Reviews (page 7 of 7)
Not on Spotify
For some reason this is a hard album to track down, but having finally heard it, I like it a lot. In places it is not dissimilar to peak era Squeeze and can also hear elements of Paul McCartney in the singing and the lyrics.
Detta leder omedelbart tankarna till Stravinskys L'Histoire du soldat. Den påminner mig om "Nothing but Flowers" av The Talking Heads. Påminner mig om Ani DiFrancos "You Had Time" Om du lyssnar noga är melodin "band that bind you will unwind" från Wheel and the Maypole invävd i den här låten ... Det som gör Andy och Colin fantastiska är deras genuina fäste vid sina hedniska rötter! knight in shining karma
Not available on Spotify
This band is the shitty knockoff of Oasis which is already the shitty knockoff of the Beatles
Pastoral. Some charm but excellence somehow always just out of reach. Didn't really resonate
This type of nigh-orchestral pop isn't for me but it's easy to listen to. I did enjoy Greenman though
Unable to listen on Spotify
Y'all already gave me an XTC album like 3 days ago and I didn't give it a good rating then or any of the other times you suggested it. I'm starting to think this whole thing is an elaborate plan to get me to listen to XTC. PLEASE STOP.
This is certainly one the albums of all time
3 stars, has some standout tracks - I like Fruit Nut
Spotify didn't have it so i have to listen on youtube. River of Orchids is cool. This is a real solid musical outting. I get a Steely Dan vibe from it, but not in terms of sound. In terms of craftsmanship. Greenman undercuts it, because the soundscape is just so generically "Arabic inspired". After that, it loses that shimmering quality that the opening tracks have, but still a very nice time.
Greenman was awesome 3.9
This wasn’t super to my tastes, but I’ve gotta respect it for being weird, creative and interesting. Also shout out to the Internet Archive for allowing me to listen, they’re doing good work.
what is orchustic supposed to mean. how do you think orchestras make sound buddy & you ain't Paul McCartney. frig off music: hated. (⌐■_■)
Tough one to score. Some songs easily belong on a 5 star album but some songs have way too much Silly British flavour for my liking. Ultimately going to round up here on the strength of the good stuff, and add that I think XTC might be a sleeper Band For Me.
I consider Drums and Wires and (especially) English Settlement to be some of my favourite music. I can hear some of those pastoral sounds taken to their ultimate limit in this album. But this has all the worst excesses of a lot of British '60s psychedelia. It's like they have a big red button marked TWEE!!!! It should be tapped gently....occasionally. This sounds like they kept bashing it. TOO MUCH, GENTLEMEN! Too much.
XTC is one of those bands that I feel like I could have really gotten into at some point, but for whatever reason never did. Honestly probably just random chance that I never delved deep into their catalog. They seem like a really interesting band with a unique vision. I love the use of strings and other instruments on this album. I just with it was on Spotify, I would definitely put it in my rotation. 4 stars.
My first exposure XTC. Having a hard time classifying this one. Good vocals backed by orchestrated soft progressive I guess. I like it.
Weird pop that's hard to define within a genre. I didn't especially like it.
Yes - enjoyed hearing XTC again.
XTC - Apple Venus Volume 1 Apparently this is not available on streaming. I had to find it on YouTube which was ok, but commercials took me out of the listening of this album. It's a beautiful acoustic album. Reminiscent of the Beatles and other 60s artists. I won't be able to listen to this more than once (due to availability), so this was a first impression listen. 2/5
Unavailable
The dreaded album that isn't on a streaming service. I only know XTC for the Nigel song. Overall, pretty forgettable.
I really liked the first song and then it all went downhill from there.
Favorite was "Green Man"
Lage 3 sterren. Vond t soms best nice klinken, vooral de eerste 2 nummers. I'd like that geeft een beetje Bill Wurtz vibe. Your dictionary heeft wel echt een kut tekst, fruit nut ook
Jammer dat die niet op Spotify stond, heb wel echt genoten
Booooringgg tis alsof ik naar een matige beatles coverband zit te luisteren die dacht oh maar wij kunnen ook wel schrijven Your dictionary staat stipt op 1 in mijn lijst van grootste zeiknummers ooit.
Isch mega a shame isch Das album nid uf spotify. Bin drum nur chli dure gskippt aber finds eigentlich würklich no schön? Aso chent mehr bi paar songs echt vorstelle das da würklich mir mal so recht ahlose usserhalb vo dem 1001 album thing. Wird halt nid passiere wells nid uf spotify isch aber ich würd voll mitvibe wenns öpper würd laufe lah. 4/5
scheiss isch nienets streambar son dreck. River of Orchids. funny comedy pizzicato und tropfe? oke nocher ischs en song mit chli avantgarde polyrhythmik. meh. Id Like that. ouuh gitarre und e melodie? besser. sehr cool mit de klatscher. mmh und d bgv sind super. seeehr beatles. und sehr beach boys. scheiss youtube werbig. easter theatre. irgendwie au sehr sgt pepper aber atonaler. gfallt mer, erinneret mi a she's leaving home. knights in shining karma. guete titel, intressanti melodie und si. frivolous. jo oke cute song aber s macht absolut nüt mit mir. Greenman. haha hollywood im mittlere oste time. Your dictionary. "H.A.T.E. is that how you spell love in your dictionary" sorry für die line gits en ganze stern abzug egal wie genial de rest theoretisch isch. ou shit sie mached wiiter ou nai. fruit nut. wie son funny beatles song? I can't own her. jo hoffentli au nöd alte. orchester arrangement huere schön. nothing to do with money aha okay nöd? ah hesch sie afoch gern? harvest festival checki etz no, au sehr nüt neus findi.
danke cheeseman für din upload uf youtube hahaha gad am ahfang bini nöd megaa happy gsi, iwie ischs für mich musig gsi eifach zum zeige, dass mer e ahnig vo musig het ah stelle hets mich anes moderners beatles erinnered? aber mite ziit bini immer meh innecho und au wennmer au das album als ganzes muss lose, hets es 3 scho verdient
The first song is the "strangest" song in the album. The most interesting songs for me are I'd like that and Your Dictionary. The album gives light atmosphere and calm "major key" mood. Funny orchestral support. Unusual harmonies sometimes (like in Easter Theater). In general: flegmatic
Enjoyed the instruments
Slightly unconventional, good sound quality, but it felt like something was missing. O-K-A-Y - is how I'd spell it in my dictionary.
