Reviews (page 6 of 7)
Ah great, youtube ass balls. River of Orchids is splendid as an opener, and I haven't been hit with an ad yet. this could be enjoyable. I really liked some bits of Skylarking but not really the whole album. I'm open to XTC though. Green Man is nice enough but feels the most turn of the century dated, makes me think of the Levellers' This Garden. OK if I'm honest a few tracks later I've a little bit lost interest halfway through and not been pulled back in by any particular track. I Can't Own Her came closest. It's all decent and interesting but not, you know... Ah you know, The Last Balloon is a fitting closer. Whimsical yet melancholic, impressive. Fell like this album would reward repeat listens. Whether it will get them from me due to access and pissing about I don't know. Going to rate it highly. Plus point, not a single advert. Suck it, Youtube.
This really wasn't worth going out of the way to find. Feels like a product of its time trying and failing to be experimental
Album 556 of 1001 XTC - Apple Venus Volume 1 (1999) Rating : 3 / 5 One of those kick back and chill albums. Nothing that is going to get you moving or into a grooving mood but still an enjoyable listen. Classified as Rock/Pop but not sure I would put it in either.
River of orchids
Started off well but got a bit pretentious. Solid three stars.
Not their best music but good regardless
Great album 4.5 very Beatles esque
Baaaanger
Right up my alley. Need to listen more
This was from 1999? Damn. Felt like it was way past the due date. Your Dictionary has some of the stupidest lyrics I've heard. Also frustrating it's not on spotify.
Not on Spotify.
An album full of imagery and inspiration, which could only have been made by an experienced band with a firm hand behind the desk.
I went into this with zero expectations and left feeling like I truly experienced something.
I like XTC. I don't like this album. Sure there are a couple of decent tracks, but it's not enough for me, and it just has me hankering for their earlier, more punky stuff.
Usually, when an album I’m looking for isn’t available on streaming, it’s either so underground or extreme that no one wants to be associated with it, or it’s a really old recording whose rights have lapsed. So, it raised some red flags to discover Apple Venus, Vol. 1—an album released as recently as 1999 by XTC, a band with notable commercial and critical acclaim—was missing from all the major streaming services. In this case, the extra effort to track it down was worth it. I was familiar with XTC before, particularly their single "Making Plans For Nigel" (which I relentlessly sang at a co-worker for a full year—sorry, Nige!), but Apple Venus, Vol. 1 caught me totally unprepared. Expecting New Wave and Post-Punk leanings, I found lush orchestrations and layered arrangements instead. The music marks a dramatic shift from their earlier sound, leaning heavily on orchestral elements like strings, woodwinds, and brass. Tracks like “River of Orchids” open with sparse, percussive plucking before blossoming into a rich tapestry of overlapping instruments, while “Easter Theatre” is a baroque pop number that feels like a celebration of renewal and nature. There's an underlying pastoral quality to much of the album, with songs like “Greenman” blending mysticism and whimsy. The orchestral arrangements on Apple Venus, Vol. 1 feel integral to the songs, not just decorative. The result is an album that feels focused and deliberate, with XTC returning from their seven-year break with a clear and cohesive vision. Also gone is the band's previous cynicism. This album feels upbeat and optimistic, which is surprising considering its recording was marked by turmoil within the band. Dave Gregory, their longtime guitarist, left during the sessions due to frustrations with the heavy use of orchestration, and tensions between Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding grew increasingly strained. Despite this discord, Apple Venus, Vol. 1 emerges as a cohesive record that showed the band moving forward artistically. The end result combines Paul McCartney's melodic sensibilities, Peter Gabriel’s adventurous arrangements, and a touch of Tears For Fears' grandeur. It must have sounded completely out of place in 1999, especially when contrasted with the era's dominant musical trends. • Did/Do I own this release? No. • Does this release belong on the list? Skylarking feels more essential, but this album has plenty of captivating qualities. • Would this release make my personal list? Frankly, no. • Will I be listening to it again? Despite the effort it took to find it, it was an enjoyable experience with some clear highs.
It's interesting. Not really my thing, though. Seemed a little bit like a musical, kind of talking-music
Been sitting on this album for over a week now, as until now I wasn’t in the mood to listen to an album on YouTube. It’s sad this album isn’t on any other streaming sites, as this is actually pretty good. Ok maybe a bit too beatlesque but still worth a listen and worthy of this list.
I liked this more than the other XTC album that I got from this list (assuming there's only 2) there's some interesting sounds to be found here. A little long but pretty enjoyable overall.
I’m not sure what I just listened to, so it’s hard for me to rate. For prog, it was better than average. As an essential album, less than that. It’s just odd, but not in a great way.
meh
Not cohesive at all each song was so wildly different. Great production value and some cool ideas but wouldn’t listen again
There are too many ideas going on for just two men. I didn’t know what was going to happen next but not in a good way. Some parts were cool
Albumi #52, 18.09.2024 Legendaarisen englantilaisbändin orkestraalinen albumi nojaa sovituksiltaan pitkälti akustiseen kitaraan sekä kosketinsoittimiin. Jouset ja vaskipuhaltimet ovat myös edustettuna tällä albumilla. Erityismaininta mielenkiintoiselle kappaleelle "Easter Theater".
Rubber Soul for Pitchfork writers. Sometimes it’s really good, sometimes it’s really try-hard, but for the most part, it just feels like a series of intros, mid-album cuts, and outros. It’s almost like I’m listening to a bunch of lead-in songs, songs to ramp up the momentum before the album really gets started, something emotional to ease me in before the band busts open the door. Of course, that never happens, so I’m left with an album that just doesn’t feel complete. It’s almost there, and I see the vision, but it never fully crosses over into something I’d ever really want to fully sink my teeth into, especially when the low points are so obnoxiously art pop that I can’t help but roll my eyes. And even its high points are more witty than clever, and never feel as deep as I think XTC thinks they do. Let’s just hope this is a bad starting point for XTC.
Gave some Beatles vibes with the orchestra. Wish this were on Spotify because it’s a cool album.
Onekligen ett udda uttryck, men tyckte det var kul lyssning och att det fanns en hel del godbitar.
I had to hunt this down on Youtube since it's not on Spotify (though the rest of the XTC albums are...). Pretty disappointing overall. Not sure what elevates this above other generic sounding pop rock.
Some parts I really liked but some was boring
This album really surprised me. It feels like I'm listening to a stage play. While the songs may sound very "unorthodox", every song has a unique theme in it's lyrics paired with distinct and catchy instrumentals. Really good album.
Still not feeling this band---thanks to the reviewer who reminded me Squeeze exists tho. They are cool for cats.
