Reviews (page 5 of 7)
Ah, it's finally Skylarking day! I'd never listened to XTC until I reviewed Apple Venus Vol. 1 last year. I wasn't wowed by Apple Venus, but I could appreciate what XTC was trying to achieve. I know that Skylarking is supposed to be fantastic, so I'm excited to fire up this album today! Unfortunately, like Apple Venus, I appreciate the vision and artistry of Skylarking, but it's just not for me. XTC are clearly talented musicians, but there's just something about the sound of this album that I don't really care for on a personal level. I do like that Skylarking feels akin to Sophistipop, but with more focus, and with a sound that feels unique and unforced. There were a few songs that I did like though: "Summer's Cauldron," "Earn Enough For Us," and "Dear God" were really good. Their sound was really accessible to me, and they all had some additional musical elements that I liked. "Dear God" really resonated with me; watching the US slip towards a fascist dictatorship lately has really shaken my faith in humanity and a higher power, and as a husband and a father, I feel so powerless to do anything for fear of putting myself at risk. Sometimes I just want to scream, and "Dear God" was really cathartic. I think XTC just isn't for me, even though I really wanted to like them. I respect their unique sound and their artistry, but this isn't an album I'd come back to.
This was pleasant to listen to. The vocalist reminded me a bit of Bo burnham oddly enough.
It's a tease. So much clever! Interesting arrangements, clean production Great backline. But only 3 real songs. The rest is frustrating, over-conceptualized, and affected. Dear God is pretty great though.
Beatles melded with Tears for Fears - I actually quite like the first half of the album, the production is amazing. The second half feels like much of the same unfortunately. Altogether I'm glad I listened to it. Another 3.5.
I just skimmed through this album because I had wisdom teeth surgery, every song sounded kinda the same to me in the first half of the album. I didn’t hate it but not really my thing. I think my mom likes this band so I’ll give them an extra star for that. 3/5
Very fun sounding music, and it was a really unique use of a lot of different instruments and very clever lyrically. That being said, I just never got super into any of the songs. 3/5 Fav song: Grass
Not exactly my personal taste per se, but there was some pretty clever lyrics, including the double entendre "It would shock you, the things we did on grass." Overall a very nostalgic vibe for an English group taking advantage of ALLLL the technology at hand in the 80s. Honestly enjoyed it more than I thought it would.
Sounds like a perfect spring day. Sadly, I got bad allergies
Just a three from me.
Highlights: The Meeting Place, Earn Enough For Us. In a nutshell: songs of life. You can tell that a few Britpop musicians were inspired by this album and XTC. It's not a bad thing. Overall: 5/10
I don't know what it is about this album that I like but don't quite love. I guess it's just a bit lacking in energy, and too conventional all around? Definitely very emotional and well put-together, not upset that I heard this
The production is superb throughout the whole album.
I like it okay for 80s - it doesn’t speak to me.
Certainly an interesting album to say the least. Much after the new wave, well "wave", of acts in the early 80's, XTC brings some unique instrumentation to the scene here. Everything flows well and Andy Partridge just has that quintessential 80's British pop voice ala Tears for Fears. It's all very fantastical. Perhaps the group tried to mimic The Beatles a tad much here and there, given the heavy influences of 60's psychedelia.
In its own way, Skylarking represents a musical throwback: an 80s version of 60s music. "Umbrellas" is interesting, and "Season Cycle" works for me. I agree with the decision to add "Dear God" - best track on the album. But that was about it. The other songs seemed kind of silly and not particularly well done.
Not my type
couple songs not bad
Ok
Don’t hate this, but it managed to be wowed without being interesting somehow
Interesting
This feels like it should have been something I liked, but somehow it was just... meh
3,5
Ágætis 80's
Better start than ending. Grass is by far the best song of the album.
++: That's Really Super, Supergirl, 1000 Umbrellas, The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul +: Summer's Cauldron, Grass, The Meeting Place, Ballett for a Rainy Day, Season Cycle, Another Satellite, Mermaid Smiled, Dying, Sacrificial Bonfire +-: Earn Enough for Us, Big Day 7,2/10
I expected more energy from a band named after Ecstasy. It was okay, but I won't listen to it again.
Brit Electro Pop, oder wie nennt man das? Manche Melodien ind ich nicht so gut, aber insgesamt n chilliges Album, also zum ruhigen Nebenbei hören. 3 Sterne
ganz ok. fand die erste hälfte besser, zweite eher mäßiger.