Between 1979 and 1982, I loved XTC. They had a really great and unusual sound. But then I thought they fell off the planet. I presumed they were resting on their laurels in a farmhouse somewhere spending the royalties. Little did I know that 20 years later they were still making music. And it ain’t half bad. Andy Partridge has such a distinctive voice you can recognise it is XTC without being told. Interesting that the album cover as depicted here is the wrong way round. Don’t know what to infer from that. I can hear lots of Neil Innes and The Kinks and that notable English whimsy. It’s incredibly witty and I was so intrigued I listened to it twice. It touches a quirky spot in a way that I recognise and love. XTC spells great in my dictionary.
XTC is clever and fun. I wasn’t familiar with this album but I enjoyed it very much.
This is a band I should explore more. I bought their first release on LP (when traveling in Europe in the '80s) and while I liked it enough, it's far afield of what the band evolved into. This reminds me of 10cc — quirky and smart, sprinkle of humor. Thinking pop? I'm in.
I don't think I was in the right headspace for this one today. I enjoy XTC enough, I guess, but they can often be a bit twee for my tastes. Such was the case with this album though I don't think i'm being totally fair. They try some cool things out with the arrangements and orchestration. And it's possible that it works in the songs' favor, but more often than not I found the arrangements distracting rather than enhancing. I think if I gave this another spin when my head was in the game I'd like it more. I do like Andy Partridge's vocals, and he can be a hell of a songwriter, but nothing really grabbed me today. Again, I suspect it's me more than them, but based on this listen I'm going straight down the middle. I will give it another spin at some point.
I tried to listen on YouTube b/c this wasn't available on Spotify. The ads disrupted the few mediocre songs I got to actually hear. Probably not fair to rate this but here we are.
The sort of weird I couldn’t tune out nor engage with. Still had some elements I enjoyed but few.
More people would sing this album's praises if it was more readily available. Trust me, it's worth searching out. This little band had a lot more cooking besides "Dear God" and "Senses Working Overtime". I'd like something different for the album cover though if I'm being completely honest.
I wouldn't feel bad if I missed this one!
nicht gefunden
grrrr it's not on Spotify river of orchids - I was not expecting that but like slay? I like it 6/10 I'd like that - I thought I chose rock/metal???? this shit ain't EITHER this sounds like something outta a musical. not bad, just not my thing. 4/10 easter theatre - OHHHH I think it's pairing it with like the Beatles. it reminds me of the Beatles. 5/10 knights in shining karma - I don't mind it but it's still meh 5/10 💀 again, not my thing Frivolous Tonight - this literally sounds like something out of a musical why were these dudes not on Broadway what the hell 4/10 greenman - this kinda slays. I wanna hippie dance to it. 6/10 your dictionary - 'f u c k' is that how you spell friend in your dictionary SLAY BRO I hate this song it sounds like imagination by Shawn mendes but that line had me shitting so bonus points 5/10 Fruit Nut - WHY WASNT THIS DUDE ON BROADWAY WHAT THE HELL GET THIS MAN ON BROADWAY 3/10 i can't own her - is xtc a Broadway musical or some shit I'm SAYING this sounds like it's from a musical 4/10 harvest festival - sims music meets the Beatles 5/10 last balloon - GET THESE FUCKINF DUDES ON BROADWAY OH MY GODDDDDDDDDD 5/10 overall: BROADWAY BEATLES. not for me, Beatles fans though...
I wrote a long speel about the Beatles and Icarus but realised after Dictionary that it was nonsense. The album started a bit orchestral but then it was like they changed their mind or something and just gave up on that idea.. not sure if that was a good thing or not.. All that being said, it was an okay album which I'll probably never listen to again because its not on spotify. Thanks to Cheese Man. Favourite track - The Last Balloon - great outro song, trumpet?
Got as far as Your Dictionary and decided it wasn't worth having to cop YouTube ads before every track. What a horrid album.
bit weird
9.5/10
XTC always produce interesting catchy music, but it was a hassle listening to this on YouTube with ads
As someone who doesn’t know much about XTC and loves symphonic rock, it was a bit of a headrush. I’m going to say this might grow on me with time, but since I found it in a used music store the day it generated, fate has ordained it WILL grow on me. HL: “River of Orchids”, “Easter Theatre”, “Harvest Festival”
Sounds like a kid who's just discovered the 'samples and sound effects' buttons on their first keyboard. I preferred when they were making plans for Nigel
Meh. British art / prog rock that sounds like it should be out of the 70s not the 90s. And having to use YouTube and listen to adds really hurts the experience.
This album is not on Spotify and after reading comments on YouTube, this album is apparently really hard to find. Which is a shame because it's well crafted. This parallels The Beatles. This is my favorite albums off this list of albums I have not heard before. I wish this was so spotify for my convenience. I have added this album to the list of albums that I would like to add to my vinyl collection. I've heard it's difficult to find.. But I'm hopeful because it's a fantastic record. The song Your Dictionary was, to my surprise, really good. I'm a lyrics guy and the lyrics come off a bit cheesy.. But it's the first time I have heard a song with that style of lyrics - it was really well done. I listened to it 4 times before I moved on to the next song.... Which is one of my favourites off the album: Fruit Nut. To me, this sounds like it could have been written by one of my favourite artists, Ween. It's whimsical and almost goofy but done in a serious and purposeful. It's contrasting styles blended beautifully. I wonder if the brothers' Ween took inspiration from XTC? The final song has a slow trumpet build up that accompanies the rest of the instruments really well and it ends with a fantastic solo but the trumpet. Loved every second of that. What a gem. This record makes me want to explore XTC further. I will definitely listen to this again and again.
If you're really into prog-rock, you'll like this.
not on spotify river of orchids- i like the little waterdrops. its interesting how each instrument and the singing flows together. 5 or 6 id like that- i think its cute. 5 easter theater- motherfucker is that a flute. its interesting. 6. i really like the chorus but the rest is a little boring knights in shining karma- i like how every song flows into the next. 7. its kinda tally hall? sorry but like idk. frivolous tonight- i like the piano. its like im skipping in a field. 5 greenman- oh shit. 6. it sounds almost south west asian. thats probably a big inspiration. your dictionary- ok the first line is cringe. 3 or 4. i dont like it. the piano is nice but. hm fruit nut- oh shit. this is cute. i need to listen to this when i play stardew. 7 i cant own her- i like the harp. kinda boring otherwise. 3 or 4 harvest festival- im bored. i like the weird sound effects. 3 or 4 the last balloon- boring too. 3 favorite song- fruit nut
Rating: 8.5/10 Great album, a lot of fun to listen to. The songwriting was consistently great throughout, loved the orchestral elements that were implemented. A lot of catchy vocal and instrumental melodies, the lush production really complemented the instrumentation. A lot of beautiful elements on this album as well, very pleasant and enjoyable to listen to. There was enough variety on here that it was interesting to listen to the entire time while having a consistent sound throughout. Favorite songs: River of Orchids, I'd Like That, Easter Theatre, Frivolous Thought, Greenman, Your Dictionary, I Can't Own Her, The Last Balloon. Least favorite song: Knights In Shining Karma.