On salue Peter Gabriel, McCartney et les Beatles, Tom Waits et peut-être même Elton. Bien renseigné, bien réussi
Not available, not rly interested
Seemed... fine. I found myself cringing at the lyrics pretty often. "Really high really high like a really high thing, say a sunflower"... "F U * * is that how you spell friend in your dictionary"... and the entirety of I Can't Own Her stand out as eye-roll worthy. How am I supposed to take this album seriously when that's what XTC is offering. Album review focused on the avant garde approach to pop music. I take their point this isn't just cookie cutter radio pop, but it's nothing to write home about for me.
Weird hearing this right after Sparks because it’s kind of the same thing except obnoxious and lame. “Your Dictionary” is worth listening to just for the cringe. Some of the harmonic arrangements are nice though.
No creía en las reviews xq acá la gente es bastante hater, si es verdad. Un poco whimsical como los Beatles pero no hay nada resultante
This is a pretty audibly stunning album all around...and it gets let down by a few of the dumbest lyrics I've ever heard. Your Dictionary...woof
There were a few ideas here that I liked. But overall I just didn't enjoy listening to most of it. The first song was really unpleasant and chaotic. A lot of the lyrics were cheesy.
This album is tricky to rate because I loved the orchestral components. The use of repetition, layering, building, and dissonance was magical and so indulgent because bands rarely spring for the whole orchestra, let alone know how to compose for it. It was the standout feature of this album for *sure*. Some of the songs and lyrics were really, reallllly cringey (I'm looking at you, "Your Dictionary"), so I was a bit let down by the lyric writing. That being said, I enjoyed the orchestra so much that I can see myself listening to this one often (but maybe I'll just remove "Your Dictionary" from the playlist first).
Not nearly as horrific as I was expecting, but...also...not that great? With almost every song, I found myself enjoying it until either some musical choice or some stupid lyric threw me off. An interesting listen, though. 3.5...ish?
This is an odd album. I remember XTC as as kid and bought their records in the late 70s/early 80s. I didn't know they still existed. Quite bland but very well performed and in such a lowkey way. Reading the History behind the band's enforced silence and arguments recording this there's nothing in the music to hint at it. What's going on behind the music is more interesting to be honest.
XTC seems to be one of those bands that all my favorite musicians love and adore but I've never gotten into. I'm not sure why either. The albums I've heard are really enjoyable, and this one is no exception. The instrumentation and vocal arrangements are strong throughout. The person playing the horns on The Last Balloon are a highlight for me. I listened to the YT upload by SonyTheSquirrel with no interruptions. This album really is a work of art.
Fine
Yeah but nah, it’s alright if you’re stuck in traffic and have absolutely nothing else to listen to
Most meh album ever. Made me feel like I was a weirdo with no friends only weird music for comfort
More like 1001 albums to NOT listen to. Stinks like my pussay
sat with this for a long while, but no, it's not doing anything for me. might give skylarking a spin, tho...
First commute in two weeks and I get an album I can't even listen to! This is actually great, interesting stuff.
Not my favorite XTC album; it's not bad but it did not draw me in.
Unremarkable.
I just don't understand why people like this band?
If I go to jail for getting this off Soulseek I will be furious
Man Who Sailed Around His Soul was retro but also current. A World Wrapped In Grey also good.
Just as you start to get into it it gets weird, like if The Beach Boys went even further during Pet Sounds and had kicked Mike Love out of the group. Not a relaxing listen, but it is very interesting. It grew on me.
This album has been constantly on my mind for the last few days, as with each re-listen I became more and more entranced in what it had set out to do, and if it succeeded in that fact. I've been, what I consider, a fan of XTC for about a year-and-a-half now, and never has an album of theirs made me want to explore their catalog and their lives more than this album. The instrumentals are methodical and calculated, yet oddly rhythmic. Very similar to the sounds of post-punk acts from the late 70s, everything feels off and strange, but the pleasant instrumentals and "running through a field of flowers"-esque vocals allow the once sterile and cold rhythms to instead make me cling to a brighter future. There's an air of sadness throughout the album, but a hope at the end of the tunnel keeps things bouncy and Summer-y, and even the more nocturnal tracks feel like getting ready for the forever sleep, but being satisfied. Of course, Andy Partridge's vocals are still comedic and light, but the melancholic nature of the whole album just makes it, quite contradictory, becalmed and floaty. This album is not a stereotypical slice of Heaven, but it just feels like this is XTC's view take on it, and I'm at peace with the idea. Light-hearted, yet the weight of the world on its shoulders, I can't imagine a better swan song and depiction of the band's situation at the time. Seeing this album as the true finale of the band, and Volume 2 as a bonus encore makes everything just make sense, and while I don't adore every song on this album, I think it is good enough to be considered one of the band's best.
Kind of like an icecream truck hitting a jelly bean filled van with the Beach Boys explaining how it all went down.
Didn't work
Creative, well-crafted, intemporal, some of it similar to Electric Light Orchestra. No bangers but overall love it 4
Unavailable in my country
Cool weird album with funny lyrics
Well, this is something I would not have found on my own, but it’s also something I will not be looking to find again.
Wasn’t on Spotify, so I didn’t listen to this one. But the wiki article didn’t really make it sound appealing to me.
Meh, couldn’t really get through it, but some of the songs were fine.
Look, this was perhaps the hardest album to get through on the entire list thus far. First off where the fuck did they even find this? I had trouble simply trying to locate this album to give it a listen. Secondly, once I found it and commenced to listening, I was subjected to the most amateur sounding music in every way shape and form. The production is nauseating, the vocals are obnoxious, and the instrumentation is somehow pretentious. Don’t get me started on the fucking lyrics. Thirdly, the genre of this album seems to change from track to track. I can’t keep up with it and it gives the album a derelict quality in that the project feels as though it has no place to call home. Therefore, subjecting the listener to a “world tour” of music in the worst, most exhausting way possible. Not all of the ideas on this were atrocious, though. I think if they had focused in on one style and used the whole album to expand on it, they could have had a more consistent album that wouldn’t be such a pain to get through. On the whole—deliriously below average. 2/5
Couldn’t find this specific record.
Skylarking was one of my first albums on this list nearly three years ago and I remember that one being pretty forgettable too but at least it was on Spotify.
Quirky but rather brilliant at times.
No on Amazon Music 😕
Just not my sound
Not on streaming. Had to listen on YouTube. That in itself knocked it down a star. The music didn't do much for me either. One of those bands where I feel you had to be there at the time to get it.
Odd. Not bad. But odd.
Love you Andy.
