Never been a fan of the name Nigel. Maybe it's because I was bullied by a kid with that name, but I enjoyed this tune! Thanks for watching! linktr.ee/insi...
There are so many great XTC songs to recommend that I could be here all day so I'll stick to just my favourite 2. "Generals and Majors" is number 2 for me and "Senses Working Overtime" was their peak. Great band, glad you're enjoying them.
The first song I ever heard from them back in the summer of 79.. It's been a great ride ever since... Helicopter is the next song you need to hear off this album.
Great song choice, XTC were underrated I always thought, they had some quirky sounding songs I always loved “ Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)” and “Generals and Magors” both songs taken from the album Black Sea
This was the song and album that got me into XTC. I got into them when this album 1st came out. Making Plans For Nigel is still my favorite song by them, with Complicated Game coming in at a close 2nd.
I’ve always thought this song was an excellent example of how to be repetitive while still being interesting and making you want to hear more. The bridge is like just in time and it’s awesome, but when you get back to the starting riff it’s like you’re so glad to be back there. It’s so simple yet so well written it can’t be denied.
One of the few bands/artists who genuinely got better with pretty much every album they made, they're well worth going "deep" with... the mix of Andy Partridge's more "angular" songs and Colin Moulding's pop smarts was a great combination...
Oh man, another of my favourites from the 80’s. Their career went into a nosedive in the early 80’s when Andy Partridge retreated from live performance, but their rebirth started with a secret psychedelia project as The Dukes of Stratosphear in 1985. The first EP was more successful than the preceding couple of XTC albums, so their label forced them to pair up with Todd Rundgren to produce their indisputable masterpiece as XTC, “Skylarking”. That album single-handedly revived their career in America. I recommend a read about and a listen to that album. “Dear God” caused major controversy which made national news in 1986! Another song you must post a reaction to, as it was a major inspiration on my blossoming world view!
Definitely NOT a weird place to start listening to XTC. Complicated Game and Making Plans for Nigel are both off of the album "Drums and Wires". The only song before this album to really be heard on alternative music radio stations was "Towers of London". The entire album "Drums and Wires" is amazing. I wore that album out I played it so much (not really, I still have it and it plays just fine, lol) Glad you've discovered them. Stay on the path, you might enjoy listening to some of their earlier stuff, you can tell on their first album they hadn't quite found their sound yet, but when Go2 came out you can hear it being born and by "Black Sea" they had definitely latched on to their explorative and ever-evolving soul-reaching unique sound. "English Settlement" and "Skylarking" are also my number 2 and 3 album choices. Definitely listen to the older stuff, follow their journey. Also, if you want to really branch out into the world of XTC or rather Andy Partridge, Colin, and Dave, try listening to "The Dukes of Stratosphere" a "Sgt. Peppers Hearts Club Band" kind of alter-ego road that the three remaining members of XTC took after Terry Chambers left the band and after Andy shut down live performances. Enjoy!
There are lots more quirky new wavey pop rock songs on this album, but if you must go to the next album Black Sea , Generals and Majors would be the track I suggest.
Love the way you took time to understand the lyrics the British steel thing was a major thing in England at the time. At the time if you was in the presence of elders young people were to be listened to but not heard hence the lyrics so you knew your place. Have you heard the dukes of stratospher which is xtc being a aler ego band on acid?
Really good LP. There’s so much on that opus. Every songs are good. Every listener are going to suggest different songs. That’s always the way it is with XTC. Personally I love the quirky and dissonant ones: Scissor man, roads girdle the globe, outside world, helicopter. Great to watch you! Keep going on!
Great selection! Other tracks to try are Sergeant Rock, Senses Working Overtime, Dear God, Wonderland... Also The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead, which was covered by Crash Test Dummies (weren't they Canadian?).