Have I grown higher standards, or the illusion of such through such a thing like shorter patience? Initially a 2, a 1 but for Greenman. But honestly, this is a hell of an album. It's not a smooth ride. It feels like it should be, but it's not. But I was able to listen to it all the way through for a second time, just minutes after finishing it the first time. I can't say so much about too many other albums. There are few albums easily finished the first time. I'm not sure if I easily finished this the first time. The albums on the 1001 generator list are just background music for other stuff I'm stuck doing anyway, mainly CS practice. But this album was definitely something. And that means something, for whatever it's worth.
River of Orchids is an amazing opening track. Never heard it before, but it is incredible. The whole album gives me Beatles-vibes. Standouts: River of Orchids, I'd Like That, Your Dictionary 4.25
XTC turn their talents to acoustic-inflected pop and the result is predictably great. I simply and generally enjoy the band's output; Apple Venus starts with neither a hook nor a lyric, and that establishes the record's entire tone. All the band's stalwarts will return, less a pronounced rhythm section. Time figures, then, are up to the voice, resulting in a rather ancient mood.
I would really like to give this a 5, because it contains some of my favourite XTC songs with some truly fantastic arrangements and melodies, but then it also has a slump in the middle with songs that don’t hit the mark. It’s like 65% excellent. Definitely worse ways to close off your career (although they still released volume 2 after this one) but there’s still a bit of lost potential felt. I also find it a little strange that this is the only other XTC album included here besides Skylarking. Albums like Drums & Wires, Black Sea, English Settlement or Nonsuch would’ve made better candidates, I feel. All that said, there’s still a lot of great songs on this one
De va nice men xtc träffar inte mig helt rätt
Missing from Spotify Unfortunately.
Interesting but very hard to find.
Smooth and melodic. A bit sing songy at times but really enjoyed the listen.
Gillar XTC från tidiga 80-talet men det här var ju inget kul. Någon ljusglimt kanske.
Meh
This was a weird one. Kinda like psychadelic dream pop with a backing orchestra. The orchestra gave the whole record a super ethereal quality to it. By times this sounded like Sgt Pepper era Beatles, by other times Pet Sounds era Beach Boys. It was ok, but isn't something I'd actively seek out. This is my second XTC album (The first being Skylarking). Similar to their first record I reviewed, this one fell flat about halfway through. Favourite songs: Greenman, Your Dictionary, River of Orchids Least favourite songs: Fruit Nut, I Can't Own Her, Harvest Festival, The Last Balloon 2/5
Modern psychedelic progressive ... music? I don't know. But at least this album was a pleasant listening experience. 3/5
Very nice album. It's as if the Beatles got interested in progressive rock and weren't so upbeat. The vocals were great. Like most good music, it'll take me a few listens before I really understand the
Their good songs got better, but their annoying songs became more annoying.
I really like the songwriting here. I really started to enjoy it when I got "Skylarking" earlier in the list, I gave that record 5 stars. This record is... Busy. There's a lot of great writing buried underneath a Pet Sounds-amount of strings and orchestration, but it's a lot to take it and it takes away from the experience as a whole. Favorite tracks: "I Can't Own Her", "Harvest Festival"
Weird minimalisme med stygg elektroblås. Litt småkjedelig prog. Noen helt ok instrumenteringer men han synger jævlig kjedelig og presser så jævlig på høytonene. Og HVORFOR må han bruke de stygge jævla el-saks aktige blåserekkene når han også har ekte blås wtf. Kjedelige tradd pop-melodier som prøver å være eksperimentelle men å gjøre rare ting er ikke det samme som å være nyskapende. Teksten er også sånn... hæ? "knights in shining karma wash your feet" assa kom igjen dude... Nei men hælvete nå er det en engelsk drikkelåt inni her. Orker ikke mer av dette albumet eller de shtøgge el-blås lydene...
1. river of orchidz - 0 2. id like that - 1 3. eazter theater - 0 4. knightz in karma - 0 5. frivolouz tonight - 0 6. greenman - 0 7. your dictionary - 0 8. fruit nut - 0 9. i cant ouun her - 0 10. harvezt feztival - 0 11. the lazt balloon - 0
‘Apple Venus Volume 1’ doesn’t quite hit the same highs, and as consistently as ‘Skylarking’, but it’s still pretty great, even if it all sounds a bit familiar and Andy Partridge’s Beatles/PMac/Brian Wilson influences are more obvious than usual.
It’s just bad
River of Orchids is pretty great. What a way to start the album! It's followed by the Beatle's-like "I'd Like That" and "Easter Theatre". Standouts: River of Orchids, I'd Like That, Easter Theatre.
Hard time remembering anything about the album a day later, but I didnt hate it. Wish there was a 2.5 option.
The quirky, whimsical songwriting is charming, though at times a little overbearing, in a " look at this weird thing we're doing" kind of way. I was not previously aware of this music, and I look forward to digging in more... maybe.
At first I questioned why an album outside of their prime years of the late 70s and 80s was included, but the arrangements they crafted here really make this stick out in their catalog. Freed from major label scrutiny, they were able to tickle their own fancy to their hearts content. British eccentricity on full display.
Symphonic pop eh. Yeah nah not my thing. But it's competent and I can see why others would like it, there's elements Beatles songs sung by Ringo and a cute whimsy at times, as well as some Beach Boys-style harmonies.