00:20 after the album starts: It starts with a Beatlesque with no novelty, but ok, it's good enough. 18:00: I am listening to the "Greenman," which has slightly changed my opinion; it's nicer. 19:00: Let me fav some of their other albums, just in case. 20:00: Is this the real life?® 24:00: Thank you 1001albumsgenerator.com
Just the perfect amount of weird. I loved it. Wish it was on Apple Music. I always liked the song they had about Nigel
Got off to an interesting start, got my hopes up - but failed to hold my attention all the way through.
No jopas. Hyvin mielenkiintoinen alku. Ja sinänsä pitää otteessaan loppuun asti, vaikka b-puolella himmaillaankin enemmän. ”Aasia”-flirttailut olisi voinut jättää välistä. Erittäin laadukasta työtä paitsi sävellykseltään myös tuotannoltaan. Erittäin.
En tiedä, onko minulla liikaa vai liian vähän huumorintajua tähän. Ei skulaa.
Difficult to find, and with a shaky start, it's actually pretty good.
Gotta admit, not actually super familiar with XTC beyond the occasional "Making Plans for Nigel" from time to time. To that end, I feel like I'm working backwards a bit, not having deep dove into any of their OG albums. There's something very compelling about what a musician does after their glory days dry up, however, and I've always been very interested in that. What do you do artistically after the kids stop lining up and your aesthetics no longer symbolize the cutting edge? Do you dye your hair, stock up on botox and try to stay young forever? Or do you continue your artist journey, unbothered, while you cater to your smaller, but more unshakable fanbase that remains loyal to you and where your journey leads to? It's really commendable that they chose the latter approach, honing in on a robustly produced sound that really uplifts where their songwriting has landed. They are certainly doing anything but trying to fit in on anything edgey, but in that appeal their sound as elderstatesmen is perfectly mature for who they are. Beyond that, they are very unique and individualistic. The track "Greenman" for instance, really landing in it's own territory. Just look at them go with that flute! If your band doesn't rhyme with "Deathrow Skull", using a flute that much throughout the album is real ballsy.... and then arguably even then could be overload for some, but I'll be damned if XTC didn't pull it off. Nice work, gents!
3.75 YouTube
Fruit Nut and The Last Balloon are the highlights. Wish it was on Spotify so I could revisit it later/easier to see if they were growers
I've never heard of XTC before, and I'm not sure this was the best place to start
NICE
like the beatles, but more proggy and not quite as good
The one playthrough I’ve allowed myself confused me. This has the aroma of inspired personal statement and is weird, reminding me of theme tunes from 90’s British TV shows, or The Beatles, but a The Beatles as interpreted by a stranger in a pub coming up to one and saying hey, listen to these new The Beatles tracks I’ve just written. And he sings them to you, in front of everyone. And you can’t move.
Never felt the urge to actively seek out XTC; like Squeeze (who I often confuse them with), their radio songs are pleasant enough but uninspiring. Now, having been forced to seek them out today (due to this being unavailable on Spotify), my opinion remains the same. Professional sounding but dull; dorky lyrics and clumsy song structures abound
Fairly uninteresting.
"Greenman" is a banger! Otherwise, I was rather underwhelmed.
It was fine
I didn't like the first few songs, but then I started to get into the album on "Greenmail" and "Your Dictionary." Enjoyed the music but not the biggest fan of the singer's voice.
A really solid tho a tad synthetic piece of chamber pop, though the highs make it worth it.
hard work listening on YouTube, not worth it
Phenomenal pop album. Atmospheric, optimistic, beautiful. I was instantly hooked and they didn't lose me. Stand-out: Easter Theatre, Greenman
This is a weird album to have come out in 1999... it feels like it should've been from like 20 years prior, so I guess this band didn't really progress musically in all their time as a band. It wasnt awful, but I don't understand who this album is for, or why it's on the list.
I wasn't in the mood for whatever this was. Miss for me
Goofy lyrics, but some interesting melodies. Belongs on the "1001 albums it wouldn't kill you to listen to" list
Unfortunately, the album is not available from my streaming provider. Instead, I listened to a collection of other tracks by XTC. I already knew the band and I like their music. I probably would have liked the album too. 4/5
Not on Spotify
In this album I hear the precursor to Vampire Weekend and a continuation of the Beatles. There is a heavy dose of Simon and Garfunkel as well as this album plays with sounds, timing and rhythms. It’s fun, but seems like a novelty to me. They’re having fun and creating cool, well-produced sounds, but not much soul or intimacy shining through. The dictionary song was kind of laughable, but also kind of slapped.
This wasn't available on any streaming service, unfortunately.
One of those albums I wish I could give a 2.5, but know that a 2 out of 5 is too mean. The album is fine, but its just not my style of music. I honestly thought on the first track I was going to enjoy it, but it never got there.
Some of it is super catchy and some of it is super corny. There are also some really beautiful parts of songs but only Easter Theatre was solid all the way through for me.
Couldn’t get access to it
Such a shame this isn't on spotify, this needs to be heard by more people. The melodies are endlessly beautiful and there are plenty of them scattered throughout every song especially it's choruses. The lush arrangements are also incredible
Empezó aburriéndome un poco, pero me dejó buena sensación al terminar el disco. Con curiosidad para conocer más discos del grupo.
Not bad, but the last couple of songs bored me. Enjoyable enough Zombies-ish pop.
this honestly really surprised me. the first song i thought was really annoying and your dictionary has some of the stupidest fucking lyrics i’ve ever heard in my life, but other than that, this creates a totally unique soundscape (sometimes for better, sometimes for worse) there are very few times when an album allows me to perk up and think that i’ve just heard something new, so thank you to this paul mccartney-meets-tears-for-fears! 1.) easter theatre 2.) i can’t own her 3.) knights in shining karma
Occasionally I'd find myself enjoying a moment or two, but overall the whole thing sounded incredibly derivative and pretentious, and the lyrics were often terrible (eg. My Dictionary)
Tries so hard to be avant garde that it is boring at times. There are times it is trying to recreate the magic of Sgt. Peppers but comes across bland and lackluster. Would not listen to again.
Not my thing
A difficult to stream average album. If they put in the effort and lost it completely it might get another star.
cicatydidn't
I really enjoyed this album. It's string heavy baroque pop album that ends with a melancholic call to adventure. Some tracks seem a bit too long and it takes a momet to get into it but it's quite something.
Disco suave e bom de ser ouvido em dias tranquilos.
Had to watch this album on YouTube as it is no longer streaming.... I'm not really finding anything about this album groundbreaking or mind blowing. Sounds like another pop-rock British band. Just not for me.
This was fun, and I'll probably listen to more of this band. I only knew of them from They Might Be Giants song XTC vs Adam Ant.
first listen very interesting
Orchestral Pop sounding like a sound deep-pile carpet. Unfortunately Not available in Deezer.
