Yes, the "immaculate transition". Almost like a single song with two movements. Thanks for the reaction. Im so glad you're delving into the XTC catalog. You won't be disappointed. This is a life changing band.
I'm jealous for your generation's hidden gems. Really groundbreaking stuff, I mean some of the tracks off of Skylarking, Black Sea, and English Settlement sound like they came out a decade later. Been a fan for about two months now.
It's always such a wonderful treat when "XTC" shows up on my screen! So, so glad you're exploring this absolutely BRILLIANT band. You're spot on about the genius level music / lyrics. Other stunners to check out from the band: "Complicated Game" (quiet to loud to devastating... once you hear it, you'll never forget it!), "Wrapped In Grey" (beautiful, thoughtful chamber pop masterpiece), "Senses Working Overtime" (not a very likely "hit"... but it was... clever and an amazing earworm.... ) "Harvest Festival" (another gorgeous song that will stay with you long after the final note)... They have SO, SO MANY great songs... so these are barely scraping the surface... but they're all amazing and well-worth a listen. Few bands do lyrical + music better. Cheers!
XTC have been a personal favorite for years, I’ve tried to get others into the band but to no avail. So I just enjoy my personal treasure chest of wonderfully constructed and written albums of joy. Mine mine mine… ok, yours too. This is a great album, consider continuing.
Wow! Hadn't heard this. Really cool and creative, and the vocalist is excellent. It's a bonus getting two numbers in one video. (Btw, I've done a lot of things on grass.) DDR rocks.
Yes, it's a great experience hearing this for the first time. Skylarking just a wonderfully produced album. If you would like to try a different flavor, give the Bkack Sea album a listen.
Couldn't be happier you chose both songs, and plan on doing more. Great example of the contrast between creative and outlandish perfectionist Andy Partridge, and the more sensible and approachable Colin Moulding sounds. I'm a little more partial to the resounding landscapey songs from Andy like Green Man and River of Orchids, but they both have a pastoral vibe. Serious masters of pop.
Please note that tracks 5 and 6, “Ballet For a Rainy Day” and “1000 Umbrellas” also flow seamlessly into one another, and should be done together. This is a fantastic album, just one of many from this fantastic band. I’m looking forward to the rest of this one! You mentioned the bass, that’s Colin Moulding, who is way under appreciated.
Such a wonderful album- got the original import when it came out with "Dear God" AND "Mermaid Smiled', with beautiful textured cover! Favorites of mine on this one are, "Another Satellite", "Mermaid Smiled", and "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul." I had the pleasure of seeing them live 3 times, opening for The Police after their 3rd and 4th album releases, and headlining before the release of English Settlement. Such a great group with two stellar songwriters! Glad you are exploring their wealth of offerings!!🎵❤️🎵
Skylarking is one of those albums you need to listen to as a whole. For example: Ballet for a Rainy Day/1000 Umbrellas. Make sure you listen through massive speakers for 1000 Umbrellas as the string bass will rumble you like nothing else.
One of the best 'pop' songs ever written. Just beautiful....that is 'Summer Cauldon '.....very Beach Boys...Beatles. 'Grass' is also a lovely relaxing summer feel song.
Beautiful. Always surprising. Thanks for going back into more XTC. The album they did as the Dukes of Stratosphear is also among the best of XTCs music. Great reaction.
This album is a highlight of their pastoral phase. I also strongly recommend 'Apple Venus' if you like this side of XTC. However, please also listen to their earlier, quirkier, still more punk/new wave informed matetial. The albums 'Drums and Wires' (1979), Black Sea (1980) and English Settlement (1982) are especially recommended!
Bought this one back in the day, when I'd often buy an album based on almost nothing - e.g. a cool name or album cover. Had heard of the band, but had never listened to a single song, but I noticed that Todd Rundgren had produced it, and decided to give it a shot. I was hooked immediately and it quickly became one of my favorites...bought every disc they came out with after, and quite a few of their earlier releases as well. Found out later that the band and Rundgren didn't really get along all that well while they were making this, but somehow it resulted in this near-perfect album. Hope you decide to check out the rest of it - it's something of a song cycle, meant to be listened to from start to finish as songs flow into one another. It's on my desert island disc collection for sure! Thanks for checking them out!
