2. Smooth transition to another pleasant ditty. Eno/Byrne vibe. Crickets out. 3. Another similar vibe---this one like a machine made of pleasant and well-fit cogs. I am loving this 4. And it keeps getting better. There's this video-game organ sound in the background which I love, but it's disguised in the mix so that the whole song just sounds goofy and fun. Oh my GOODGod that guitar solo slipped in. I'm drooling. 5. Slowing it down a minute. Makes sense, because that last song was a very tough act to follow. 6. Smooth transition to this song which is somehow miserable and goofy at once, kind of a masterpiece. I love the descending riffs and violins, which remind me of gentle giant. 7. Beach Boys?! by the way, Every once in a while this album surprises you with a disgustingly pretty jazz chord, and it's just the best. 8. Woah, straight up 80s guitar pop. Still stuff to love here, but it's comparatively a bit generic here. 9. The comparative slump did not last long. Love the opening here. This song is a whole different vibe---something a bit "Revolver". 10. Space song! 11. High energy space-pastoral 12. Weird change of pace: noir to funky jazz, partially in 7. This one felt a bit out of place. 13. Ballad... Might be about death? A weaker track 14. Funny orchestral piece 15. Starts with a child singing (meh). Kind of an atheist anthem---seems a bit preachy (lol).

Sounds like something I get recommended by a Twitter mutual and end up liking. 'Dear God' is my favorite.

Interesting album. At times it sounds very modern (especially the production) and at other times they invoke the Beatles or the doors. Lyrics are a bit weak at points but the majority of songs are clever and catchy. Probably a 3.5 but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt because it's different enough.

Atmospheric post-pop landscapes punctuated by gorgeous storytelling.

Good albumm.

really enjoyed this group all though I had never heard them before. Putting them on my play list.

gostei, daora

Quite pleasant. Would listen again.

Sounded like the Beatles.

Summers Cauldron and Grass feel like a part 1 & 2 of the same mellow opening. The Meeting Place takes the next step in the journey. Ballet For A Rainy Day into 1000 Umbrellas is a fun counter point to the front of the album, though i like Ballet as a song better than 1000 Umbrellas. Then the album takes this really weird psychadelic space turn culminating in Another Satellite. Mermaid Smile has a great guitar intro. Cool concept album overall, one worth revisiting but first blush is a meh. Yea without Dear God as the final track, how does this album wrap itself up?

Not bad. interesting and weird style

Surprisingly good.

Groovy, pool vibes

This one surprised me. It was boring and a little cheezy at first but it's got a lot of depth and gets lots of relistens.

This was way ahead of its time

Super good. Never really listened to them much before.

leuk maar beetje ouwe lullen muziek

i like this

this was kinda cool, soft rock-ish stuff meets soft jazz kinda like mr bungle does in parts (for want of a better frame of reference). would listen again 4/5.

XTC is a band that I know exists and really dig their hits Making plans for Nigel and Senses working overtime. But never listened to real albums (Except I recall a singles collection). Oh yes also Dear God I know but did not realize it was an XTC song. First impression is that it is heavy Beatles infused 80s pop. The album is a nice listen and introduction for me to learn more from the band. But i might need more listens to fully grasp the quality (As reading the reviews, this seems to be their best and magnus opus. But for now I stick at 3 stars. Might change later song picked for my playlist : 1000 umbrellas.

Expectation: -> Guessing this is obscure. After listening: -> Took two full days to listen and evaluate. Despite this, opinion didn't change much from my first impression. Light, fun. Spring/summery with birds chirping at the start. Enjoyed this but I wouldn't say it really hit for me or that I truly connected with it. 3 pushing 4. Track ranking: Ballet Grass Summer Season Super Earn Meeting The Man God Satellite Big Day Bonfire Mermaid Dying 1000

Ok. Too slow for my natural rhythms. ★★★

better than their other album, pleasant

To complain about this 'artsy' power pop record being too polished and sterile seems like complaining about Barney The Dinosaur being too slow and repetitive. (Do kids still watch Barney? Should've said Ms. Rachael.) This feels like an album a younger me would've loved, but all of the songs seem to be about marriage / divorce, so (like now) I am reserving my praise for the hookiness of it all. It all kind of comes and goes, and with how many of these songs piggy-back off of each other it's hard to break the songs up in my mind. But I was tapping my toes making dinner to this album, and that seems like the point. It may not be Genesis, but at least it's not Genesis. (Do kids still listen to Genesis? Should've said Muse.)

Pleasant enough. Not sure i needed the extended crickets (?) to ‘Grass’. I knew ‘Dear God’ from the film ‘It’ and constant TikTok videos from my daughter so have a lot of affection to that track and it is an outstanding track on its own merits.

Today I learned that “Dear God” is by XTC and is the unmistakeable star of this album. The rest, however, is perfectly acceptable middle of the road that I didn’t at all mind.

Yes, it is odd, but not particularly good in any overarching way.

Meh

Interesting but didn't really enjoy it, maybe 2.5/5.

Some interesting bits here and there, the controversy around "Dear God" was interesting to read about but the song itself is not that novel. Overall a decent 80s pop-rock effort, nothing all that special.

Skylarking was much more melodic and pop-oriented than I expected, as I had always assumed XTC were a more punk-oriented band. The standout track for me was easily Dear God, whose direct and provocative lyrics left the biggest impression, even though it felt somewhat distinct from the album’s overall warm and melodic atmosphere.

Making Plans for Nigel band? Great. But no this was an 80s offering, while I quite liked this concept album at the beginning, it wore thin and sounded less innovative and more like the weak tea style of 80s pop by the second half.

“XTC wasn’t around in the 80s” (Puts on album) “Oh. I was thinking TLC. This isn’t that.” My ex liked these guys. I always thought they were dorky. I was right. They’re very dorky.

Enjoyed this enough. Has years for fears vibes. Will check out more

A bit conflicted on this, it's a lot of pastiche of different artists, but kind of ends up sounding as lost excerpts form Tears For Fears's "Songs From The Big Chair" sessions. That said, "Dear God" and "That's Really Super, Supergirl" are darned good songs.

Feels sm longer than it actually is

Solid enough but idk if it’s worth the library addition