Medium, nichts zu meckern, nichts zu feiern. Songs der Playlist hinzugefügt: Keine
I'm sure these guys are well known in Britain, but I confess that I'd never heard of them. That's good though, as it means I had very few if any expectations or prejudices going in. Huge psychedelic vibes on this one. Really unexpected from an album released in 1986. It really felt like, at moments, they were really Beatles-inspired. I guess that shouldn't be surprising, given that they probably grew up in the 60's/70's Britain. (A quick check of the Wiki article confirms this.) I think you can condense my opinion on this one into one thought - they try to emulate that 60's sound, but they just can't do it as well as it was done back then. It's unfortunate, because there's so many wonderful ideas here. But the entire thing felt more like a band trying to be something they weren't, and something that didn't exist anymore and couldn't be recreated. All of that said, I really liked this. Some of it was a little cringey by today's standards ("That's Really Super, Supergirl" really needed to not). But the creativity on display here, the riffs, the production all come together to make a perfectly listenable, if not derivative, album experience. I just wish they could've made it all sound a little more authentic and less like an imitation of a sound that wasn't their own. It also didn't need to be as long as it was. Easily could've been a 35 minute album and I would've liked it more. The fact that I didn't find any of the songs after the half way point worth adding to my standout tracks below is telling. Overall, though, three stars. Perfectly enjoyable, a nice throwback, easy listen. Standout Tracks: Summer's Cauldron, Grass, 1000 Umbrellas, Season Cycle, Earn Enough for Us
This wasnt unpleasant, but it fidnt blow me away. My 74 year old mother was here and she enjoyed the nostalgia as she was mid 30's when it came out. A good couple singles and a pleasant vibe
This album has been so different, that i am unsure if i would be able to rate it fairly. Sound wise i am surprised, so solid and modern considering when it was released. Also a very fresh sound. Composition is diverse, which make it easy to hook on. I would love to give a 4 but i didn’t understand it fully. Will review it later.
Enjoyable.
It‘s ok
It was alright, not anything special.
Didn't mind it
Again, a really odd album. I really want to like this album as it's has all the odd quirky elements, intelligent lyrics and is certainly unlike other bands. The problem is I just can't get into it.
Some wacky songs
Starts and ends strong (summers cauldron, grass, dear god) but the gooey center lets it down a bit
Seems very British. Not bad. Dear God is the standout for me and it seems to not match the rest of the album.
2.5
Not bad. Again not my thing.
Not really my thing but still pretty enjoyable! Season Cycle is probably my favorite, the whole album has a pretty nice easygoing energy, but it makes it a little lame? Weird point against it but its the best way I can put it. Absolutely worth a listen.
This was interesting. There were some moments when it honestly felt a little Beatles-y and I was really digging it, but then there were moments when it just felt whiny and kinda boring and predictable. Overall I did enjoy it, but I probably wouldn't listen again. Three stars.
Every song sounds like a different genre or even totally different band at certain points. Interesting mix of all kinds of styles and instruments, done very tastefully. Last song, Dear God, is really good and kind of spooky to me but overall the album is too varied for me, I need something that kind of stays close to a lane, this album is swerving through lanes like they missed their exit.
Didn’t love it didn’t hate it. Reminds me of Cindy.
Wobbly moddy English late 80s pop
Skylarking is the ninth studio album by XTC, originally released in 1986. This is my first time listening to anything by XTC. I was expecting a much more 80s-sounding album. This record obviously takes a lot of inspiration from 60s music. I hear shades of The Beatles and The Kinks. There's even some psych callbacks on here with some sitar and tabla action. This is apparently supposed to be a concept album but I don't hear much of a concept at all. Overall it's some pretty cool 80s alternative rock.
I’m not sure if I really love it or if I really hate it but I’m tapping my feet so ?????
3.5 stars. Alt rock/pop that is a bit baroque but works. Fun little melodic stretches and creative songwriting. A couple duds (including "Mermaid Smiled") but some standouts as well, "Earn Enough For Us" and "Dear God". Overall it is a different twist on standard pop rock that incorporates a lot of different sounds.
They had a fun and interesting sound but it just felt like it was missing something.
The only track I remembered from this band was Only making plans for Nigel. Upon listening thought the album quite good. Musically and vocally sound and original in production. At times reminiscent of Roland Orzabal from Tears for fears vocally. Overall not a bad listen.
Haven’t given this a thought in 30+ years. Used to love it back then. After a full listen today, I know why I haven’t thought about it since then.
Another uninteresting album today. XTC did a great song once called "We're Making Plans for Nigel". But that song isn't on "Skylarker". The first 5 songs gave me hope that it's gonna be great. More tracks later, that hope was crushed. I'll give "Skylarker" 3 stars.
Interesting album. Didnt really get into it thought. Standout songs: Summers Cauldron Earn Enough for Us Dear God
good stuff, but not as good as i remember. dear god is still the standout
Hate to say it but them veering into a theological or spiritual direction just comes off as kinda dated and corny. Cool they explored new angles but it's not my fav side of them. Just can't help but wonder what Nigel's up to.. 2.5
Skylarking is a fine album. The album honestly does feel like a new wave album even though that genre was not listed in this album's list of genres. The songs here are generally all pretty well done with some decent melodies throughout all of them. The sound of them did sound a little bit jarring at first but i got more used to it as the album progressed. My main issue is the seamless song transitions which would sound fine if done through an actual record/cassette/CD player but when I'm here listening to them on YouTube through the album's official playlist, it becomes fairly awkward. This album is a pretty decent addition to the library. Best Song: Season Cycle Worst Song: Grass
A couple of hits I like and a couple of new ones to me that I liked. But not memorable enough to keep in rotation.
я долго внимательно слушала и ничего не помню на следующий день) вроде норм
Pretty inoffensive album but very forgettable. I mean it was ok; as middle of the road as you can get. 6/10.