"Madam Barnum" is a painfully clever XTC track (If I'm not the soul fool who takes his trousers down, then Dear Madam Barnum, I resign as clown.). The orchestrated Apple Venus One is excellent. Apple Venus Two is a rocker, and the last we heard from this fantastic band. "We're all Light" is a fantastic track, orgasmic power pop.
I was 21 in 1986 when this came out. I distinctly remember walking across campus at U. Central Florida, listening to this on my walkman. Felt so good I said "f*** it" then went back to my dorm, grabbed a kite and went and flew it. Who needs finance anyway? What a great album.
These two songs were my introduction to XTC. I was completely blown away when I heard them and knew immediately that they were a high quality band. Have you heard 'Ballad For A Rainy Day', '1000 Umbrellas' and 'Season's Cycle'? One follows another so perfectly.
The clashing of the egos - producer Todd Rundgren & XTC leader and main writer Andy Partridge did not get along, but man did they create an absolute masterpiece!! It's a song cycle... you owe it to yourself to just play it front to back... because it's really meant to be that way - it's a music experience that's hard to forget.
You are most welcome. Apple Venus vol 1 very orchestral, like a stroll on rolling hills. English Settlement an acclaimed classic. Or for something a bit "harder", try Black Sea. Cheers!
Sounds like a morning cup of coffee in the garden. 🌷 love it. I hear the hummingbirds. Please continue with the album. Thanks Daniel these made me smile. : )
I've only just discovered your channel, Daniel, but I was SO surprised to find you listening to XTC - of all the "first time listening" channels, so far you're the only one I've found playing XTC. Love you for that and I love that you love the song! The first XTC song I ever heard was "All You Pretty Girls", and I liked it. But then I happened upon "Grass", and that got me hooked enough to start looking for their albums. All I could get was "Black Sea", but that was a great start... the rest is history. Looking forward to watching more of your videos, Daniel!
Same assumptions about the references in 'Grass', 'til now. Didn't follow closely, loved 'Drums and Wires', mad respect, played 'Respectable Street'. Great double header, btw!
This record is an experience. Its not just music it's a happening. This is one of the best recordings ever put on WAX. Drowning here in summers cauldron. You feel like you actually are sinking in water when listening to this. Just brilliant!!!
So many more great songs from XTC: Easter Theater, Wrapped in grey, The wheel and the maypole, River of Orchids, Love on a farmboy’s wages, My bird performs … and the list goes on. A band that got better snd better.
Love it! At last someone's reacting to an XTC album. They are so unique and clever, and intellectually stimulating. No one sounds like them. I had all their albums and. while there is a real clinker here and there, for the most it's all exceptionally crafted and performed. But the 20 or 30 best of their tunes are downright fantastic. You nailed this reaction. Kudos!
XTC is a fantastically talented and very under rated band. Listen to pretty much any of their stuff - but I think they figured it out at Drums + Wires and everything after that is really fantastic
You have excellent taste, Daniel. XTC are masters. You should check out Drums and Wires....it was my first XTC album, I just liked the cover....still listen to it often. Some of the early stuff would be fun; songs like Statue of Liberty, Science Friction, Helicopter, Generals and Majors, or Life begins at the Hop. Complicated Game is more than a song....it's an emotion!
The first XTC song I ever heard was Dear God. So when I bought the album (this was the original vinyl pressing), I was a bit disappointed when that song wasn't on it. After some research, I discovered that it was a B-side to the Grass single, so I had to buy that as well. Skylarking is one of my very favorite albums and would definitely be on my top 20 stranded on an island albums list. I feel it's XTC's most complete and satisfying album (I prefer my own version of it with Dear God, Mermaid Smiled, and Another Satellite all in the tracklist). But all of their albums are excellent, even their early albums like White Music and Go 2 with the manic keyboards of Barry Andrews. So much great music...