Not sure what hipstery subgenre they were going for but it didn't work. Can't really figure out who this is for. Not the most offensive thing I've ever heard, just a head scratcher
Andy Partridge's style is clearly rooted in McCartney sensibilities (which mostly can be a good thing) but for whatever reason to my ear there's always been something weird & unappealing about it. Especially on this album. That said & to be fair, there's some early XTC I like.
Some good ones! I love greenman. Very zen. I wish it was easier to find! Not on spotify.
Always liked their sound!
idk man. bizarre
Some of it is awful. Some of it is interesting. I hated some songs and enjoyed others. So, I give it an indecisive 3. 3 instead of 2 bc of the Beach Boys sounds.
bit weird, sadly
Really did not enjoy listening to this at all
Reminds me of Laurie Anderson. I like Laurie Anderson way more, though. I know this band is classic and has a cult following but I couldn’t get into this album. There’s inspiration here but also a lot of stressful repetition.
Whoaaa I knew of a few XTC songs but this was something else! Really whisked me away on adventure.
Had to seek it out on YT, so couldn't look at lyrics etc. I'm glad this album exists; it's unusual and appealing. Some tracks did meander off a bit but I enjoyed the overall sound, and would be putting "Green Man" on a playlist if it was on Spotify! Hurrah for British quirkiness.
Loved it. Hurrah for English countryside pagan vibes. Like Skylarking it’s one to listen to again, if only I can find it somewhere other than YouTube….
It's too bad it's not on Spotify (why it took me so long to listen to it). Not a bad album, with a few songs I would definitely listen to again.
I liked this lots. Please to bend down for the one called the Greenman
The guy sounds like Weird Al sometimes - this is meh.
This was very cool
XTC is hit and miss for me. I dig Skylark good, but not so much Apples and Oranges. This fell more on the latter side. Good music that doesn't hold Mt attention.
A beautiful, beautiful album.
Cut-rate beatles. Pretty enjoyable, nice and chill. Youtube only. 66/100
Album indisponible mais le groupe est chouette
2.4/5. listened 2x - a few good tracks but i wouldn't go back to listen to this. (youtube music)
If I could give it more than 5, I would.
As it went along, I got a bit bored. Very Beatles-like sound. I didn't dislike it, but it didn't inspire any strong emotions or thoughts. Perfectly meh. I saw one review say they knocked it a full star low for the dumb lyrics of your dictionary, and I can't say I blame them. I won't do that, but it was tempting.
3-
Fíla þetta. Hef ekki hlustað nóg á XTC, þarf greinilega að gera meira af því.
Nasti
Я не знаю. С одной стороны это все мило и в целом сойдет, но с другой меня просто раздражали эти завывания под The Beach Boys. Лучшая песня - I Can't Own Her.
ganz ok
Я не знаю чем меня это цепляет, но мне нравится. Оригинальный мужской вокал, разнообразная музыка, ритм чувствуется, подпевать можно, ну вот есть в этом что-то!
Best Song: Greenman. Ooh, fuck me Papa Greenman. Worst Song: Your Dictionary. Easy contender for corniest song on this entire list. Jesus. Overall: What if a Beatles cover band adopted 90s alt-rock sensibilities. I'm sure this really slapped for a single afternoon in 1999, but beyond that it really doesn't carry much weight.
This was a really interesting and varied album, by a group I feel I should know a bit better. Might come back to this if I can be bothered finding it again on youtube.
I couldn't find this album on Spotify so I didn't listen to it yet :( Love the album cover though!
Not available on Spotify right now. Found on YT. Melancholic and interesting.
Sounded like an album of failed sitcom theme songs, which is a shame because I know XTC can be better.
Not on streaming? Automatic 1 star. Just kidding. This band is cool but I've never heard this album until now while being semi familiar with \"English Settlement\" and \"Skylarking\" and there's a lot of cool world influenced rock/pop stuff on here. I'm not even sure how you'd describe it. Reminds me of Brian Eno's stuff a lot in terms of the production choices and the general vibe but if he tried making Graceland maybe since there is so much world influence vibes on here? Immaculate in production for sure and really all over the place with the instruments. Really unique.
The music is nice but lyrically it is just far too goofy for my taste. I mean, “Your Dictionary” sounds like a joke song from Documentary Now or something.
I had vague memories of having another XTC album and not being quite sure what to make of it. This about hit the same spot. Some interesting moments but its clear that those aren't the main direction for the album and they'd rather have some naff vocals over the whole thing instead. Critic is in my dictionary by the way.
What?! Where did these Beatles-like bliss come from? The blend of orchestral, psychedelic rock and pop is George Martin adjacent for sure. A delightful surprise.
Ok album. This one was kind of cool. Lyrics were a little too cutesy, but some good songs and arrangements—clearly studio rats. ***
Not available on Spotify (at the moment).
Chamber pop. Ni fu ni fa.
Empezó aburriéndome un poco, pero me dejó buena sensación al terminar el disco. Con curiosidad para conocer más discos del grupo.
An album where they were no longer a band but a "brand". Orchestral whimsical songs that seem to make no real impact whatsoever. I know this album got a huge critical lovefest but I can't see it myself. Don't bother. Best Tracks: Frivolous Tonight; Greenman; Your Dictionary
Took a little bit to click but it's one of those albums that just sticks in your brain for a while. Even when I was bored I was having a good time. Favorites were I'd Like That, Greenman, Fruit Nut, and Harvest Festival
River of Orchids creates a soundscape like a rain shower. I like the vocal panning done during the stage directions of Easter Theatre. Overall quirky set of songs. Wish I could add some of these to my Spotify playlists. Very glad I listened. Not a fan of Fruit Nut. Favorite songs were River of Orchids, Easter Theatre, Greenman, and I Can’t Own Her.
Aika hauskaa ja leikkisää poppia. Tosi progressiivistä, kuin hidastempoista Yes:iä. Kappaleiden sanat aika humoristisia, mutta ei silti mitään vitsimusiikkia. Parhaat: River Of Orchids, Your Dictionary, The Last Balloon, I'd Like That
So this definitely isn’t my kind of thing but I’ve truly never heard anything like it and it does seem well composed. I have to give it credit even if I’ll never listen to it again.