I enjoyed the sound of XTC, I thought they were a new band for me but after checking their page I realized I did know “Mayor of Simpleton” (their Spotify #5) and could then hear it throughout. Another album I wish could have half-star ratings.. 3.25/5 rounding down as no tracks jumped out at me
I was a big XTC fan in the 90s but am underwhelmed by their later stuff. Maybe its the vocals but I just can't see choosing to listen to this one again
Nothing really that special, but a solid album nonetheless.
I was obsessed with the follow up to this album, Oranges and Lemons. I still pull it up to listen to occasionally. While I have never listened to this album in its entirety, I certainly knew some of the songs - Dear God, most notably. I have always appreciated how the sound of XTC is so current but also throw back. It’s catchy pop with an alternative twist. Great stuff. This album is not as good as Oranges and Lemons, to me. I still really enjoyed it. It’s just happy music.
Sure
It's alright, I guess. I appreciate the concept and the cohesion, but it just doesn't grab me.
Meh, not really my thing. It’s competent, just not my taste.
This record is like a mix of The Beach Boys and The Kinks. It’s breezy but still a bit odd. There are lots of layers and little quirks in the production. The songs drift between whimsical and melancholic, which keeps it interesting. Sometimes it feels a bit too polished, though, like the edges were smoothed out. Still, it has its charm in the melodies and quirky lyrics.
Not bad
Enjoyable, digestable, not overwhelmingly 80's or new wave. And also not showboaty, just decently crafted alternative pop tunes.
Whereas Black Sea would be a 4 or 5 for me, this is a 3 for me. Dear God is my standout choice. But the rest is too...trippy sounding. Too many trippy songs strung together is no so good to me.
full djassskotið fyrir minn smekk. gæti vaxið á við aðra hlustun. fær því 3,5.
Beter dan de vorige iig
Adequate
Is alright
Liked it especially the first couple of tracks and the last one where it sounds like a kid singing the intro
Quite boring
Very ok. It had some decent moments and songs. I guess it's a 3. It's just so very unremarkable
HM! XTC...never heard of this or at least I don't think so...I don't really understand concept albums. I don't think I ever really even knew about the term until I started doing this. Or maybe when John told me about that Frank Zappa album. Trying to think who this reminds of. Kind of has some Police vibes? no not The Police..Talking Heads? It'll come to me. Duran Duran! That's who he sounds like! I don't know I didn't hate it but it's not AMAZING. 3 stars. The Man Who Sailed His Soul caught my ear. It's got a cool Jazzy tune to it. I would probably replay this track again sometime. OH! So they saved the best for last. Dear God. I have heard this before!
Not my thing but not too terrible
Dear God really goes for it.
Favourite tracks: dear god; grass; the meeting place; that's super, Supergirl
Feel like a high degree of difficulty and I liked it more and more as it went on. Ultimately not something I d likely need to listen to again.
Blind album and artist. Was a little underwhelmed throughout until that final track which i thought was really good.
Interesting album, I enjoyed the variety but overall the quality was a bit inconsistent.
I really want to like XTC and the production and lyrics are great but it does come across a bit twee.
This album was very intriguing to me. It started off as a pretty standard sounding 80s new wave record - nothing wrong with that. Then I started noticing some Indian or perhaps African style percussion instrumentation thrown in as well which was a surprise. Somehow it kinda worked! Then about halfway through the album the sound shifts to a very Beatles-sounding album akin to "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." A wide net of influences on one record can sometimes be jarring, but in a way it worked for XTC on this record. I was interested throughout - overall a good album! Notable Tracks: - The Meeting Place - That's Really Super, Supergirl - Ballet For A Rainy Day - Season Cycle - Dear God - biggest hit on the album 6/10
Better than I expected, but I would still put it in the "comfortable background music" category.
Interesting album. Not bad.
Skylarking by XTC showcases the band's versatility and musical evolution. Feeling rather Beatles-esque in style, it diverges significantly from their earlier post-punk work, such as the hit Making Plans for Nigel. The album is rich with lush, melodic arrangements and intricate production, thanks in large part to producer Todd Rundgren. Dear God stands out as an exceptional track, with its provocative lyrics and compelling composition. While the rest of the album may not reach the same heights, it still contains several noteworthy songs. Tracks like Grass and The Meeting Place offer a pleasant listening experience with their whimsical and pastoral vibes. Skylarking is a commendable effort that highlights XTC's ability to reinvent themselves while maintaining their unique charm. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 4 STAND OUT TRACK - Dear God
Maybe the most 80s album I have ever heard. Parts are catchy while some parts are cluttered and chaotic. I didn't hate it but I didn’t love it. 6/10
Pretty nice, never heard then before
Great opener, and the rest just keep passing the high bar. The cover of the pipers maybe at the gates of dawn hints at the orchestral and muted psychedelia that is to follow. The season cycle could be the theme song of the album. The light, casual breeziness hides the technical precision. One of their best.
Hard to find an opinion on this one. Wavered between indifference to annoyance (that kid voice on Dear God). Something gimmicky about this band that I can’t quite parse out. But then I thought I sound curmudgeonly for no good reason. Straight down the middle but veering more toward 2.5
Honestly some great pop/new wave. I’m a fan of XTC. A fun listen :)
Empieza bien. Pero por el medio se enrolla un poco.