Let's begin with the cliché surrounding this XTC album: shut your eyes, forget who you're listening to, and take in "River of Orchids" as it trickles into life. "Apple Venus Volume 1" could easily have been a hidden treasure of 1968, sitting neatly between The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Kinks. Instead, it came thirty years later, from a band about fifteen years past their prime. It's a real curio even by 1999 standards, begging the question why it ended up included in the 1001 canon. All I can say is that I'm thrilled it was: after a few listens, I've decided it's a modest triumph. This, along with Vol. 2 which was released as "Wasp Star", were XTC's final albums. Principal singer and songwriter Andy Partridge suffered from severe stage fright which meant the band never performed live, and spent the best part of a decade refining these tracks in studio. I'm casually familiar with "Skylarking" and have always liked it, but this is something else altogether. "Apple Venus Vol. 1" is their "orch-oustic" manifesto: a blend between pastoral, acoustic-guitar driven folk and bombastic, symphonic arrangements. "River of Orchids" begins this in a stirring, hypnotic way, with droplets of pizzicato strings slowly building up to a bubbling stream. Layers of brass and vocal ripple over each other until there's a whole river of sound laid out before us: an entrancing introduction. "I'd Like That" is more of a lightweight acoustic ditty, but charming in its way with a satisfying flamenco outro. And then "Easter Theatre" misdirects us through meandering verses to an absolutely knock-out chorus. The moment the backing "stage left" lyric comes in, it's like the sky explodes in green and gold, and XTC are here to carry us all home. Later, "Greenman" is a grand old giddy joy that makes me want to dress as a shrub and dance round a maypole. "Harvest Festival" harks back to children's assembly, complete with recorders. And I can't not mention "Frivolous Tonight" and "Fruit Nut", the two tracks penned by Colin Mould. A little divisive with critics at the time, I'm happy to report that their vaudeville stylings work perfectly for me: they're shuffling music hall ditties which perfectly suit the songs of innocence package. If anything threatens to sink the album, it's the constant tension between superb music and really quite embarrassing lyrics. The ultimate example is "Your Dictionary": the lyrics are trite, corny and absolutely should not work. But in the end, I'm charmed by its sparse, acoustic instrumentation and the sudden, charming baroque-pop outro. Elsewhere, there's the middle-8 of "I Can't Own Her" - "when I say I can't own her, I don't mean to buy her, it's nothing at all to do with money" - hopelessly clunky. But in context of the song, surrounded by multi-layered vocals and swirling harmonies, it becomes breathtaking. So there we have it: "Apple Venus Volume 1" is a near-masterpiece. I'm stopping slightly short of full marks ("The Last Balloon" is a little underwhelming as a closer) but this is one of the best 90's albums I've been introduced to in a long time. And for all the talk about its forebears, what hasn't been picked up on so much is the subsequent albums "Apple Venus" may have inspired. "River of Orchids" and "Easter Theatre" could be straight out of an Animal Collective record, and there are shades of Flaming Lips' more symphonic work (which, incidentally, was drawing from the same sources in the exact same year).
Trippy throwback.
Very good pop indebted to Beatles and Beach Boys. Very well constructed and reasonably eclectic in the clever XTC pop-artist style. A high 3.
The album wasn't available to listen to so I don't really have a rating.
Very retro sounding album for 1999. Atmosphere throughout the album is really unique.
Listened to this while playing Aeon's End with my partner against Magus of Cloaks. We lost twice. What an unexpected joy this album was! I had seen the groups name before, but had no idea what kind of music they performed. As an instrumentalist, I lived for all the creative orchestrations. There was an occasional cringe lyric here and there...but the dictionary song was super clever and had me laughing. I kept waiting for things to get less interesting, but each song was like a little auditory gem. I would absolutely come back to this for inspiration in my own compositions. Was not expecting to have a 5 album out of the blue...but I loved this!
Bland and unremarkable. Not very good.
Album not found on apple music. Found on youtube. Was a descent listen
It's like if Brian Wilson's wax replica came to life and found a studio, and made music that fits in the same uncanny valley as its looks.
I was super impressed with this, and honestly only think that the CD era bloat typical among this era is what drags it down.
Tiresome to be honest
This record was "meh" to me, which is sad because I can't forgive boring records.
2/10
2.75
Had to go to YouTube because Spotify doesn’t have this album. Thought it was ok.
This list needs some Dukes of Stratosphere
Embarrassingly I don't think this is the first time I felt like I knew this band, got confused by what I was hearing, then realized I was thinking about INXS. This anyway was interestingly wierd and pretty unlike anything else. I enjoyed it.
this album leaves me pretty far away from being ecstatic.
Premier League, corrupt as fuck
Interesting and quirky, I can see why it's on this list. Definitely original too, can't imagine many other bands have written a love song set at a harvest festival service. There's probably a reason for that, though. I probably won't listen again but I'll give it a extra star because at least I wasn't bored
No esta en Spotify
This actually had some really interesting production and instrumentation, but the song writing didn't really do it for me. Meh.
Pretty good
Cheesy
Dan, it's funny that you mentioned Dirty Projectors the other day in your review of the Pentangle album because I hear their sound in this album too. Especially in the vocals and the layered production of the first track "River of Orchids." I like the line "The grass is always greener when it bursts up through concrete." I was just talking yesterday about this idea of taking a cliche phrase or saying and changing a part of it to freshen it up and make it new again. (There was a line in an Arctic Monkeys song that made me think of this concept: "I don't mean to rain on anybody's cabaret." What a fun writing trick!) The second track "I'd Like That" almost sounds like solo Paul McCartney. A lot of these songs sound influenced by the Beatles. I’m liking this less and less as it goes on. A lot of these songs are corny. The vocals frequently made me cringe. And aside from a good first impression, I don’t like the lyrics. “Your Dictionary” struck me as particularly clunky. This album started interesting but by the end, I was happy it was over.
Very interesting sound. I wasn't expecting the vocals at all and thought this would be an orchestral instrumental band. I think the vocals are cool but the cacophony is a little bit annoying. Maybe it's because it's 7:42am on a Monday, I'm a little hungover and I haven't had any coffee, but there's so many conflicting things in this first track. Alright the second track is out of left field after hearing the first one. I'm intrigued with where the rest of the album will go. Definitely eclectic, at times cool, and at times intriguing, but ultimately it felt just OK to me. Not sure I would come back for a listen.
Didn't think this was worth being on the list as we already have two XTC albums worth enough praise, but the magnificence of Easter Theater is enough to make me believe in the beauty of sound. It is unfortunate that Colin Moulding's two songs (Frivolous Tonight and Fruit Nut) drag down the overall quality. Otherwise, what a spectacular final showing for a band that should have peaked in the 80's.
I preferred it when they were making plans for Nigel
I'm surprised by how much better this album is than "Skylarking". It's weird, don't get me wrong. Like... unnecessarily weird. But far less offensively weird than the hot mess that is "Skylarking". That doesn't make it good, mind you. Because it's not. It's still a scattered, disconnected mess of an album. But it IS better than "Skylarking" so there's that...
Kinda like British Beach Boys
not bad, specially for a youtube album!
Bien meilleur que l'album moyen de Britney sorti au même moment.
XTC nous propose un nom bien générique qui ne nous permettra jamais de nous souvenir de quoi ce groupe retourne.