A fabulous band...and loved this single! First single of theirs that I bought. They just grew from strength to strength from here on in. Enjoyed your reaction/review
I always took it to mean that Nigel had learning difficulties, "in his world", and his parents thought that manual labour (British Steel - which was very soon after privatised by the Conservative government) would be best for his future.
You should really listen to "Nina Hagen - Naturträne" soon. You'll be blown away by the vocal range of this woman, trust me. Watch the live version of the song at "Rockpalast" for a better experience and some goofy facial expressions.
Nick was talking about the way Colin pronounces certain words. Still getting adjusted to the good old West Country accent, are we? Well...Dave Gregory never sings lead but apparently he had the strongest accent of the lot - even Andy P ("I've never been neearrr a uni- voorrr - sity") was occasionally taken aback by DG's Rambling Sid Rumpo voice and vocab.
They toured with the police in the 80s with Stewart Copeland forever wearing their T shirts with the XTC logo. Ironically XTC never really reached the success they deserved where compared to the Police they were relatively obscure. - But phenomenally talented where this track could still be a smash hit in 2024!
Although maybe a unique XTC song I still think Complicated Game is their best song. But it might be their most intense song. A bit similar vocal style might be found in their Bob Dylan cover "All Along The Watchtower" off their first album. They also have a very nice and gentle Christmas song "Thanks For Christmas" which is more straightforward pop. Their best pop song might be "Mayor Of Simpleton". Their song "Human Alchemy" is a more tasty strange and dark song. Their song "25 O'Clock" is a more attempt at heavier and psychedelic style. Their song "Are You Receiving Me" is also a more fast paced rock song in a frantic sort of vocal style. Their song "Respectable Street" also shows some aggression but in a more radio friendly way music wise. "Making Plans For Nigel" has a memorable music video.
Thanks for this great reaction! I suggest Life Begins at the Hop as the next song. It's a single from the same period, but not included in the album. If You want to check other albums, try General and Majors, Respectable Street or No Thugs in Our House. Their best albums (for me, obviously) are Drums and Wires, Black Sea and English Settlement. Oranges and Lemons is a great album too.
XTC weren't underrated as such it's just Andy's nervous breakdown in 1982, withdrawal from valium prescribed since he was a young boy due to hyperactivity and the pressures from their promoters all lead ultimately to the band deciding to quit touring and just do studio recordings. As Andy once stated ' I was on stage and couldn’t remember how to play the guitar properly. I was in terrible pain and my nervous system was just going wild, like somebody had just run me over in a car. Then on the second night, this was in L.A., I cracked up completely. I really believed that I was going to die, it was that bad. I just had to get off the stage. And that was the end for me and touring. I just couldn’t do it anymore.” Thank goodness we have their recording legacy of great songs!
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this song (and the album it comes from, which was their second) is the transformation of the band in later material (think Radiohead's "Creep" to "Pyramid Song" transition). Where they started out and where they ended up is a miraculous journey. If you wanted to follow that journey in a logical progression, the next logical step would be songs like "Generals and Majors" or "Respectable Street" from their third album, Black Sea. After that comes one of the greatest albums ever by anybody, English Settlement (just listen to the whole damed thing).
Forget the 'hits' (Plans for Nigel, Generals and Majors, Senses Working Overtime). If you want the cream of XTC try Church of Women, Easter Theatre, Were All Light, No Language in our Lungs, Wheel and the Maypole etc etc). Their 'hits' are relatively ordinary (well, what would you expect from hits?!)
If it's any consolation Nick, your bully probably did so because he didn't like being called Nigel! It's not the best name to have in the UK either, as it's associated with a sort of clueless, chinless middle-classness. In the 1980s the Welsh rugby team used to call their English opponents 'Nigels', after the commentator Nigel Starmer-Smith.
Listen to "English Settlement" , Oranges and Lemons", "Apple Venus vol1 and 2. But I could just list the entire catalogue. Just dip your toe in ....you won't regret it.