I love dear god, but otherwise a bit so so
3.5
If this isn't the most Brit-Pop album I have ever listened to... At times they almost felt like a Beatles cover/parody band and then at other times they sounded like a the most British Pop group ever, I kind of enjoyed it though, kept me intrigued for the next song.
Pretty catchy! Not something I'd pick to listen to but I wouldn't skip it on the radio. Earn Enough For Us, Summer's Cauldron stood out. Really Super, Supergirl was one of the tracks I liked least.
Pleasant, but doubt I'll listen to it again
Pleasant but nothing really to write home about
Dear God is by dsr the best song from this album, and I've listened to it several times before. However, the rest of the album I am very unsure about. Sometimes I like the music, sometimes I don't. I think the vocals are always solid though. The themes of the songs are interesting and I like the thoughtful lyrics.
Pleasantly Beatley. If I listened a few more times, could probably make it to four stars.
Skylarking is a fine new wave album. Dear God is massively better than the rest though!
I really vibed with a much later album by XTC on this list (Apple Venus Volume 1) but this kinda cynical 80's wave rock does it much less for me.
This band and album are completely new to me. I hate that spotify has this 1 sec gap between tracks when it's clearly an album that all flows together. It's super disruptive. Read that this is rock, but there's a lot of orchestral instruments, so I don't know how to categorize it. Reminds me of late Beatles maybe. I enjoyed the overall vibes. Highlights: sacrificial bonfire
I liked it better than the prince album, but not enough to give it 4 stars
Old soul
Ну попса и попса
Interesting album. I liked the title and the cover art. The only other place I’ve heard of skylarking is in the lonely island song Ras Trent. The songs all had parts I liked and parts I did not. It didn’t sound like a typical 80’s album.
6/10 - These songs are super hit or miss to me, and there are more misses than hits. 1000 umbrellas was interesting to say the least. A few of the later songs were fun to listen to but nothing was amazing.
Usually like this kinda weird new wavey pop shit but I didn't think this was very good. I've tried may times to like XTC because they're always popping up in the related artists of groups I like but I never can
The choice of album name is exquisite. This is a somewhat pleasant but entirely pointless diversion. The music just tinkles along without going anywhere at all. The one track that has any kind of substance is Dear God - more of this and less of everything else and this could have been a pretty good album.
I get the appeal but it wasn’t my vibe
Sounds like Echo and the Bunnymen.
Closer to 2.5 for me. Never really liked their sound.
A funky blend of genres like jazz, pop, rock, and electronic music with an overall good sound. The album felt a bit too similar though, or maybe it’s that the middle of the album lost me, as did the end. The concept was good. The main singer is good but his lyrics never really grabbed me and were corny at times. The corniness got to me on the song Dying. Standouts: The Meeting Place, That’s Really Super, Supergirl, Mermaid Smiled, and The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul.
Good
Tää oli parempi kun muistelin. Kivan pehmeä 3/5
Tykkäsin joskus enemmän, mutta edelleen ihan jees
Hieman keskimääräistä kiinnostavampaa poppista. 3/5
Very 80s. Distracting cricket music. but I'm glad someone likes em? Innocent enough music, i like some of the suggested songs but the base album is a 3.
This sounded like a lot of the music my dad likes so I felt quite comforted by that! The lyrics are a bit bizarre but musically and vocally I actually really enjoyed this, despite knowing nothing about the band or their sound.
I hear some Tears for Fears and Men at Work.The album as a whole was ok. I do still enjoy Earn Enough for Is and Dear God. I looked at other songs and realized I know quite a few. I’m happy to be reunited with them but didn’t like most of the songs..
Was surprised to hear so much influence from Beatles and Beach Boys. A few innovative sound Experiments just don‘t make this record astounding but make me call this an interesting pop album.
It was fine
Pretty good stuff! There’s definitely a song or two in here I could see myself returning to. (That’s Really Super, Supergirl and Dear God) It’s a bit too 80s British cheese for me in some places.
3.1
Beatles de l'Hacendado ELR: 3
Some great stuff here, I think I need to listen again to appreciate it though
Good and interesting but a little too oddball for my liking - happy to have heard but I don’t think I’ll go looking back for it.
80s goodness. Great to do a full album
Got better towards the end
A very 80’s indiepop sound, and not really taht exciting. The lyrics are interesting though, bringing a certain quality
Okay album. Wasn't in love with any particular song.
Yeah it was good but their other earlier albums are better
I couldn’t really break into XTC and this just furthers that.
I imagine that if the Beatles had been a thing in the 80s, instead of the 60s, they would sound a bit like this. "Sound", mind you, as I don't think that the songwrighting is even remotely on the same level. Stilll, listening to this is somewhat relaxing, and for the obvious shortcomings regarding the material, I actually liked the final result somewhat. 3/5
never heard this band before. listened 2x. 2.7/5
Shouldn’t be surprised that Skylarking is a playful album, but “dear God” sets a tone that suggests otherwise.
Kinda fun. Reminds me of a cross between talking heads and the Silverstein album “young mondern”.