"Apple Venus Volume 1" is the 13th studio album by English rock band XTC. The band used more strings, acoustic guitars and keyboards expanding on their orchestral approach uesd on their last album, 1992's "Nonsuch." Lead singer and guitarist Andy Partridge coined the music "Orchustric." It took seven years between album releases due to personal conflicts, lack of money, false starts and a strike against their former label Virgin Records. They recorded enough songs for a double album but decided to have two volumes/albums with volume 1 being more acoustic and baroque and volume 2 more rockin.' The album did receive critical acclaim and had moderate commercial success reaching #42 in the UK and #106 on the US. Water dripping and strings open "River of Orchids." This sort of has a prancing feel to it with a cello. Partridge vocals come in and a layered chorus as well. There's a lot going on. It's eccentric. They switch over to an acoustic guitar in "I'd Like That." This song rolls along. Patridge is apparently rekindling a relationship. And, they go back to strings in their single "Easter Theatre." More vocal harmonies, really going Beach Boys on us. We get an electric guitar solo. It's a celebration of spring and a pretty good song. "Greenman" starts out with strings and a Middle Eastern vibe. There's a flute; this is really lush. Patridge said this song was about the masculine side of Mother Nature. Hmmmm. The album ends with "The Last Balloon." Strings, acoustic guitar and a flugelorn. It's jazzy and melancholic/bittersweet. I like the lyrics but I'm not sure if it's a song of hope or hopelessness for mankind. Maybe both. The album bounces between strings and acoustic guitar songs. There's songs about Mother Nature, middle age symbolism, relationships, season cycles and the harvest. The vocal harmonization and the lyrics are solid. They cover the emotional spectrum being happy, sad, hopeful and spiteful. This is a decent album. The more rockin' volume 2 is also pretty good. I'd have to say that I like some of their 80's albums more ("Skylarking", "Black Sea") but this is solid; I'd imagine most XTC fans would like this.
Keep it in the 80s lads. Pleasant enough middle aged Beatles wannabes. Not really worth digging about YouTube for a definitely not deserving of a place on the list.
it’s not on spotify and i can’t be f#@ked to look for it anywhere else, knowing xtc is probably give it a 3 but i’m taking off a star for making me hunt for it
Prog pop/rock. I love XTC and have since "Traffic Light Rock" but can't listen to this on Spotify so it's hard to judge. Found a couple of the tracks from this album on YouTube and seems much more orchestral than earlier stuff.
Too bad it's not on Spotify. I would listen to this more often, really interesting music.
great XTC, one whole record
It really sucks that this one is so hard to get a definitive version of to listen to, but what I did hear didn't surprise me. In the eternal debate of Adam Ant vs. XTC I do tend to choose Ant because his vocals always give my ears something interesting to linger on. But XTC is cool in their own way too.
Not on Spotify- listened to Making Plans for Nigel and bounced
This was a pretty nice use of classical instruments in an album but overall it dragged on a bit and the styles varied so much it didn’t feel very cohesive. At first it sounded like a Beatles impression and as it went on it felt more new wave and sounded like the smiths. Overall it was okay, artistically pretty solid but entertainment wise there are just better options and this didn’t have too much revisit appeal. 5.5/10
I can see the talent but this just didn’t really click with me…
First song, David Byrne (MicroMobility), second song, early Kinks Beatles offspring, third song pleasant enough Sgt, Pepper outtake. Fourth song, why am I listening to this drivel? Fifth song, We're all so frivolous tonight, indeed, the Mrs. says it's interesting but an album I must hear? Nah. Sixth song, you get the impression that every Brit has some history of fondly listening to folk albums of knights and shit and want to do their own version of one. Greenman is my favorite cut so far. 7. Ho hum 8. Couldn't end soon enough. 9.How did this album get on the list, it is mediocre at best. 10 Out of key. 11, At least it's over.
You might check Your Dictionary, but The Last Balloon that went up was carrying a Green Man.
Es magico. Me dejó hipnotizado. It's an amazing and well written, produced and beautifully made project. 10/10.
Tuvo bien en fucking bomba
This was interesting. I heard of XTC before, but I can't remember if I ever listened to a record of them. The production, arrangements, music, and lyrics range from weird to surprising to excellent. Nevertheless, this is nothing I would listen to regularly.
A very interesting journey on this one. I didn't always love it, but I loved the ride it took me on.
I wasn't exactly present when I began listening. I found the first track interesting and wondered what would come next. Well, I found the next track very good...I was grooving! Then another cool track came on next, and I was really taken by the album thinking that this was my thing. About halfway through that third track (or maybe it was even the fourth), I began thinking how surprised I was to hear XTC performing this type of music. It was more hip-hop than alternative...then I slowly awakened to the fact that after the first track, my player had switched to a Doja Cat album. So, although I found this interesting, it paled in comparison to Doja Cat for me.
I was nowhere near as taken with this one as I was with Skylarking many hundreds of albums ago. Some fun lyrics here and there.
This was an interesting listen for sure… I’m still not sure how much I like this as a whole but the orchestral vibe was interesting, the lyrics kept me on my toes, and several songs I liked immediately. Not bad and I’m happy to have this appear on this list.
There were some good and interesting moments on this album but overall it was nowhere near to the level of some of their earlier albums. It's wasn't bad in any way but it didn't capture me either, it was a pleasant listen, this is all, nothing more.
XTC have made a fascinating record and jt is interesting to see how the band evolved from spiky guitars to these lush orchestral acoustic sounds.
- Not available on Deezer and Shopify. Listened to some random youtube upload. - The opening track is atrocious, but it gets better. -1 star. - The rest of the album is... ok. - Not bad, but not good enough to make me go back for another listen.
In the mood?
"Apple Venus was originally planned as a double album, but the group did not have enough money to record all the material they had stockpiled" ... Thank God. I mean, it's not bad, and "River of Orchids" and "Greenman" are actually incredible, but it drags on for far too long, getting lost up its own ass along the way. Also, why is this not on Spotify exactly?
I liked the XTC I'd heard from the 80s and didn't realise they were still releasing music by this time. Lots of good tunes and glad to hear the terrible lyrics were still there
This was difficult to listen to at times. It seemed like they wanted to be the Beatles, but in a pretentious way. I made it through but I won’t be listening again.
No está en Spotify
I think I may have heard of XTC in passing before (I love eighties music, and I think I've heard people talk about Skylarking), but I'm completely unfamiliar with their music. I wasn't sure what to expect from this album, but I thought this album okay. Parts of it were mildly interesting, and had some really nice string and horn arrangements, but other parts of it were pretty dull and felt like they dragged on. "River of Orchids" was didn't really pull me in immediately; I initially found the repetition of the arrangements to be kind of annoying, but as the song went on, I enjoyed it more. The lyrics about wanting nature to reclaim what we've built (at least that's how I interpreted it), were really well served by the bright tones of the music. I didn't care for the verse on "Easter Theatre," but the chorus had some really bright arrangements that I liked, and I liked how the bridge slowed down and provided a softer sound than the bright chorus and anxious-sounding strings of the verse. "Greenman" was the point on the album where I started to come around and appreciate the album's overall sound more. I loved the string arrangements and percussion; they really created this feel that sounded like renaissance meets eighties sophisti-pop. Even though I grew to like the sound of this album, the love songs were my least favorite part. "I'd Like That" had some nice lyrics and a great sound, but "Your Dictionary" felt really out of place, with its cheesy angst, and "I Can't Own Her" felt like enlightened-pop schlock. This album was fine, and I definitely enjoyed certain parts of it more than others, but I'm scratching my head as to why it was included on this list. It's not something I think I'd return to. Hopefully Skylarking is better.