You really need to need to try some Cardiacs.Fiery Gun Hand,Signs,Dirty Boy,Big Ship,Nurses Whispering Verses,Tarred and Feathered,R.E.S. Andy Partridge of XTC featured on a tribute album to the late music genius Tim Smith front man of cardiacs called Leader of the starry skies-a tribute to Tim Smith.
Can’t say this is my favourite XTC track, there are far better ones than this. But the vast majority of XTC’s cast offs are better than most bands entire output. Give Jason and the Argonauts a go. Or Beating of Hearts.
Slow down mate!! I know your working off the top of your head, but don't talk so fast. I'm a rather slow talker, as are many, and it's a psychological fact that people who speak too far outside of your talking speed, lose your attention. And you don't take in what they say, so the person is wasting their time anyway....
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There are so many great XTC songs to recommend that I could be here all day so I'll stick to just my favourite 2. "Generals and Majors" is number 2 for me and "Senses Working Overtime" was their peak. Great band, glad you're enjoying them.
I really like Smokeless zone which is on the B-side to Generals and Majors.
XTC part of a long line of British bands that laced their songs with humour. The Kinks, 10CC, XTC, The Smiths, The Divine Comedy, Space.
The first song I ever heard from them back in the summer of 79..
It's been a great ride ever since...
Helicopter is the next song you need to hear off this album.
Yes, it rewrote the use of bass guitar...
The video is gold. Infact, I think they used the Solid Gold dancers in the video... I'm sure ome English person watching can confirm or deny?
Back in 1980 this song was an anthem for striking British Steel workers.
Great song choice, XTC were underrated I always thought, they had some quirky sounding songs I always loved “ Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)” and “Generals and Magors” both songs taken from the album Black Sea
Welcome down the rabbit hole. XTC is worth EVERY moment you listen to them. They are a GREAT band.
I love this song so much.
That ' woo oooh '
Just works brilliantly 😂👍
Great track 👍👍
This was the song and album that got me into XTC. I got into them when this album 1st came out. Making Plans For Nigel is still my favorite song by them, with Complicated Game coming in at a close 2nd.
Science Friction is my favourite XTC song.
I’ve always thought this song was an excellent example of how to be repetitive while still being interesting and making you want to hear more. The bridge is like just in time and it’s awesome, but when you get back to the starting riff it’s like you’re so glad to be back there. It’s so simple yet so well written it can’t be denied.
Yet another one that I still have the 7” single. Classic track by a great bad. Glad you enjoyed it
Dear God is a must listen.
Bought myself a liar bird , the smartest monkeys, hold me my daddy , poor skeleton steps out , travels in nihlon
One of the few bands/artists who genuinely got better with pretty much every album they made, they're well worth going "deep" with... the mix of Andy Partridge's more "angular" songs and Colin Moulding's pop smarts was a great combination...
Oh man, another of my favourites from the 80’s. Their career went into a nosedive in the early 80’s when Andy Partridge retreated from live performance, but their rebirth started with a secret psychedelia project as The Dukes of Stratosphear in 1985. The first EP was more successful than the preceding couple of XTC albums, so their label forced them to pair up with Todd Rundgren to produce their indisputable masterpiece as XTC, “Skylarking”. That album single-handedly revived their career in America. I recommend a read about and a listen to that album. “Dear God” caused major controversy which made national news in 1986! Another song you must post a reaction to, as it was a major inspiration on my blossoming world view!
Another very unusual song by XTC that's worth a listen to is 1000 Umbrellas.
A great second song for sure this rabbit hole is wide love you
Thanks
Definitely NOT a weird place to start listening to XTC. Complicated Game and Making Plans for Nigel are both off of the album "Drums and Wires". The only song before this album to really be heard on alternative music radio stations was "Towers of London". The entire album "Drums and Wires" is amazing. I wore that album out I played it so much (not really, I still have it and it plays just fine, lol)
Glad you've discovered them. Stay on the path, you might enjoy listening to some of their earlier stuff, you can tell on their first album they hadn't quite found their sound yet, but when Go2 came out you can hear it being born and by "Black Sea" they had definitely latched on to their explorative and ever-evolving soul-reaching unique sound.