XTC albums usually have a few catchy songs that carry the album for me. I didn't find the spark on this one. It didn't help that it wasn't on Spotify and I had to endure YouTubeMusic's commercials after every other song.
I like the mix of strings and 60s folk. It's sounds like XTC meets Pet Sounds. The Colin Moulding songs have more of a Scott Walker feel. It was brave to release such an ambitious and eclectic LP, that would not regiater on the commercila charts, since they were more or less broke. Andy Partridge's voice isn't at the same level as the arrangements.
There’s no Nigel or Generals and Majors here, but Andy Partridge’s quirky voice is ever present. This one is for the die-hard XTC fans
It gives strong Beatles. A little more psychedelic, way more boring
I was interested to listen to this one because I've enjoyed XTC's first album from 1978 every once in a while. I'm not a huge fan but have enjoyed their songs in the past. I also didn't know they were around into the late 90s. I was disappointed by this album. I don't hear anything on it that reminds me of their music I've liked. In my opinion these are some of the most cringingly bad lyrics I've heard in a while (ex. 'I'd Like That', 'Your Dictionary'). I wish I could have ignored them but they're also pretty high in the mix, so they're hard to avoid. I really didn't like this one at all. Pretty blown away at the relatively consistent positive reviews it received as well. Not sure what I'm missing. Standout Tracks: N/A
5/10. Yeah, I feel like they're taking themselves too seriously with this album, which is not a good look for XTC. It had some cool moments, the first song sounded pretty cool before he started singing over it.
What I really don't like about this album is that it's no fun at all. People can try to draw parallels to the Beatles or Beach Boys because there are some unique instrumentations and production choices, but this completely lacks the sense of humor and genuine soul of projects like Rubber Soul and Pet Sounds. It's not horrible in a vacuum but seeing it in this context made me like it a whole lot less than I otherwise would have. Your Dictionary is also utterly terrible. 4/10
Empezó aburriéndome un poco, pero me dejó buena sensación al terminar el disco. Con curiosidad para conocer más discos del grupo.
3++ Knights in Shining Karma Your Dictionary Fruit Nut
Ni siquiera existe en Spotify. Imposible opinar
Weird & enjoyable. Will revisit.
Alternatief, maar vrolijk en melodieus.
Dne
It was the song where the frontman kept cheekily spelling out curse words in a hilariously unsubtle attempt to be cutting that reminded me of an episode earlier this year at the community radio station I volunteered at where a 30s-something man couldn't bring himself to say fuck, instead replacing every instance in the song title with a simple 'F.' It was a little sad, but mostly pathetic, an attempt to seem cool and hip well beyond one's prime or when they should have quit long ago. That sums up this album for me, an ending chapter for a band that had long since died an ungraceful death.
Not on Spotify. Will circle back to check out later.
Had precies nog meer symphonische muziek verwacht
Your Dictionary might be the single worst song I've heard in my life. The rest of the album ranges from good to fine to bad, but Your Dictionary is horrific. Favorite track: Greenman
First song felt like something from yoshis island mixed with terraria, really repetitive, can't really understand what they are saying, lyric wise. First song is kinda strange, not my thing Second song has a nice intro, but the first words of the song being it's name just seems lazy for me, the songs are very mellow and calm, but repetitive I'm getting sleepy from hearing these songs, maybe if you like the beatles and those types of bands this one can bring some feeling of "something new" in regards to the calm rock style, but I just can't listen to it for an extended period of time.
Já fiquei puto que não tem no spotify... No começo fiquei "que porra é essa...", aí do nada gostei do que veio, as gotinhas de água, a música com ritmos diferenciado, gosto dessas paradas mais experimentais que fogem um pouco do padrão. Gostei. I'd Like That: Orra, to gostando da música, violãozinho da hora, baixo caminhando legal. Vibe massa, carai. Até fiquei triste que não dá pra adicionar no Spotify. Easter Theatre: mano, que porra é essa, eu realmente to curtindo essas músicas, tão me tocando, que interessante... não sei se lembra algumas músicas da época psicodélica dos Beatles, mas orras... Fui ler os comentários, as pessoas comentaram dos Beatles também huahuahua. Agora tá fazendo sentido... Knights In Shining Karma: cacete, mais uma música da hora, gosto dessa vibe, ainda tá lembrando um pouco de blackbird, com kansas, sound of silence, curto essa vibe. Frivolous Tonight: mais uma vibe Beatles, estilo Maxwell Silver Hammer, parece muito as músicas hippies psicodélicas felizes do Paul. Não teve uma música que não gostei até agora... Greenman: os caras são muito criativos, parece muito uma música de tribo feliz da Disney. Your Dictionary: que isso, começou "F U" pensei "ah não" HUAHUAUH, que musiquinha massa cara. I Can't Own Her: A voz do back vocal é muito vibe Paul mesmo, os caras devem ter uma inspiração forte nos Beatles, vou pesquisar. Pesquisei, a galera até comparou vários álbums dessa banda com os dos Beatles em diferentes épocas, me interessou pra ouvir depois. Esse foi o primeiro álbum desse rolê que me fez parar tudo pra ir pesquisar sobre a banda, era o que eu esperava desde o início. Que foda isso, e como eu to avaliando isso aqui por sentimento, vou dar 5 estrelas pelo que me fez sentir. Acho que nenhuma outra banda vai criar o sentimento que tive ouvindo toda a discografia dos Beatles na adolescência (The Who chegou muito perto), mas essa banda me fez lembrar daquele momento.
River of Orchids me deixou bem confuso do que seria esse álbum. Definitivamente diferenciado, isso é inegável. Só não entendi direito o que é isso. I'd Like That já foi algo bem mais compreensível, achei bem gostosinha, boa de ouvir. Adicionaria se fosse possível... Esse álbum é muito doido cara, essa Easter Theatre me fez perceber que essa banda tá me lembrando os beatles na época doidera LSD deles, do Sgt. Pepper e do Magical Mystery Tour. Com sons fora do comum, coisas meio tensas, bastante instrumentos de sopro, mas com melodias legais, interessantes e grudentas no meio disso tudo. Knights In Shining Karma começa bonita, profunda, calminha mas meio "pesada". As harmonias e melodias desse álbum são muito diferenciadas. Complexo de entender. Frivolous Tonight me lembrou um pouco música de natal, não sei porquê.. E foi antes dos chimes do final dela. Ah pronto, Greenman é a cota de George Harrison indiano da inspiração dos Beatles. E pior que ficou boa pra caralho kkkkkkk Your Dictionary é mó boa também. As músicas são muito distintas umas das outras. E é sempre uma surpresa agradável. Ah lá, foi só falar isso e do nada Fruit Nut começa com sonzinho estilo Donkey Kong uahseuasheuashuauhse I Can't Own Her e Harvest Festival baita músicas também, bonitas pra cacete. The Last Balloon fecha o álbum de forma mais darkzona. Esse álbum me chamou muito a atenção pela inspiração na época lá de 1967 dos Beatles, porém sem perder a própria personalidade. As músicas ainda se mantiveram características e únicas. Além disso, a diversidade ao longo do álbum, cada música era bem diferente uma da outra e tinha sua própria sensação. E a medida que fui ouvindo o álbum, eu ia ficando curioso pra saber qual a próxima coisa que viria, e nunca decepcionava. Fiquei positivamente surpreso. Músicas extremamente bem feitas, e muitas vezes meio complexas. Leva um tempinho pra digerir algumas. Acredito que esse álbum deve ficar ainda melhor com o tempo.