6/10 Way better than the embarrassing mess that was the other XTC album I’ve heard on this list As a Blur fan I have found an obvious influence on the earlier part of their career Psychy chamber pop, very well produced with a nice mix of live and synth/electronic instrumentation Some nice harmonies and melodies Vibes of Beatles, Pink Floyd, Beach Boys But I can’t get past the vocals and lyrics, I just straight up don’t like them I think I just don’t much like what Partridge does Best: Another Satellite
Smart pop music. Dear God is the best song by far but as others have pointed out doesn't fit the album.
A decent pop record when they dont try to be Genesis.
Hm, wel prima. Niet heel spetterend ofzo
Wel oke, vond ‘m een beetje saai
Wisselend album, begon erg leuk Werd daarna beetje raar Meh
Listened to it once and it's a 3 star album. Listened again and it's actually a 4 star album. Played some for my girlfriend. Nope, it's a 3 star album.
I love xtc but this always seemed overthought and trying to be clever. The loose cycle concept seems like an afterthought. But still an enjoyable listen. God bless XTC and all who sail with them.
3.5
Perfectly pleasant, but about 3-4 songs too long and kinda lightweight.
Super, super girl song definitely sounds like old poppy radio hit, kind of an annoying song. The man who sailed around his soul is interesting, I like the flute. I liked the album overall, interesting band and sound quality is good, seems well produced. Some unique sounds and instruments in there. I give it a 3.5 stars
That album was very weird and I have no idea how to rate it. There were points where I would give it a 4 and also parts where it was a 2. So I will meet in the middle for a 3 That seems like an album that I should like but there was just something off with it.
Good
3.3 summers cauldron the man who sailed around the world
Varies between lounge act and hymnal resonance.
It's a band everyone should know. His voice is not the most soothing but it's quite unique. like some of their other albums better but I get why this is on there.
Classic British pop. Dear God kind of ruined it for me though.
Some nice bits... overall not bad...
Interesting blend of sound 3
The production value is high, and so is the quirkiness. Obviously heavily Beatles-inspired. I thing it hits the mark in several cases with strong songs, but also gets muddy in other areas. Great arrangements and you can’t knock em for trying some new things.
It was ok
Interesting 80's alternative / New Wave. Worth a listen.
01) Summer's Cauldron - 8,0 02) Grass - 8,5 03) The Meeting Place - 8,5 04) That's Really Super, Supergirl - 8,0 05) Ballet for a Rainy Day - 7,5 06) 1000 Umbrellas - 7,0 07) Season Cycle - 6,5 08) Earn Enough for Us - 7,5 09) Big Day - 7,0 10) Another Satellite - 7,0 11) Mermaid Smiled - 7,5 12) The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul - 7,0 13) Dying - 7,0 14) Sacrificial Bonfire - 7,5 15) Dear God - 8,5 TOTAL: 7,53 (75/100) I've heard of XTC but never actually listened to them. I couldn't name a single song of theirs even if my life depends on it. This album actually sounds better than I thought it will.
Some good cuts but overall not a lot of different music in the songs
Mundane
Easy to listen to. Not exciting but also not annoying.
I listened to this album all the way through twice, and it somehow made no impression on me, either good or bad. The music is pleasant enough, but it has an unbelievable ability to fade into the background 3/5
Tjah
Nice sound.
Some interesting songs but nothing I'd revisit in a hurry
Upbeat, chill music. Great for background music in the backyard playin’ cornhole. Won’t interrupt conversation. (Not meant as an insult… sometimes you want to groove, but not get interrupted by a fan favourite tune) Solid 3
It’s giving Beatles, but make it 80s. I think I’d have to look into the concept a bit more to really appreciate the album, but it really wasn’t bad.
I love their album, English Settlement. This album was OK.
Truly excellent song transitions, truly okay songs.
I happened to listen immediately following Queen of Denmark. Mistake. They were similar. Each one has beautiful melodies and musicianship, but the lyrics are far too random and juvenile sounding. I’m certain that fans would disagree and tell me that they are merely satirical or ironic, but they just don’t find their way into my lyrical lockbox.
pretty good, some real bangers, XTC certainly has better albums though
They sound like a weird blend of every 80's band you can think of. Not a bad ride though!
I wanted to like this more than I did, it's aight though. Feels like a pretty solid 3.
Just ok.
Not bad
It was not the XTC I am familiar with, but enjoyed the folkiness
Kind of has a Beatles-like sound (in a Modern style). Standouts: Dear God, Grass Others: Bullet For A Rainy Day, That's Really Super Supergirl, The Meeting Place, Big Day, Another Satellite, The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul, Dying 3.5
Aware of some of their work, and although I think they have made better albums, still a decent listen.
Tears for Fears meets the Lion King meets Elbow. Had me humming along.
Inoffensive 80s pop/rock. Nothing really stands out but wasn't desperate for it to end. Not in the right mood for it but probably won't listen again.
More like a 3.5 since the album sort of falls off after Earn Enough For Us
Sa sonne comme un centre d’achat
Sleepy daydream album - not really my cup of tea. The outlier was "Dear God" which is a much heavier track than the rest of the album. Musically solid, probably will only listen to "Dear God" again.