Yeah, like many XTC fans I think that Skylarking is one of the greatest albums of all time. The first XTC song I ever heard was Dear God, so I went to the local record store and bought this album. I was surprised to discover that Dear God wasn't even on the album! I had to buy the Grass single to get it. But I was not disappointed with the album because it's quite frankly a brilliant album. I read later that the making of the album was a trial for everyone involved, particularly for Andy and Todd who did not get along at all. But what an amazing end product...
A great opening double blast from Andy and Colin. Andy was a huge fan of actor performer Danny Kaye and his ability to sing and talk complicated words rapidly as well as Don Van Vliet aka Capt. Beefheart's lyrics. Yes an amazing transition from one song to another and I've always thought " things we used to do on grass " has a double meaning, one you roll on and the other you roll up. As an aside they did have a lot of conflict with Rundgren over sounds and production. Not a happy union but they did create a seminal album in spite of that.
T.S.McPhee The Hunt • th-cam.com/video/BRIUUBlFVZ8/w-d-xo.html 19:09 minutes is a single psychedelic art rock electronic composition in four movements, featuring Arp 2600 Synthesizers, Electric Piano and The Rhythm Ace Drum Synthesizer. Entitled The Hunt, it explores McPhee's strong stance against Fox and Stag-Hunting.
I just picked this album and Drums and Wires up on vinyl. I picked a bad time to start up my collection again with the prices these days, but the XTC albums are worth the price. They sound great. I think Andy had mixed feelings about his time working with Rundgren, but there's no doubt it turned out well.
Hello Daniel , I like the song of nature with the Bird. I have two parakeets and the song is a good one to listen to. Thank you. Why don't you like summer time? What is summer like we're you are?
Skylarking is an amazing album, so glad you're going to be spending some time going through it, and I loved your reaction to those first 2 tracks and the flawless segue between them! I'm sure plenty of people will mention that the band absolutely HATED working with Todd Rundgren, but even Andy Partridge admits he did a great job (the transitions between the tracks and the track sequencing were TR's idea), though he stops short of saying that the pain was worth it... looking forward to more reactions from the album!
Was 24 the Fall of '86, at a new boyfriend's apartment in Boulder, Co. He said I should try a new drug called "ecstasy," that it was great. I said ok, but just *a tiny bit.* Whatever he gave me was way way too much, put it that way. Anyway, that night I heard Summer's Cauldron on the radio for the first time & it blew my mind. XTC on ecstasy before Molly ever came along. The comedown was brutal for *days,* & I was deeply frightened that was my new reality for the rest of my life 😬. I never did it again, but every time I hear this it puts me back there, nearly 40 years, hearing those crickets 😆
If you haven't done it already, do Dear Good that was released together with Grass on a single, but was left out on the original pressing of Skylarking, but later included.
Great suggestion. Daniel has a recent review for Dear God, which was excellent. Would love to see some others such as Season Cycle, Ballet for a Rainy Day, 1000 Umbrellas, Another Satellite, Sacrificial Bonfire, Earn Enough for Us, ect..........
You love the bass. Of course you do. Colin Moulding is such a great bass player (and has a better voice than Andy Partridge, but Andy wrote most of the songs and insisted on being he lead singer). But yes, Colin's bass hooks are always rewarding to listen to. As is every single detail of every single XTC song.
This is a fine album, but in my view is one of XTC's least appealing, along with Oranges and Lemons. To me their other records are far better, especially English Settlement, Black Sea and Mummer. But also Nonsuch, The Big Express, and so on. This is a top 5 band for me ... true artists and craftsmen!!! Astounding music!