Poids moyen
c est plein de choses qui pourraient me deplaire mais jaime encore ?
Easter Theater wears its Beatles influences on its sleeve, and Harvest Festival sounds like it could be a Paul solo track. Still, I suppose its not startlingly original to say that XTC sound like the Beatles, and I rather enjoyed this set of songs. A high three, on the cusp of four.
Not for me. Minstrel music for people in ecstasy.
Definitely not cool enough in 1999 for this one.
Can't stream it. Putting the stars at the to average it out
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: River of orchids, I’d like that
I've never heard any XTC before, and I'm not sure this was the best place to start; sounds like a bunch of middle-aged men in a shed in Shropshire doing a Beatles-prog crossover on the weekend.
Alan Partridge works with the London Session Orchestra to produce a modern version of Pet Sounds-era Brian Wilson. From the chamber vocals, the triumphant atmospheric sound, and the whimsical instruments and effects, the arrangements are all lush, beautiful, and catchy pop tunes. I don't understand the hate; I thought it was all pretty good. There were a few tracks I didn't care for much (especially in the 2nd half), and the song structures are pretty simple, so I wouldn't put it up to par with Pet Sounds or even Skylarking, but it was hard for me to hate any of it. Favorites: River of Orchids, Easter Theatre, I Can't Own Her
Yet another of way too many of the albums here that apply to the pretentious more than they do to the music lover.
Not my cup of tea sorry
Not even a hastily arranged orchestra could save this mid tier Beatles cover band of an album.
Varsin keskivertolevy. En pahemmin saanut otetta. 2/5
Periaatteessa aika väsynyt valinta listalle, kun bändillä on jo kulta-ajoiltaan niin monta hyvää levyä. Mutta oli tääkin yllättävän jees. Eittämättä kova bändi.
Green man jopa musikaalimainen kappale. Ylipäätään kyllä aika unohdettava levy vaikkakin ihan kiva. 2/5
Meh
Favorite Track[s]: Easter Theatre
I like: River of Orchids Easter Theatre Greenman
Molt notable que després de tants anys la banda continués mantenint el puls per la melodia i l'experimentació dins del que ha de ser una bona cançó pop. Preciosisme en les seves melodies i una voluntat de seguir recargolant l'habitual estructura de la cançó; a mi em recorden més al power pop suau de Jellyfish que a The Beach Boys, amb qui comparen a la guia de la llista de referència
Listened to a couple songs I only liked the first one because it sounded like a rain forest or a jungle
The album was not that good. Unnoteworthy. I tolerated it.
This album is so essential that you can’t listen to it in America on a streaming service. Instead you get to hear it as the artist intended: broken up by commercials for reverse mortgages and carb-cutting diet fads on YouTube. Real talk though, this album’s alright. If you like the corniest of all the Beatles’ psychedelic pop experiments from the late sixties, you’ll love this record.
The was a creative art-y album that worked well. Orchestra elements, some middle eastern influence. Overall beautiful sounding.
Not my style of music. I can see that other might like it.
Expansive and indulgent, but too rich and deep for my taste
I listened to an XTC album for the first time only a few months ago and was seriously impressed. I love the blend of rock music with orchestra, and it made for such a nice experience. Today’s album seems hard to find as it isn’t on Apple Music, so I’m having to resort to streaming it on YouTube. Not ideal, but still excited to hear it. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Greenman, I’d Like That I’m happy to report that this album was just as lovely as the last one. Google and Wikipedia seem to indicate XTC are a post punk band, but this was much more folky than anything. Previous reviews of mine have expressed a joy for music that makes me want to run around naked in fairy circles, and this is no exception. The vocals and Melodie’s are very imaginative and creative, and it makes for a very lovely listening experience. I might have to add this to my record collection soon.
Musically ambitious and mostly lovely on the ears, although the vocals are a little hit and miss. Lyrically odd and eloquent at the same time, which is fun. The not so good part: This comes off as music by someone who has listened to the Beatles way too much, but fails to understand what made the Beatles great in the first place. The skill is there, the songcraft is (mostly) there, the heart is not. Unavailable on Spotify, but easy to find on YouTube. Fave Songs: I'd Like That, Knights in Shining Karma, River of Orchids, Easter Theatre
This album was only my second exposure to XTC. I found the music very reminiscent of the Beach Boys, Burt Bacharach, and the Beatles in instrumentation, song structure, and singing style. The orchestral elements were incredibly well placed and elevated the album into something that reminded me of SMiLE, Brian Wilson's unfinished masterpiece. Lyrically, the album deals primarily with themes of paganism though personal matters as reflected on the song 'Dictionary' occasionally seep in. I would consider this album a triumph of symphonic pop and though not every song grabbed me, the ones that did more than make up for it.