"English Settlement" and "Skylarking" are also my number 2 and 3 album choices. Definitely listen to the older stuff, follow their journey. Also, if you want to really branch out into the world of XTC or rather Andy Partridge, Colin, and Dave, try listening to "The Dukes of Stratosphere" a "Sgt. Peppers Hearts Club Band" kind of alter-ego road that the three remaining members of XTC took after Terry Chambers left the band and after Andy shut down live performances. Enjoy!
There are lots more quirky new wavey pop rock songs on this album, but if you must go to the next album Black Sea , Generals and Majors would be the track I suggest.
Great punk music... from Birmingham City UK. X
Their "Dear God" song is in totally different style and is haunting even though beautiful.
Love the way you took time to understand the lyrics the British steel thing was a major thing in England at the time. At the time if you was in the presence of elders young people were to be listened to but not heard hence the lyrics so you knew your place. Have you heard the dukes of stratospher which is xtc being a aler ego band on acid?
This is the song that got me into XTC, although Black Sea is the last of their albums that I have. I also have Go2 (great!) and White Music.
Might I suggest you Try Apple Venus volumes 1 and 2. Christmas present maybe. I'm sure you won't regret it.
Really good LP. There’s so much on that opus. Every songs are good. Every listener are going to suggest different songs. That’s always the way it is with XTC.
Personally I love the quirky and dissonant ones: Scissor man, roads girdle the globe, outside world, helicopter.
Great to watch you! Keep going on!
Great selection! Other tracks to try are Sergeant Rock, Senses Working Overtime, Dear God, Wonderland...
Also The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead, which was covered by Crash Test Dummies (weren't they Canadian?).
This song sounded great over the FM radiowaves if you were lucky enough to live in a town with a decent punk/New Wave radio station,
A fabulous band...and loved this single! First single of theirs that I bought. They just grew from strength to strength from here on in.
Enjoyed your reaction/review
I always took it to mean that Nigel had learning difficulties, "in his world", and his parents thought that manual labour (British Steel - which was very soon after privatised by the Conservative government) would be best for his future.
You should really listen to "Nina Hagen - Naturträne" soon. You'll be blown away by the vocal range of this woman, trust me. Watch the live version of the song at "Rockpalast" for a better experience and some goofy facial expressions.
The whole rockpalast live is so good
One of my favorite tunes of all time
Of the few songs I've heard by them, they really do have some tunes!
Nick was talking about the way Colin pronounces certain words. Still getting adjusted to the good old West Country accent, are we? Well...Dave Gregory never sings lead but apparently he had the strongest accent of the lot - even Andy P ("I've never been neearrr a uni- voorrr - sity") was occasionally taken aback by DG's Rambling Sid Rumpo voice and vocab.
I love the song
Great drum riff.
Another early great of theirs is Statue of Liberty.
They toured with the police in the 80s with Stewart Copeland forever wearing their T shirts with the XTC logo. Ironically XTC never really reached the success they deserved where compared to the Police they were relatively obscure. - But phenomenally talented where this track could still be a smash hit in 2024!
Stewart's a legend for that. And yeah, XTC should've been bigger. So many great tracks.
The Mayor of Simpleton will hook you with it's driving bassline.
Although maybe a unique XTC song I still think Complicated Game is their best song. But it might be their most intense song. A bit similar vocal style might be found in their Bob Dylan cover "All Along The Watchtower" off their first album. They also have a very nice and gentle Christmas song "Thanks For Christmas" which is more straightforward pop. Their best pop song might be "Mayor Of Simpleton". Their song "Human Alchemy" is a more tasty strange and dark song. Their song "25 O'Clock" is a more attempt at heavier and psychedelic style. Their song "Are You Receiving Me" is also a more fast paced rock song in a frantic sort of vocal style. Their song "Respectable Street" also shows some aggression but in a more radio friendly way music wise. "Making Plans For Nigel" has a memorable music video.
