This 1986 release currently sits at number 68 on the Best of the 80's list. Something about XTC has always intimidated me, but this album is by far the easiest entry point the band provides. It's smart, it's tightly woven, and it has their best collection of pop melodies. The funniest thing to me about this album is that the biggest hit, "Dear God" was actually a b-side and not on the original album. When you listen to the album you can understand why it didn't make the cut as it doesn't fit in with the tightly constructed sound. The latest release of the album tags on "Dear God" at the end as a bonus track.
If like me you've always been a bit scared of XTC but interested in them then I would suggest giving this album a listen. It would be great to pull out for a road trip.
Following the Rhapsody rating method I give it 3 out of 5 stars for Pretty Good.
"Dear God" is a tremendous song.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. This whole review, I was thinking, "Yeah, that's a good point. I've always been kind of intimidated by XTC, too." BUT, NO! I was thinking of X, the Australian band that did those loud, political songs about miners and whatnot and who was fronted by that bald guy who I think actually ended up running for office. BUT, NO! I was thinking of Midnight Oil. But I was right about Peter Garrett.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I've always thought of XTC as Squeeze-ably soft and comfy.