Cant find on spoof :( 2
Faves: River of Orchids, Easter Theatre
Incredible from start to finish. "River of Orchids" sets the tone for an acoustic yet diverse and intense musical experience. "I Can't Own Her" was another highlight, although I think every song is worth listening to.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Realizing I've confused XTC with INXS in my mind; wasn't jazzed to hear INXS either, but this feels somehow worse & less interesting. So many artists credit Bowie when discussing their sound but the connection isn't always clear to me. Connections here seem clear but not in a good way. This sounds like the corniest of Bowie to me - very dated/of a certain time to my ears. This style of pompous masculine vocals triggers a reaction in me that's probably how some men get SO irritated by young women's vocal fry. It's just...grating. I'm trying to temper my takes by recognizing that I'm pre-annoyed because I had to use Youtube music for this, yet I don't feel optimistic 2 songs in. AFTER LISTENING: Although I was worried it would be a marker that the rest of the album would be plodding, I liked "Knights In Shining Armor"'s Simon & Garfunkel- like vocals (it helps when you stay within your range, I think...) & gentle but subtly unique instruments. Most of the rest sounded distinctively UK-based (derogatory.) "Your Dictionary" was uniquely embarrassing to listen to in 2024 but maybe it was fun and quirky in the 80's or whenever this came out. I'm interested to learn why this album might belong on this list because it's not apparent from listening. AFTER LEARNING MORE: I guess art rock just isn't a genre for me. I'm stunned by how many people really liked this. RECCOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Spandau Ballet/Squeeze/The Outfield bands in that genre/of that time, musical theater, men trying really hard
10/17/23. Never listened to XTC before this album but wow was I blown away with what I heard. Did not expect such a vast, art like journey. Really surprised and had a pleasant listen, just wish this album was more accessible!
Partridge's term for it "orchustic", sums it up well in feel, vibing like animated-movie music at times and feel-good flows other times. Good lyrics, with a paganism twist across a number of the scores.
After undergoing the kind of record label hell that would extinguish most bands, XTC reconvene for the type of album only they could make. Even if they were now a brand as opposed to a band, they didn't fall for the grandiose bombast that characterizes most albums after a lengthy hiatus (that was self-imposed). Instead, they went for something a little orchestral and symphonic whilst keeping an eye on the pop scheme of things. It's largely a success, even if the whimsical nature of songs does induce a feeling of indifference. Overall, it's a stellar return for an outfit that was approaching a bittersweet end. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzm-I9MllufIRZHTd8NFpjxPP3cGyFvvy&si=xfDhWQ0lJzeWSk7n Favorites: River of Orchids, I'd Like That, Knights in Shining Karma, Greenman, Your Dictionary, Fruit Nut, I Can't Own Her, Harvest Festival, The Last Balloon.
A lushly, orchestrated Beatlesesque album from UK favs, XTC. I am a huge fan of the band and there have at least a couple records that I would deem essential, but this isn't one of them. It is a very good record with several excellent songs, but I would hold off in calling it a classic. I like it a lot, but I wouldn't place it in XTC's top 5, but still better than most music from it's era.
There were parts of this album that I really liked, but I also often felt like there was too much going on. There were a few songs where it felt like they just kept adding layers until there was too much to keep track of. It's not a bad album, and it's crazy that a band that formed in the 70s was still producing innovative music in 1999 3/5
Beatles like, a fun record
3.4 - The first two tracks got my hopes up but the record takes a sharp nosedive after that, and the quirky arrangements mostly sound annoying in a try-hard-y way (see "Greenman"). By the end, I struggle to understand why Dimery chose to include this record as it doesn't fall into his common "record-out-of-left-field" tropes (e.g. a late artist's "return to form", a genre-defining work, a record with a cult-like following, etc.).
Rock pop alternativo. Ecléctico. Sinfónico.
Not bad, not great. Started off quite energetic and become more chill as it progressed.
I guess, that's how the Beatles sounded were they still making music. No real banger on the album but a creative and surprising variety of pop music with some Bachian elements.
I’ve never had much interest in XTC but this caught me by surprise in the most unexpected way Dreamy, reflective, nostalgic, melancholic I loved this
Very interesting.
This is unavailable on Spotify or Apple Music ‘in my region’ so F off
Fun and quirky and melodic. I was going to go with 4 stars because this is very much my kind of music, but I need to drop 1 whole star for "Your Dictionary" which has some of the dumbest lyrics I have ever heard in my entire god-forsaken life.
Doesn't belong on this list. This is like B grade Pixar soundtrack stuff. Repetitive in a bad way, gets on my nerves.
Spotify doesn't have this album.
"Apple Venus Volume 1" by XTC is an album that marks a departure from the band's earlier work, moving toward a more orchestral and experimental sound. Released in 1999, it's a departure from the angular new wave and post-punk sound that defined much of their career. Tracks like "River of Orchids" and "Easter Theatre" showcase the band's ambition and desire to explore new musical territory. The album's production is lush and intricate, incorporating orchestral arrangements and intricate melodies. However, while "Apple Venus Volume 1" is a testament to the band's willingness to evolve, it may disappoint fans of their earlier, more guitar-driven sound. The album's complexity and departure from their signature style can make it a challenging listen for those seeking the XTC they knew and loved. In summary, "Apple Venus Volume 1" is a departure that might not resonate with fans of XTC's earlier work. While it showcases their artistic growth, its experimental nature may not appeal to a broader audience, warranting a 2/5 rating.
Stunning amazing album.
It's literally not available anywhere. I considered buying it, but the other couple of albums were very average, so I elected not to.
Heb wel eens betere XTC gehad... dit is echt slap spul, of misschien moet ik nog een 'halfje' nemen.
Ehm.... ik kan dit niet echt duiden. Maar ik neig er toch wel naar dat dit te zoetsappige muzak is.
XTC is very dramatic. Every line is like a declaration against some thing.
Different, not what I was expecting. Does that mean I liked it? No, not really. I thought it was pretty boring overall. Favorite track: I'd Like That
What is this? NO! No. Stop. This is the worst. This is as generic as it gets and should have been elevator music when it was NEW.
Couldn’t find it. Listened to Skylarking instead and GODDAMN it was bloody awful
Interesting! Whiny voice but a good vibe??? 3.5
Miese Vocals Babies first orchestral sample library Ein weiteres "britisches Meisterwerk" dieser Liste
This is what The Beatles (and the Davies brothers and Brian Wilson) would sound like if they had been born a hundred years later. The same old pop motifs re-interpolated a thousands times into banality but also looping back into sensory overload and euphoria and surreal half truths. You can't really handle the tremendous weight of it whether you've heard the classics or not.
Album number: 1048 First listen for this album. I know XTC and have never really been a big fan - until now. This album is something really terrific. Even without a well-known hit single. Every song on the album is quite nice to listen to. Standouts: River of Orchids, I'd Like That, Your Dictionary, Others: Easter Theatre, Knights in Shining Karma, Frivolous Tonight, Greenman, Fruit Nut, I Can't Own Her, Harvest Festival, The Last Balloon. River of Orchids is simply fantastic. What a powerful way to start the album. Complex and beautifully arranged. It sets the tone for the rest of the album. 3.75/5
As an appreciator of a good portmanteau, I'm on board with the band's description of this as an 'orchoustic' record. The combination appeals, and this album delivers the promised sound, along with lush harmonies and themes of paganism and the seasons. Whimsical and beautifully recorded, I like this a lot. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: Greenman Date listened: 24/09/23
You know, XTC.