Cool
ganske chill, men ikke noen woaw faktor
Dit vind ik tof! Fijne eighties vibe en goeie songs
Some nice sounds. Pedestrian lyrics.
Ihan jepa!
The parts that weren't your generic 80's pop music were pretty cool!
Meh
enjoyed a lot of this, but also some was difficult for me… standout- summer’s cauldron
Some lovely and interesting compositions paired with rightly-lauded production. Varied, arguably progressive. Album opens with a two-part in Summer's Cauldron/Grass that feels as warm as that season's sun, complete with some birdsong. I'd describe it as baroque pop. The album closes with a run of varied tunes on introspection that sound a bit more like pop jazz (The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul), a modern composition of English trad folk (albeit with 1986 production - Sacrificial Bonfire) and a 60s folks protest song written to God instead of the government (Dear God). It's an effective album, and I can hear its influences now. Having said that, it remains somewhat ephemeral -- perhaps just a little bloated in the middle. Unlikely to get another full listen, but I'm glad I visited Skylarking.
Reminds me of a knock off of the Beatles at times. Makes me tired. Not my thing.
Weird
At its best, this album is reminiscent of a late stage Kinks record; at its worst, it sort of forgets what it is in its attempt to be whimsical and weird. Overall a fun listen with some catchy pop rock hooks that sound outside the new wave format.
If only this was a best of XTC album, I could probably give them a 4 or 5. They have some songs that I really love (many not on this album and from a bunch of different albums) but they're so all over the place. Their lyrics are usually very good, and this album is no different. In some ways I wish someone else got ahold of them and added different music to back up the vocals or changed the melodies altogether. Take That's Really Super Supergirl. So cheeky and clever, and so ahead of it's time (I think a lot of 90's rock had the song's sardonic MO) but the tempo and the instrumentation is just a bit off. It could really kick ass if remade with a different sound. Other songs, like Summer's Cauldron sound cool at times and then off other times - just as I'm getting into it I find myself saying why'd you do that/make it sound that way? They can do it (harmonize) because they have some nice segues from song to song (Summer's Cauldron to Grass, Ballet for a Rainy Day to 1000 Umbrellas), they're just inconsistent. Dear God is the one song that they really nail - the lyrics are both cheeky (I pray you can make it better down here, I don't mean a big reduction in the price of beer) and incredibly deep (did you make mankind after we made you? and the devil too?) and the musical accompaniment is so on point. Earn Enough for Us is another song where they seem to better match up vocals and music. All in all, like their whole catalogue, this album is an admirable but even collection of songs.
Album #8 This the first album/artist for which I have zero expectations. First impressions is that it sounds like 80s British music, but there's an odd, almost psychedelic and world fusion aspect to it. The sound is pretty airy with interesting samples of birds, clocks(?), horse trots and other sounds. Synthesized percussion as well. Pretty neat. Not my deal, but I can see the appeal. As the album goes on, it starts to feel more like rock album with clearer guitar, bass, and drum. The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul is pretty cool with its flute, horns, surf guitar and jazz groove. My favorite on the album.. Dear God is quite intense and almost doesn't fit the rest of the album. Seems like an atheist anthem. Despite the subject matter, it's quite good and powerful. I started with 2.5* but bumped it to 3*.
Not really for me but ok
BL: Never heard of XTC, interested to hear, like the album cover although it is incredibly 80s AL: I liked this. A very solid record. I did feel I would maybe appreciate it more on a repeat listen however the first time around it was very solid. FT: “Summer’s Cauldron”, “Season Cycle”, “Dear God” 3/5
J'ai toujours pensé que jouer de la flûte tout nu n'était pas un concept d'album assez fort pour se lancer dans une telle entreprise et je crois que ça s'est vérifié ici.
Decent album with a great closing track. Its a little stodgy, and not to my personal taste. 3/5
I'm doing dull repetitive stuff for work right now... this album got put on. I've not yawned this much in hours.
Een beetje een meh album. Er staat 1 nummer op wat me aan Blur doet denken, de rest is vergeetbaar. Maar niet heel vervelend.
Interesting as a concept album, but I just hate his voice. Sorry.
Chill och cool musik men idk inte helt min grej
Whimsical, 80s synth pop. Not really really it.
3.5/5. So I suppose this is proto-Britpop.
Lightweight sound, drenched with 80s feeling. Inoffensive but a bit boring
As with the 10cc album I got the main first impression I had was wow, Field Music owe a lot to these. Only knew Making Plans For Nigel by them. Stuck this on in the car in a rush to get to Stockport before the parts place closed, so I couldn't really hear it or concentrate on it much. Came back several weeks later, having heard Grass, excellent, lots of times slotted in between other stuff. I still drift away again for a few tracks after that high point but find 1000 Umbrellas catches my attention again, what a great song. Then I drift off again. I feel like I should be loving this more than I am. It's good, no doubt.
Kind of Genesis-y. I'd heard of XTC before and this is absolutely not what I was expecting. I enjoy being surprised. But also it wasn't that impressive.
An interesting album that I don't think is really my sound. Nonetheless, standouts lie in Summers Cauldron, Season Cycle, and Dear God.