I have to disagree - I think that Nonesuch was an attempt to replicate Oranges and Lemons; The big Express was a bit meh, but didn’t have the sense of being a whole that Skylarking or English Settlement had. Mummer is amazing for sure, but I do not quite put the later albums above the others. After Dave Gregory left, they were never the same.
@@Jabberwok28 I don't think Nonsuch sounds anything like Oranges and Lemons. To me Nonsuch sounds a lot warmer and more intimate. And I think the songs are just better. I've always found Oranges and Lemons to be more sterile, more contrived and less organic than their other releases. But that's just me. Losing Dave Gregory left a big hole to be sure. But I feel losing Terry Chambers was an even bigger deal. His work on English Settlement was astounding. Fortunately Mummer didn't suffer as much as later records did from Chambers' departure, especially since he played on two or three Mummer songs.
“Pounce”??? Where are you getting these lyrics? “I will pet on you, just ask and we’ll cou-cous” perfectly encapsulates a young couple getting intimate… “Pounce” makes it sound like a violent rape. I’m really surprised (and saddened) that neither you or your viewers didnt catch that.
![ทุกครั้งที่หลับตา (Lucid Dream) - AYLA's [ Official MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4i1OBAQyv58/mqdefault.jpg)
Yes, the "immaculate transition". Almost like a single song with two movements. Thanks for the reaction. Im so glad you're delving into the XTC catalog. You won't be disappointed. This is a life changing band.
Definitely changed my life 43 years ago.
No other band like them.
Let's see, 1979 first listen. Also 43 years......and counting.....
I'm jealous for your generation's hidden gems. Really groundbreaking stuff, I mean some of the tracks off of Skylarking, Black Sea, and English Settlement sound like they came out a decade later. Been a fan for about two months now.
"Don't you know, bout a zillion years ago, Some star sneezed, Now their paging you in reception"
We're All Light - XTC
Yay!!!
XTC are Awesome!
This entire album is a masterpiece!
The perfect album to listen to during a summer rain.
Commenting before I even watch the video because I am psyched out of my mind
It's always such a wonderful treat when "XTC" shows up on my screen! So, so glad you're exploring this absolutely BRILLIANT band.
You're spot on about the genius level music / lyrics. Other stunners to check out from the band: "Complicated Game" (quiet to loud to devastating... once you hear it, you'll never forget it!), "Wrapped In Grey" (beautiful, thoughtful chamber pop masterpiece), "Senses Working Overtime" (not a very likely "hit"... but it was... clever and an amazing earworm.... ) "Harvest Festival" (another gorgeous song that will stay with you long after the final note)... They have SO, SO MANY great songs... so these are barely scraping the surface... but they're all amazing and well-worth a listen. Few bands do lyrical + music better.
Cheers!
These two tracks are the sound of lazy summer days. Wonderfully evocative.
This is my favorite album period!! From anyone! It’s awesome! And I love all of it but Summers Cauldronnis one of the standouts!!
Yeah
XTC have been a personal favorite for years, I’ve tried to get others into the band but to no avail. So I just enjoy my personal treasure chest of wonderfully constructed and written albums of joy. Mine mine mine… ok, yours too.
This is a great album, consider continuing.
I get it. The masses just don't get this band. But there is a growing appreciation for their timeless catalog of material.
Wow! Hadn't heard this. Really cool and creative, and the vocalist is excellent. It's a bonus getting two numbers in one video. (Btw, I've done a lot of things on grass.) DDR rocks.
Both Andy and Colin are great singers! You heard Andy on "Summer's Cauldren" and Colin on "Grass."
Yes, it's a great experience hearing this for the first time. Skylarking just a wonderfully produced album. If you would like to try a different flavor, give the Bkack Sea album a listen.
Couldn't be happier you chose both songs, and plan on doing more. Great example of the contrast between creative and outlandish perfectionist Andy Partridge, and the more sensible and approachable Colin Moulding sounds. I'm a little more partial to the resounding landscapey songs from Andy like Green Man and River of Orchids, but they both have a pastoral vibe. Serious masters of pop.