Thanks for this great reaction! I suggest Life Begins at the Hop as the next song. It's a single from the same period, but not included in the album. If You want to check other albums, try General and Majors, Respectable Street or No Thugs in Our House. Their best albums (for me, obviously) are Drums and Wires, Black Sea and English Settlement. Oranges and Lemons is a great album too.
Anything from "Nonsuch" would be great. LOVE that LP.
XTC weren't underrated as such it's just Andy's nervous breakdown in 1982, withdrawal from valium prescribed since he was a young boy due to hyperactivity and the pressures from their promoters all lead ultimately to the band deciding to quit touring and just do studio recordings. As Andy once stated ' I was on stage and couldn’t remember how to play the guitar properly. I was in terrible pain and my nervous system was just going wild, like somebody had just run me over in a car. Then on the second night, this was in L.A., I cracked up completely. I really believed that I was going to die, it was that bad. I just had to get off the stage. And that was the end for me and touring. I just couldn’t do it anymore.” Thank goodness we have their recording legacy of great songs!
Mayor of simpleton is a good song, maybe next one for you.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this song (and the album it comes from, which was their second) is the transformation of the band in later material (think Radiohead's "Creep" to "Pyramid Song" transition). Where they started out and where they ended up is a miraculous journey. If you wanted to follow that journey in a logical progression, the next logical step would be songs like "Generals and Majors" or "Respectable Street" from their third album, Black Sea. After that comes one of the greatest albums ever by anybody, English Settlement (just listen to the whole damed thing).
Female of the species..... SPACE
All the world is biscuit shaped its just for me to fill my face
Feed
Forget the 'hits' (Plans for Nigel, Generals and Majors, Senses Working Overtime). If you want the cream of XTC try Church of Women, Easter Theatre, Were All Light, No Language in our Lungs, Wheel and the Maypole etc etc). Their 'hits' are relatively ordinary (well, what would you expect from hits?!)
If it's any consolation Nick, your bully probably did so because he didn't like being called Nigel!
It's not the best name to have in the UK either, as it's associated with a sort of clueless, chinless middle-classness.
In the 1980s the Welsh rugby team used to call their English opponents 'Nigels', after the commentator Nigel Starmer-Smith.
Listen to "English Settlement" , Oranges and Lemons", "Apple Venus vol1 and 2. But I could just list the entire catalogue. Just dip your toe in ....you won't regret it.
Maybe try XTC song “Easter Theatre”. Great reactions.
Would love to see your opinion on David Bowie big brother chant of the ever circling skeletal family
You really need to need to try some Cardiacs.Fiery Gun Hand,Signs,Dirty Boy,Big Ship,Nurses Whispering Verses,Tarred and Feathered,R.E.S. Andy Partridge of XTC featured on a tribute album to the late music genius Tim Smith front man of cardiacs called Leader of the starry skies-a tribute to Tim Smith.
How about some Pursuit Of Happiness Nick?
Try ... your number in back of my hand ,,,Buzzcocks ..x
Fab. But I take it you realise XTC = Ecstasy? It's not just random letters.
Yes, we'll just pretend that I knew that..
British steel 😂
Can’t say this is my favourite XTC track, there are far better ones than this. But the vast majority of XTC’s cast offs are better than most bands entire output. Give Jason and the Argonauts a go. Or Beating of Hearts.
Slow down mate!! I know your working off the top of your head, but don't talk so fast. I'm a rather slow talker, as are many, and it's a psychological fact that people who speak too far outside of your talking speed, lose your attention.
And you don't take in what they say, so the person is wasting their time anyway....