Idk I generally like XTC and was actually thinking about listening to this one a few days ago, but it just doesn't click with me. There are some pretty instrumental passages here and there, but largely I just found a lot of the music itself more boring than anything. 2.5/5
I mean I have been really looking forward to see what this album was actually like for a while but honestly dear god is by far the best song and then it’s average 3/5
This is definitely one of the more unique albums I've listened to thus far. I was kind of ambivalent about it, though. I think I'll listen to it again as I had a hard time wrapping my brain around it the first time as I was somewhat distracted during the first listen through.
this is not the best xtc album and has adult contemp vibes at times. though i will say it has some interesting instrumentation and when it goes sparse it is electric, buzz buzz. they are more experimental with style and timing than most bands ie. insect sounds, combining rock with traditional folk styles, paired back instrumentation and pauses. i like xtc, but i would have picked a different album. still suffices.
banco igual mid 7/10
6,5/10
This was a surprise. After dreading yet another British 80s band, the first half of this album really roped me in. Excellent tunes and flow. Bit of a drop off though.
Jackson Pollock: Cant be fucked, sounds fine. Best: Worst: Overall:
I don’t know what I expected but this wasn’t it. I quite enjoyed the album enough to give it a 3*
Yeah it was fine.
I don't know. It has it's good moments, just not enough to get 4. Unfortunately as whole it does not sound very interesting
Very eclectic, over the course of the album I thought parts sounded like blur, madness, the Beatles, jazz and other stuff I've already forgotten. Really interesting for one listen but not sure it would grow on me.
Would I listen again? Probably not. Did I enjoy listening once? Absolutely. Creative and great use of layered, orchestral sound. Amazing flow across the album and some really enjoyable tracks. Favorite by far was The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul. Also good: That's Really Super, Supergirl; Ballet for a Rainy Day; Season Cycle.
Empieza bien. Pero por el medio se enrolla un poco. 3
English rock alright
I like the instrumentals in this album. The lyrics and singing style are kind of corny though. I normally love 80's cheese, but this was too much.
I thought I would need to give this another listen after the weekend but I don't want to haha! This was ok and I'd like to listen to something else from XTC maybe but this did not excite me. I can't remember anything standing out about this album and I cba to listen again - says it all.
I quite enjoyed this! Not as much as plans for Nigel era perhaps. Some were a little too jaunty and reminded me of Elvis Costello but on the whole I thought it was good
Yeah I liked this. Some bits were much better than others and there were a few duff ones but a pleasant listen.
Not a big grabber on this one for me, but I do love this vibe. It was fine background that deserves a closer listen.
Interesting, interesting. Not really familiar with this band. I liked some (the umbrellas tune), and disliked others. ("the man who sailed around his soul") Surprised by others - was that a kid singing the opening of "Dear God"? I hear stuff like this album and think: this is VERY British. But even I don't really know what that means. Sorry, Alex!
Just not too much into the 80s sound these days. This album had a nice relaxing feel though. I like the crickets chirping.
I mean, this is OK. I don't really have an opinion on it. 100% neutral. What is it that makes a man neutral, Kiff?
The individual songs are pretty and move along sprightly one to another making the album quite pleasant to listen to in its entirety, even if lyrically it is pretty grim. But ultimately there's nothing to really sink your teeth into. Most of the songs are in one ear and out the other, like the inane but (weirdly) cheerful That's Really Super, Supergirl. Grass is a lovely song and I can still remember something about it by the end of the album. I have always liked Dear God, so extra star for that. Not sure there's enough here to be top 1001 but I certainly don't hate it. 2.5
This is a fun, bright album. It has that little sour flavor that comes with all British music. Nothing really grabbed me or offended me.
What a strange album. Exists in some weird space between pop and rock with some orchestral elements thrown in. Not really sure what I listened to there. Standouts: Summer's Cauldron, The Meeting Place, Earn Enough For Us, Sacrificial Bonfire, Dear God
I thought that this album was interesting and conceptual with no boring parts. It wasn’t really my type of music, I have no complaints but it’s just something that I don’t love. I understand why people would listen to this- I would listen again but wouldn’t go out of my way to.
I’m confused
Dear God och Grass sticker ut. Haft den förstnämnda som tolvtummare.
Last one was the best
3.75
Lekker jaren '80. Het luistert allemaal wel prima weg, maar er is niets wat er uitspringt.
80s
Some tunes on here but feels 10-15 mins too long
I always liked XTC, but I didn't love them. I like this album well enough.
I think “Dear God” is an important song, and sure, hear it before dying. But if you’re going to hear one XTC album, I don’t know that this is the one.
Really struggled to decide which way to rate this album. Some really interesting and creative sounds, definitely unique but at the same time it felt a bit 2-dimensional and not something I'm in a huge rush to listen to again.
Started off fantastic, loved the first few songs, trickled off in quality down the stretch, but ended pretty good. 3.5/5
Meh, not my style. I liked the second half better.
Like XTC but this wasn't the best collection of their songs.
Highlights: That's Really Super, Supergirl, 1000 Umbrellas, Earn Enough for Us.
pretty catchy, but the lyrics did get on my nerves. 6/10
Fine I just don't think I like the instrumentation/production which I recognize was of its time and seminal.