Please note that tracks 5 and 6, “Ballet For a Rainy Day” and “1000 Umbrellas” also flow seamlessly into one another, and should be done together. This is a fantastic album, just one of many from this fantastic band. I’m looking forward to the rest of this one! You mentioned the bass, that’s Colin Moulding, who is way under appreciated.
Yes, two great tracks and the transition is brilliant. 1000 umbrellas is extraordinary and unique and exemplifies the genius of Partridge. x
Such a wonderful album- got the original import when it came out with "Dear God" AND "Mermaid Smiled', with beautiful textured cover! Favorites of mine on this one are, "Another Satellite", "Mermaid Smiled", and "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul." I had the pleasure of seeing them live 3 times, opening for The Police after their 3rd and 4th album releases, and headlining before the release of English Settlement. Such a great group with two stellar songwriters! Glad you are exploring their wealth of offerings!!🎵❤️🎵
This album is epic. So happy you chose this!,The sound quality phenemonal. It will transport you.
This whole album is summer in musical form. It never fails to put me in a happy mood. Love that you’re doing it. 🌞
Skylarking is one of those albums you need to listen to as a whole. For example: Ballet for a Rainy Day/1000 Umbrellas. Make sure you listen through massive speakers for 1000 Umbrellas as the string bass will rumble you like nothing else.
One of the best 'pop' songs ever written. Just beautiful....that is 'Summer Cauldon '.....very Beach Boys...Beatles. 'Grass' is also a lovely relaxing summer feel song.
You are in for quite a ride. Skylarking is a wonderful album and Todd is an amazing producer. You have chosen well!
Beautiful. Always surprising. Thanks for going back into more XTC. The album they did as the Dukes of Stratosphear is also among the best of XTCs music. Great reaction.
Sir John Johns and EI EI Owen approve of your recommendation.
@@toddhill7483 please pass along my gratitude to those esteemed individuals.
The Mole from the Ministry will be watching you all.
@@Jabberwok28 I think they’re all moles now.
This album is a highlight of their pastoral phase. I also strongly recommend 'Apple Venus' if you like this side of XTC.
However, please also listen to their earlier, quirkier, still more punk/new wave informed matetial. The albums 'Drums and Wires' (1979), Black Sea (1980) and English Settlement (1982) are especially recommended!
Add White Music, Go 2, and Mummer.
Bought this one back in the day, when I'd often buy an album based on almost nothing - e.g. a cool name or album cover. Had heard of the band, but had never listened to a single song, but I noticed that Todd Rundgren had produced it, and decided to give it a shot. I was hooked immediately and it quickly became one of my favorites...bought every disc they came out with after, and quite a few of their earlier releases as well.
Found out later that the band and Rundgren didn't really get along all that well while they were making this, but somehow it resulted in this near-perfect album. Hope you decide to check out the rest of it - it's something of a song cycle, meant to be listened to from start to finish as songs flow into one another. It's on my desert island disc collection for sure! Thanks for checking them out!
"Madam Barnum" is a painfully clever XTC track (If I'm not the soul fool who takes his trousers down, then Dear Madam Barnum, I resign as clown.). The orchestrated Apple Venus One is excellent. Apple Venus Two is a rocker, and the last we heard from this fantastic band. "We're all Light" is a fantastic track, orgasmic power pop.
"This is perfect."
"What an immaculate transition."
Welcome to XTC.
yes, Andy Partridge is a musical genius - the entire album is great
I was 21 in 1986 when this came out. I distinctly remember walking across campus at U. Central Florida, listening to this on my walkman. Felt so good I said "f*** it" then went back to my dorm, grabbed a kite and went and flew it. Who needs finance anyway? What a great album.
These two songs were my introduction to XTC. I was completely blown away when I heard them and knew immediately that they were a high quality band. Have you heard 'Ballad For A Rainy Day', '1000 Umbrellas' and 'Season's Cycle'? One follows another so perfectly.