What? Why? This thing with including late era work from significant artists of the 70s/80s is so silly. XTC have some great albums, but this is not one of them. Trying to get beyond what I hoped this would be, to hear it for what it is... Heavily orchestrated, fussily composed verging into prog, an indulgent tribute to the most over indulgent bits of the Beatles. It's lush and somber, very adult (there's a song about having a shed), but that, as usual, mostly means boring (there's a song about having a shed).
I really enjoyed this. XTC had moments of pop brilliance with some bits that were too obscure to really engage with. This sits neatly in the middle as a kind of prog album. It's one I hadn't heard before and it was a real pleasure.
Not available
XTC is one of my favorite bands, so i’ve listened to this one before, but i liked the album a lot more on this listen. really wish it was on streaming, but happy to own it on CD. 3.5
No disponible en Costa Rica
wth
Of all the albums I’ve heard here so far, this is the first that I was unfamiliar with that I actually liked. I had heard of XTC way back in the day, but never heard anything by them. I once almost bought one of their albums just to fill the missing “X” entry in my alphabetically organized CD collection. If their other stuff is similar I may have actually liked it and listened to it more than once. I found it hard to put my finger on what made this music familiar…at one point i thought I heard Who influences, and another sounded like it almost belonged on Genesis’ Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. That’s actually unexpectedly high praise. It mostly kept me engaged, but at some points I lost interest. All in all, I could see listening to this album again. I think that’s still the only spot that didn’t get filled. Bummer.
Not on Spotify, will circle back
Couldn't listen. Not available on Apple in the US
Even though this came out in 1999 it has a very 80s sound. I cant imagine this was super important to anyone but XTC fans when this came out
It's a playful album with plenty of musicality, being chock full of nifty chord changes, complex arrangements (with plenty of orchestrations) and superb vocal harmonies. I really like the song titles as well. It benefits from a modern crisp production and this sounds like the sort of music the Beach Boys could've made in the nineties or noughties if they could have been bothered. In fact, I think secretly Andy Partridge would like to join the Beach Boys. XTC made some highly esoteric music but probably were just a bit to odd to ever break the mainstream in a big way, despite the obvious quality of their catchy songs (my own personal favorite being the autumnal Skylarking).
Didnt really do it for me, didnt like the vocals or the sound, just no
In between filtering out all the YouTube ads it felt like there might be some ok stuff hidden away, but to be honest I wasn't that motivated to keep looking for it and it definitely tails off towards the end. I know and like some XTC stuff, but this isn't it.
The production values and quality of singing are not up to the high and ambitious standard of songwriting. I enjoyed the variety of songs and the content of the lyrics very much though. I would love to hear a modern cover of this, it done genius had nothing better to do with their time.
Unavailable on Spotify, (but thank you to Sam next door for a CD copy). I had to laugh at Nigel's comment "I think secretly Andy Partridge would like to join the Beach Boys", but I misread this as Alan Partridge and couldn't stop laughing, A-HA! The album was alright, but I'd probably pick Skylarking as a better XTC album.
Probably a strange choice for the list, but still quite a good listen. I must have this buried in my CD collection somewhere because I knew the songs. It's music for grown ups to listen to on the couch - nothing too challenging dynamically but some intricate melodies.
[I've only recently realized that I can queue my reviews. I will have to use this here. First time I've heard of this band, I think(?) and this is certainly interesting, maybe more.] Nah, it's easy actually. My 5 star ratings here don't necessarily adhere to my usual musical preferences only but also to how much I enjoyed being shown a particular album. Like this one.
3 - I didn't like this as much as Skylarking, but I still liked it and it may grow on me a bit with time. It's pretty, from what I remember.
Chamber pop. Ni fu ni fa.
3.5/5
It took a little while to track this one down, and it was a bit anticlimactic when I did manage to give it a listen. XTC are great and there are some really good songs on here (more than you’d usually find on any band’s ELEVENTH album) but this is by no means one of their best. Your Dictionary is the only song that I’d say is outright bad, but most of it just feels like lesser versions of their own catalogue and those of their contemporaries - and frankly, by 1999, I don’t think we needed another album that sounded like this
A reminder that some people REALLY love Paul McCartney.
New album for me. A surprising choice given all the classic albums XTC made, and just like their other work, one needs to listen to the songs a couple of times to recognize how good they are.
Well, I ploughed through this album; sluggish with rare sparks is a fitting description.
Day101 - a strange xtc album to choose when there’s at least two better ones.
Not bad for what it is, going for a late career resurgence with a "mature and sophisticated" art pop sound, but it's also goofy at times. Your Dictionary is shameful. I don't know, seems overrated to me.
Quirky album, but not as clever as they think they are with it.
A very nice and surprising album for XTC, an outcast from 1999. I don't why it's here, but I enjoyed it. Thank you.
Not the XTC album I would choose to tell someone that they absolutely HAD to listen to before they die. But. I like XTC and I like that this album is in their catalog, even if it has a lot of Paul McCartney similarities.
It has some good songs, but most of this record is forgettable elevator music. Reminds me of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, some of Sting's solo work and especially They Might Be Giants. But not as good. Favorite song: river of orchids.
I fully expected to shit on this album in my review, what with it being a late career XTC album that I'd never heard anything about, and here I am happily eating my shoe on this one. Well composed, well produced, clever and quirky Beatles-esque art pop that has me wanting to spend more time in the post 80s XTC catalog
Not too sure on this one. Some interesting experimental songs and snice enough vocals, feel I should re-listen but wasn't interesting enough to do so.
Oddball record which at times is actually very pretty sounding. A slight hint of Beatles and Beach Boys, interlaced with strange but interesting choices of instrumentations and songs. On the fence whether it's good or awkward, but it's overall more the former.
I generally like XTC but this one did not strike my fancy. Not convinced it belongs on this list, either.
Really great album. I had never heard a single song on it and it's not at all what I expected from XTC. A little bit mellower and more Beatles-y than what I'm used to, but it really hit the spot for me. I liked almost every song on first listen and the rest kind of grew on me after repeated listens. This was the first album that was not on Spotify that I wished was.
New Wave Prince. But boring. If you told me this was the Hives I’d believe you.
