579. Skylarking - XTC

XTC were not a band that we had ever come across, and, in a very shallow manner, I was not looking forward to it given a combination of the album cover, and the slightly bizarre name. I am always delighted to be proven wrong, and I was certainly wrong with this. 

Chloe and I both agreed that this was a very good album, that really grew over repeated listens. The album is quintessentially English, primarily in its lyrical content, which looks at everything from the countryside to the weather via a slightly cynical view about wedding days. The music is hugely varied, and the sound ranges from a Bond theme (The man who sailed around his soul) to a Ben Folds Five number (Season Cycle). It's a real range of new-wave and psychedelic pop music, and offers so much to the listener.

Dear God is that standout for me, and did fairly well as a single in the US reaching number 37, although only number 99 in the UK. The track was originally only a B side to 'Grass', but got picked up and put on the album after some radio airplay success. Todd Rundgren was involved in the recording of the album, and had a huge influence on the band, though his techniques were sometimes rather abrasive, including insulting the lead singer's voice.

The Swindon-based band were around for 23 years, and they actually have another album in the list, suggesting that they were better/more important (delete as appropriate) than I would otherwise have said. On the basis of this album, I'm very much looking forward to the next one.

Chloe's rating: 8
Chloe's favourite track: 8 Earn enough for us
Olly's rating: 8
Olly's favourite track: 15. Dear God

Next week - Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz from 1989. Funky.