Been awhile since I heard XTC. I highly recommend this. Highly:)
Seconded, and just as higly :D
The clashing of the egos - producer Todd Rundgren & XTC leader and main writer Andy Partridge did not get along, but man did they create an absolute masterpiece!!
It's a song cycle... you owe it to yourself to just play it front to back... because it's really meant to be that way - it's a music experience that's hard to forget.
Love this opening couple. It's a great start to this colourful album.
When it rains it rains all the colors in my paintbox.
Colorful indeed.
*please forgive my human powered spell check.
First!!..Lol..Great Album Daniel..Bought It The Day It Was Released & Enjoyed It Ever Since.
"Over and over we flattened the clover...shocked me too, the things we used to do on grass". Andy did write some excellent and evocative lyrics!
Grass was Colin's song but yes, Andy wrote brilliant lyrics too.
This is amazing! Adding XTC to my collection ASAP!
Including the Dukes of Stratosphere project you have more than a dozen albums to chose from, not including various compilations. Happy listening.
@@toddhill7483 I can't believe I haven't heard of them before. I can't wait to start my XTC journey. I'm sure it will be very enjoyable. Thank you!
You are most welcome. Apple Venus vol 1 very orchestral, like a stroll on rolling hills. English Settlement an acclaimed classic. Or for something a bit "harder", try Black Sea. Cheers!
@@toddhill7483 I will do that! Cheers to you!:)
If you think all their songs sound like this, you're in for a surprise.. A pleasant surprise but a surprise nonetheless.
Sounds like a morning cup of coffee in the garden. 🌷 love it.
I hear the hummingbirds. Please continue with the album.
Thanks Daniel these made me smile. : )
An amazing body of great tunes from XTC.
I've only just discovered your channel, Daniel, but I was SO surprised to find you listening to XTC - of all the "first time listening" channels, so far you're the only one I've found playing XTC. Love you for that and I love that you love the song! The first XTC song I ever heard was "All You Pretty Girls", and I liked it. But then I happened upon "Grass", and that got me hooked enough to start looking for their albums. All I could get was "Black Sea", but that was a great start... the rest is history. Looking forward to watching more of your videos, Daniel!
Same assumptions about the references in 'Grass', 'til now. Didn't follow closely, loved 'Drums and Wires', mad respect, played 'Respectable Street'. Great double header, btw!
This record is an experience. Its not just music it's a happening. This is one of the best recordings ever put on WAX. Drowning here in summers cauldron. You feel like you actually are sinking in water when listening to this. Just brilliant!!!
the percussion in this little suite…man. First the big toms, then the bongos and conga in grass
So many more great songs from XTC: Easter Theater, Wrapped in grey, The wheel and the maypole, River of Orchids, Love on a farmboy’s wages, My bird performs … and the list goes on. A band that got better snd better.
Beautiful lyrics, vivid and evocative. Lovely, I will be revisiting.
Love it! At last someone's reacting to an XTC album. They are so unique and clever, and intellectually stimulating. No one sounds like them. I had all their albums and. while there is a real clinker here and there, for the most it's all exceptionally crafted and performed. But the 20 or 30 best of their tunes are downright fantastic. You nailed this reaction. Kudos!
The camera's fine. My goodness, this was beautiful. Also, gotta get you that Star Trek shirt :)
XTC is a fantastically talented and very under rated band. Listen to pretty much any of their stuff - but I think they figured it out at Drums + Wires and everything after that is really fantastic
Prairie Prince's drumming sends this song into the stratosphere.
You have excellent taste, Daniel. XTC are masters. You should check out Drums and Wires....it was my first XTC album, I just liked the cover....still listen to it often. Some of the early stuff would be fun; songs like Statue of Liberty, Science Friction, Helicopter, Generals and Majors, or Life begins at the Hop. Complicated Game is more than a song....it's an emotion!
Excellent recommendations. First XTC song I ever heard was Helicopter in 1980. A hell of an introduction.