Nothing really grabbed me but it wasn’t terrible either. I really have nothing to say about this one
It’s fine
A breezy 1960s-esque quasi-psychedelic soft rock record. Pleasant and enjoyable with nice harmonies and interesting instrumentation. Tailed off a bit towards the end. I thought the band name sounded like a mobile phone until I said it out loud. Now I get it. Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: Grass Date listened: 27/10/22
Stylish but the only read stand out for me was Dear God
Interesting listen. I'd heard the name of the band before but wasn't familiar with their music. It was interesting, pretty inoffensive stuff. Could be put on the background and let it fade. Nothing really stood out for me. Perfectly bland middle ground.
First listen. Never heard of them. Decent British stuff.
Pop treballat però afable, d'estiu crepuscular. No hi ha temes que destaquin molt per sobre dels altres, però és un treball elegant, sofisticat i d'escolta agradable. El treball de producció de Rundgren es deixa notar i és un disc d'aquells que millora a cada escolta
Expectations are a b. I knew Dear God and love the song. Knew nothing else about the band. Was expecting an angry punky gen x brit vibe and the album was a lot more like Sgt Peppers in the park on a Sunday. It was light and fun and the music was good. Wish the whole album had a Dear God vibe to it though.
Dear God is a beautiful ambitious song - hard to believe that they almost left it off! And the rest of the album is not too bad. Definitely original
Great XTC songs are true gems to be admired, but there is a quality to most of their music that is best described as "circus-like" which I cannot stand. Both are present in this record.
An odd'un. I enjoyed every minute of this album as it went past, but simultaneously don't remember much of it now it's passed. I love the idea of a song cycle as life span, and I *think* they succeeded here, but equally I can't remember if they did... It's mostly just nice, rather than mind blowing. But I can live with nice. Going to come back to it and see if it grows.
Like, don't love
A few enjoyable songs
Such mixed feelings. The album flows incredibly well but the album is kind of a mess. Then again, it is skylarking.
Weird but good
I swear I tried to like this but I find XTC one of those impossible bands that most of my friends love that I just don't get.
Not bad, but quite an "easy to forget" album. At least it ends with an absolute banger.
Some ok parts but nothing to write home about.
I find XTC weird...I didn't dislike anything, but I also just find everything a bit off-kilter in a funny way. I dunno.
3.4 - decent album. Good melodies and interesting transition from the beginning to the end. Really enjoyed the final track, “Dear God”.
Not unpleasant, but forgettable.
I can appreciate what their going for, but it's not my thing. A bit too poppy.
A few bops. Real fuckin 80s tho
It’s interesting, the many directions that the ‘new wave’ bands of the 70s wandered off in. This has a psychedelic, sixties, almost orchestral pop feel, with hints of the Beatles (especially Ballad for a Rainy Day followed by 100 Umbrellas). Dear God is a great song and I especially like bringing in a guest vocalist. It was the only song that caught my attention on the first lesson, but everything’s better second time around.
The jazz elements of the album stopped me giving it a 4 star.
Es interesante
I hadn’t listened to this group before. It’s a happy sounding album, even when the songs deal with misery, breakups and death. The lyrics are rambly and witty, with an interesting 60s-meets-the-80s feel to it all. The song I really liked I learned was left off of the original release and hastily re-added after its success as a B-side in the US, “Dear God.” Ironic because this is the song I see myself revisiting from this album. There were a variety of instruments and arrangements, but struck me with a sameness that felt less interesting to me than it should have. I couldn’t help but feel underwhelmed.
Dear God was a great story telling song! Also liked Sacrificial 🔥 Bonfire. Very interesting album, each song was different than the last one. Never heard of this band but found it intriguing to listen to. Super, Supergirl!!
This album was listed as alternative but it feels more like something you'd hear at some 80's dive bar or night club. Very interesting and quirky, like many of the others that have been popping up. I wouldn't consider this worthy of this list but it was enjoyable.
This reminds of that Prefab Sprout album, minus the emotional elevation that made it feel so triumphant. Yet another '80s britpop album on the list. Obviously I enjoy it to a certain degree, but it also becomes harder and harder for these to stand out. A few tracks on here I dug, even though the rest of it felt pretty bland. Hard to say what would have made this better, but it's still pretty good. Favorite tracks: Dear God, The Main Who Sailed Around His Soul, Big Day, That's Really Super Supergirl. Album art: Really like the colors on this one. The texturing is cool too. 3.5/5
Talking Heads vibes? I think? Or maybe I'm confusing with Flaming Lips? Either way, pretty fun and upbeat but not my usual style. 3.5
Sei não...
Never knew I knew any of these - quite enjoyed
Varied and energetic - I thought it might be along the Morrissey line, but it ended up being a bit more interesting in my mind.
Clever
This seems like a pretty accomplished and interesting album... but it's not really doing it for me. The lyrics are fascinating, the arrangements are fun, I like the singer's voice but overall it's not really my jam. I can't imagine ever listening to this for fun, or in fact, ever again...
alright. quite liked and then started to dislike it.
I enjoyed the listen, but I don't think I am going to revisit the album or the artist again.