Maybe because it was recorded at Abbey Road, but I got really strong Beatles vibes from this album. That’s not entirely a bad thing. It’s kitschy and witty and tongue in-tongue in cheek, so I could get down with that, even if the arrangements made me screw my face up a bit.
Я поржал с двух фактов: 1) XTC попали в этот список с 13 альбома (долго мучались) 2) додики здесь ставят 1 балл альбому за то, что его нет на спотифае (просто долбоебики, привыкшие к хорошей жизни)
Not even on Spotify at the moment, hard to find and I couldn't fuck with the singer's voice. British music has been taking a big L on this app the last week.
Loses points for not being on Spotify. Really loses some allure when a Temu advert comes on mid album. I'm not paying for more than 1 service for this.
I'm more aware of XTC's reputation than their music. I know that Andy Partridge, the group's de facto leader, can craft quite the quirky tune. And indeed, this collection demonstrates an interest in the unconventional. The 40-piece orchestra (recorded at Abbey Road, which also allegedly ate up most of the album's budget) adds significant texture to the arrangements. Although they avoid obvious chord progressions, there is still a catchiness to many of these songs. "Greenman", a neat little number that brings to mind Indian influences, probably earns my favorite of the album. Apple Venus is probably not their masterpiece (the only other album of theirs that I've heard, Skylarking, was a touch better to my ears), but it was a good listen from a creative band nearing the end of the road.
Album was uploaded by an user called cheese man to YouTube and it’s cheesy alright. I kind of enjoyed it but it’s ridiculously long and not for any good reason. The songs stay the same for 6 minutes long. The recording is not bad
This was a weird album: it was like modern pop mixed with mid’60s indie vibes. Key tracks for me: Greenman & Furious Tonight which sounds a lot like late ‘60s Turtles. You would have never guessed this was produced in 1999.
Initial audio impressions is I really like this album. Which was confirmed with the the track: "I'd Like That". "Your Dictionary" stood out as the lyrics grabbed me by the collar. I could say it S-L-A-Ped me across the face. Harvest Festival was anthemic and weirdly catchy. This had a stage musical kind of feel. Had a little Flaming Lips. Had a little circa 2000 indie vibe overall. I would definitely like to listen to this again but only being able to get this on Youtube is a bit of a bummer.
Did not enjoy, i dig skylarking and drums and wires but this stirred nothing in me.
3.5
Empezó aburriéndome un poco, pero me dejó buena sensación al terminar el disco. Con curiosidad para conocer más discos del grupo.
Mostly enjoyable — and quite Beatley in parts.
XTC is one of those bands that when you finally listen to them, you wonder why they don't get more love. They're so quirky but the songs have that Beatlesque feel. This album, however, is not my favorite of theirs. Although the acoustic feel is great, I longed for more songs of old from them. But there are still good songs here, but just not things like "The Mayor of Simpleton" or "Senses Working Overtime". It feels like an album you have when you're having a Sunday brunch, and I'm not sure if that was the aim or not. So it's good and I definitely like it, but XTC definitely has better. Top tracks: "Harvest Festival," "Easter Theater," "Your Dictionary"
Still waiting for an XTC album to knock me off my feet. They are quirky and unique and Andy Partridge really does pen some interesting lyrics. But I just find these guys too uneven. I was surprised they were still producing albums in 1999. I thought Greenman was a standout; it was the first time I took notice since the WTF lyrics in Easter Theatre. Really cool composition and followed by the very sharp Your Dictionary - quintessential XTC. But then back to uneven and strange with Fruit Nut. They're just a bit too eclectic for their own good. Maybe this was their Pet Sounds or Smile and I just didn't get it.
This album is definitely a mood. Atmospheric and interesting. There are a couple of head-scratching moments. For example, Easter Theatre's lyrics - "Chocolate nipple brown"? "Like the ground, your breast swell"? "Flowers climb erect"? Someone's horny, huh?? Also, the lyrics for Your Dictionary - such a pretty song for such bitter lyrics about divorce. I'm going with a 4 for the occasional weirdness, but it's a really good album that I would definitely revisit. Favorite tracks: River of Orchids (great opening. Very unusual styling - I like it. Makes me think a little of Sting), Frivolous Tonight (am I hearing a Beatles song? I like it), Greenman (caught my attention every time when I wasn't listening closely. Weird lyrics, but great music), Fruit Nut (very catchy, Beach Boys-esque), I Can't Own Her, Harvest Festival, The Last Balloon (great ending - love the transition from voice to trumpet at the end. Perfect).
Not available on spotify
I've only heard a handful of XTC's songs over the years, but I remember always liking them. Not sure I didn't make more of an effort to hear more of their work, but for whatever reason, I didn't. I am glad this project served up an album of theirs today, especially one with songs I don't think I'd ever heard before. This is such an interesting band. Very strong writing and composing, and excellent performances and recordings. Good stuff here!
I rated a 3 because it was so novel, and quite a different sound. Would I listen to it again? Probably once more but that’s it!
bit of a struggle, a couple of moments but not something I'll return to
I do love XTC but I had never heard this album. Probably because it is not available on streaming services. Weird none of their work post 92 is on there. XTC are one of the spearheads of post-punk music, one of my favourite genres, but after a while they started to make more art pop almost type music and it is just not as good for me. I enjoy a lot about this album it just never reaches any high points, there is nothing fun. It doesn't bore me it just does not excite me like their 1979 album does. I think they had a lot of potential and with making plans for Nigel being such a hit I thought they would stick with that kind of music. Clearly other people love it as it is highly rated but just a bit in the middle for me. Standard 3/5. Stand out songs: Easter Theatre Your Dictionary The Last Balloon
The song "Dictionary" is kind of annoying, but the rest of the album is actually pretty interesting, musically. Still, it doesn't quite reach 4-level.
There is something about that whole album that feels like "children's music for adults." Lyrics like "F. U. C. K. Is that how you spell friend?" Songs about loading kids into balloon and harvest time. I can hang with sincerity and songs about paganism... but this just was a bridge too far.
I was bracing myself given other reviews but my first impression wasn't a bad one. Sure, the droplet sound effect on 'River of Orchids' is a little quirky but the strings are alright and the singer gives a good Paul McCartney impression. Then the Beatles impression turns into borderline copying with 'Easter Theater' giving huge 'She's Leaving Home' vibes, pings huge 'For the Benefit of Mr Kite' with 'Frivolous Tonight', and makes me wish it was an 'Always Sunny' sketch with 'Greenman.' Someone owes Oasis an apology because no one copied the Beatles harder with less success than this supremely subpar album.
Not on streaming, not going looking
The first 1001 album that isn't available in Spotify so listened to it on Youtube with ads, a bit annoying. Is this prog rock? If not, reminds of it. If I'm in the mood to listen to something like this I would travel back to Selling England by the Pound, Even in the Quietest Moments, Turn of the Century, or even Days of Future Passed.