Interesting, but no. There's just too much going on and I really don't like it.
3.6
Dreamy and lush. Very beautiful.
Interesting for sure. But *essential*? I'm not even certain that *Skylarking* and *English Settlement* will be included in my own list (*Drums And Wire* will be in it, of course). So selecting this late-career album by XTC sounds a little dubious on paper. On paper at least, I'll grant that to Dimery and co. The orchestral arrangements are top-notch on quite a few tracks, for instance. It was surprising to read that those arrangements were all recorded in Abbey Road in a single day, and that the original sessions were somewhat botched. That protools software can work wonders, can't it? Pretty useful when you don't have the ressources to record an orchestra for a whole week. At times, there are strings arrangements that reminded me of Dead Can Dance or Michael Nyman. Gorgeous, gorgeous work. Thanks to those orchestrations, great compositions such as "River of Orchids", "Easter Theatre", "I Can't Own Her" and "Harvest Festival" shine on this record--to which you could maybe add single "I'd Like That" and closer "The Last Balloon". To be honest, I find those highlights even more endearing than the ones of *Skylarking*, that mid-eighties LP that saw XTC take a radical left turn towards more artsy landscapes. Maybe one of the issues pestering *Apple Venus Volume 1* is that it was released long after that initial left-turn-into-art-rock-thing, and even longer after the band's commercial peak. Which might be an unfair way to dismiss *Apple Venus...*, once again. If those songs had appeared on *Skylarking*, chances are that they would have been praised just like the tunes on that album were. Maybe even more so. That being said, I think that all the other cuts in this record are far less effective, and even annoying to an extent. As often with this band, said cuts go from unobtrusive to twee--a trend that often rubs me the wrong way during XTC's later albums. That reliance on lush layerings, soft textures, and an overabundance of major chords started with *Skylarking*, once again. The thing is, as talented as he is, Alan Partridge is no John Lennon, no Paul McCartney, and no 60s-era Brian Wilson. His tunes always *sound* nice, I agree. But some of them are way too naive. And most of them are not that memorable compared to the ones routinely written by the genius songwriters XTC fans often compare Partridge with. On top of that, there's the issue of overall dynamics. If you take away the post-punk energy of the band's early career, you actually end up taking away a lot of the stuff that made their compositions so remarkable in the first place. I agree that when they age, composers and songwriters should find ways to make the sound of their youth evolve with them. But doing so doesn't necessarily mean you have to lose a sense of youthful enthusiasm, so to speak. And early-XTC had *a lot* of those thrilling, enthusiastic moments. I'm OK with the idea of intellectualizing things a little. It's just that there are ways to do so and still remain straightforward once in a while. You can do this through a soaring chorus, basic chords at key points of a song, or anything that would make it a little catchier, Abbey-Road-recording-sessions-of-a full-blown-orchestra notwithstanding. Because, let's face it, this LP is a little stingy when it comes to catchy moments, isn't it? And this, even for its highlights. I haven't yet listened to *Apple Venus Volume 2* (not in Dimery's list, if my memory serves), but it sounds reasonable to assume that if Partridge and Moulding had at least gathered the highlights from both volumes into a single package--and dismissed the rest for B-sides and whatnot--you would have a stronger entry here. It's a story everyone has heard before. The talented leader of a band is such a victim of his own hubris that he botches his own desire for success when he becomes unable to self-edit so as to separate the whiff from the chaff--and this even when his entourage advised him to do so. Reading stories about Alan Partridge and his occasional temper tantrums with other band members, it seems that he is a character that could fit those shoes. Human makes mistake, I imagine. Number of albums left to review: 437 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 263 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 134 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 170 (including this one)
could not find on spotify
Clearly some beatles influences here but not really doing it for me.
What a phenomenal album. It deviates from earlier XTC not only because of the other instruments used and the use of The London Sessions Orchestra, but also the song structures. Don't expect the cynical wave rock from the 80's but great atmospheric arrangements, often in an orchestral guise, but never over the top or bombastic. Apparently the creation of this album and the songs on it took years. Years of exploration, of contention, of separation. And that is audible. And palpable. It's not a full 5* album though, because the 2 songs that Mouldin contributed to the album (Frivolous Tonight and Fruit Nut) are not up to the level of Andy Partridge's songs. It might not be an innovative album, but how much beauty do you want on an album? Standout tracks are Easter Theatre, Greenman, Your Dictionary and the absolute incredible ending of The Last Balloon. 4,5*.
Beautiful Album. Highlights: River of Orchids, Easter Theatre, Your Dictionary, and Greenman
Not available on Spotify
Infinitely better than their other entry on this list. Even the couple of tracks with corny lyrics sound incredible. Triumphant. Best track: Easter Theatre
Hard to find, easy to listen to. 4 stars/
I was a big fan of XTC's 1989 Oranges and Lemons. This didn't have the vibrancy of that album or the sense of originality. I became bored quite quickly.
Honestly only one decently good song on the whole album in "I'd Like That", which funny enough reminded me of the movie "Me, Myself, & Irene" since it's part of the soundtrack. Outside of that it wasn't very good and thought the lyrics sucked ass in a few spots but hey, at least it compliments the crappy singing. 4/10
Sounds like every song was made for a pretentious film
Not too bad!
Surprenant. En voyant le nom du band et le nom de l'album, je ne m'attendais pas à grand chose. Un genre d'album de Jazz expérimentale probablement. Mais ce n'est pas du tout cela. J'ai beaucoup aimé les arrangements. La voix aussi est en harmonie avec le reste et il y a beaucoup de substances et de différents styles pour les chansons. Une très bonne écoute. 4.5
Simply did not enjoy anything here
This was fine, no idea who this group is and listened to this retroactively as it's not on apple/spotify. Enjoyed the song "I'd like that" since it mentioned sunflowers and I like sunflowers
Second album by these guys here, their THIRTEENTH overall. English (ofc), mostly just an orchestra with the singer waxing lyrical over the top. Pompous and overblown, ambitious but directionless. etc etc. As a general rule, albums 30 years into a band's career just shouldn't be here. I'm sure there are some exceptions, but not today. Wikipedia says the album was plagued by "personal conflict", and to hazard a guess: the singer wrote the whole thing by himself and rest of the band told him to stick this vanity project nonsense up his arse. Eventually the singer had it released anyway. Wiki also says it was "praised by critics" - I'm not gonna go looking for reviews, but.... I bet it wasn't. lol. 2/5.
Tedium
Bleh.