A bit tedious
VERY FUN!!! I LOVED THIS. I was quite surprised that I enjoyed this!!! Great sound and overall a fun experience. Great lyrics too
It’s not bad at all, but for an album that took so long and caused so much drama it sure isn’t remarkable.
Released in the age of Napster, but spiritually from the age of powdered wigs.
This was very unique and I liked it but didn’t love it
Not on Spotify
Ok
Not what I expected, not something I would listen to again. I kept thinking it was maybe going to get awesome, but it didn’t.
slet ikke hvad jeg havde regnet med. Chokerende godt imho! Brian Wilson med Peter Gabriel-vokal. Syntes Your Dictionary var ret fjollet men alle de andre numre var fantastiske
Fedt fordi den her stil blev så stor i 00erne og XTC bare havde kørt på siden 80erne. "Det skal nok blive stort engang gutter!" Lyder virkelig lækkert.
Det her musik er alt for artsy fartsy til mig. Ikke videre essentielt 🤷
3/10 What a confounding album. Genuinely baffling that this is anywhere near a top 1000 list, but one of the most I retesting so far Well accomplished musically, big Beatles, Kinks, even ELO influences Interesting how little electric bass/guitar and drums there were String arrangements excellent, but they were Mike Batt But the lyrics and vocals ruined this completely Maybe half the songs were almost comedically bad lyrically, you’d give a 13yo a funny look if they wrote “your dictionary” Lyrics are a bizarre mix of twee nonsense and pagan/folk Didn’t like the vocals very much either This is musically quite interesting but is a bad album Best: I Can’t Own Her
I found this very hit and miss. It's also kitbon Tidal or Spotify, so was annoyingly interrupted by ads between each song. Although there were elements of it I liked, I'm giving this a 1 star, because it's not "essential" in any way. Skylarking, on the other hand, does very much belong on this list. It's one of the best discoveries I've had from the generator so far. I just don't think XTC are significant enough to have multiple albums on this list.
A nice album, with some good musical moments. Not enjoying that it wasn’t on Spotify tho that’s annoying
Not a fan of XTC but this was a cool listen. Different than what I imagined from them and found a couple of new songs I really like.
3/10
At first I thought it was too much effort to listen on YouTube. But I’m glad I persevered. I agree with the Beatles comments, but I think that adds to its charm. “I’d Like That” and “Your Dictionary” were particular highlights for me.
Meh. Self indulgent brit navel gazing. Also not available on any US streaming service. 2/5
I guess I'm a low-key XTC fan. Sense Working Overtime is the only song I can readily identify, but I like everything I'm hearing? Except for maybe Your Dictionary, which seemed a little on the nose. But otherwise - it all gels up real nice.
Yeah...as much as I would like XTC just doesn't do it for me. Would rather have that hour of listening back. 1.5/5
Goofy and unoriginal
River of Orchids was fine. I'd Like That and Easter Theatre are both really good. Other good ones: Frivolous tonight Your dictionary All in all much better than I thought it would be. Would definitely listen again.
It's a good album. Not sure it warrants one of the 1001 that I need to listen to.
XTC seems like eccentric alt. rock. A bit artsy and unusual. I like the cadence of Your Dictionary, and there are some tracks like I'd Like That, Frivolous Tonight that seem pretty straightforward and are fine. Overall it is interesting more than enjoyable.
only got partway through cuz this one isnt on spotify and i got sidetracked a bit this evening watching severance. interesting sound for sure but i prefer xtc's earlier stuff. 7/10
eiginlega síðbítla áhrif. flóknar útsetningar og samsöngur. 3,5.
I can't rate this album higher than Skylarking and Drums & Wire. However, it is a very fine McCartney-esque pop album that deserves recognition.
Where's the half-a-star option? I like XTC, always have, and always will, so that pushes me towards a 3, but this isn't where I'd start if introducing anyone to them, so it forces a more honest 2. One or two highlights, but wouldn't make it into my 1001 albums 2.5 stars for being XTC
vad är det här
tOTAL sHITE
Not on spotify!!
Ecstasy it is.
If albums had a smell, this one would smell weird. I don't know how to describe it, but I would not like its smell. Alls to say, I did not really enjoy this. It sounds pretty dated, and it's just not that good.
I was hugely surprised by just how great this album was. It has a shot at having the highest quality-to-popularity ratio on this list. The compositions and arrangements are little Beatlesque, or perhaps Brian-Wilsonian, especially in the slower, more string-oriented tracks. The strings are the album’s point of focus, along with the smooth, emotional vocals. Really, the only slightly weaker track is Your Dictionary, because of the horrendously goofy lyrics – but that can be overlooked. The rest of the album sounds really good, cementing its place as an obscure classic in the world of British baroque-pop. Key tracks: I Can’t Own Her – Beautiful shimmering strings and some sitar-like instrument in the back. Very cool. Takes a darker, more aggressive turn in the B-section halfway through the song. River of Orchids – Man, that orchestration is haunting. Cool, dark, nature-overgrown alleyway. A little haunting. Easter Theatre – Fun, poppy, well-produced. Greenman – Hard-to-place genre. Some quasi-medieval hints – possibly mode related? Again, great use of strings – adds so much colour. (This is a consistently strong theme throughout the album.)
I'm not 100% sure that I know what they were trying to accomplish. It almost sounded like a poor attempt at replicating the aura for Pet Sounds but without the hits...or the Beach Boy touch...or redeeming qualities.
I like XTC quite a lot. I'm not sure this needs to be on the list though. It's solid but not really necessary considering other XTC albums are much more essential.
T'was a bop, wasn't what i was expecting but i enjoyed it
This was a really great album. Shame it’s not on Spotify because there’s multiple songs I really enjoy. River of Orchids, Easter Theater, and Your Dictionary were all really solid listens. 10/10
I quite enjoyed this. Reminded me Sufjan Stevens which isn’t a bad thing.
Another irritating album from these chumps
Worth a listen
Enjoyed the two listens. Some good tracks such as "Greenman", "Your" Dictionary", "I Can't Own Her". Not sure I'll give it a 3rd listen, but definitely a 3/5!
Kind of cool sounding.
As Wikipedia correctly identifies, this is an eccentric one. If it's a great one is a very different question. The biggest issue is a lack of impactful songwriting, followed by a lack of fullness of sound. Everything sounds kind of tinny and weak. Come to think of it, it's interesting how a band can utilize a full orchestra and yet sound so low-budget.
Pretty good album. Nice orchestral work.
I stopped writing notes for my reviews a while back and decided to start doing this again... unfortunately, for this album. This was... uh... not fun.
Too Beatlesque