One of my favorite earworms is "When You're Near Me I Have Difficulty!"
@@debrabrabenec3731 A most amazing song, indeed.
Skylarking is a GREAT albums.
I can think of another album that i prefer. The last two tracks of Waspstar are a pair as well.
Two perfect songs. Great reaction.
I hope you weren't talking to GOD when you were saying "I'll be right upstairs" 🤣
We need you down here! 🤣
The first XTC song I ever heard was Dear God. So when I bought the album (this was the original vinyl pressing), I was a bit disappointed when that song wasn't on it. After some research, I discovered that it was a B-side to the Grass single, so I had to buy that as well. Skylarking is one of my very favorite albums and would definitely be on my top 20 stranded on an island albums list. I feel it's XTC's most complete and satisfying album (I prefer my own version of it with Dear God, Mermaid Smiled, and Another Satellite all in the tracklist). But all of their albums are excellent, even their early albums like White Music and Go 2 with the manic keyboards of Barry Andrews. So much great music...
My favorite band. Thanks for the XTC reactions, Daniel.
Such a great pair of tunes off an even better album! Thanks Daniel... another gem.
Most talented band glad you were doing both songs from what many considered to be their best album love you
These two songs should never be played separated
Great album from start to finish.
Would love for you to do this album on your channel. It’s one of my all-time faves. Have you seen the Showtime documentary?
Ah yes, This is Pop. Great doc. Check out the book, Complicated Game.
@@toddhill7483 omigosh I didn’t realize there was a book! Thank you! (And they really are genius, Daniel-see Mummer, The Big Express, Black Sea.)
This album is incredible
This record and drums and wires are my two go to records. I definitely like the early records better.
Yeah, like many XTC fans I think that Skylarking is one of the greatest albums of all time. The first XTC song I ever heard was Dear God, so I went to the local record store and bought this album. I was surprised to discover that Dear God wasn't even on the album! I had to buy the Grass single to get it. But I was not disappointed with the album because it's quite frankly a brilliant album. I read later that the making of the album was a trial for everyone involved, particularly for Andy and Todd who did not get along at all. But what an amazing end product...
Had that on cassette in '87!😊 The whole album is killer
A great opening double blast from Andy and Colin. Andy was a huge fan of actor performer Danny Kaye and his ability to sing and talk complicated words rapidly as well as Don Van Vliet aka Capt. Beefheart's lyrics. Yes an amazing transition from one song to another and I've always thought " things we used to do on grass " has a double meaning, one you roll on and the other you roll up. As an aside they did have a lot of conflict with Rundgren over sounds and production. Not a happy union but they did create a seminal album in spite of that.
T.S.McPhee The Hunt • th-cam.com/video/BRIUUBlFVZ8/w-d-xo.html 19:09 minutes
is a single psychedelic art rock electronic composition in four movements, featuring Arp 2600 Synthesizers, Electric Piano and The Rhythm Ace Drum Synthesizer. Entitled The Hunt, it explores McPhee's strong stance against Fox and Stag-Hunting.
I just picked this album and Drums and Wires up on vinyl. I picked a bad time to start up my collection again with the prices these days, but the XTC albums are worth the price. They sound great. I think Andy had mixed feelings about his time working with Rundgren, but there's no doubt it turned out well.
Hello Daniel , I like the song of nature with the Bird. I have two parakeets and the song is a good one to listen to. Thank you. Why don't you like summer time? What is summer like we're you are?
You bring a different perspective to many of your comments, usually with very sweet thoughts...
@@georgewodicka4839 Thank you
I don't know how they captured the cricket/bird/nature sounds in the studio, but they're magnificent.
Skylarking is an amazing album, so glad you're going to be spending some time going through it, and I loved your reaction to those first 2 tracks and the flawless segue between them! I'm sure plenty of people will mention that the band absolutely HATED working with Todd Rundgren, but even Andy Partridge admits he did a great job (the transitions between the tracks and the track sequencing were TR's idea), though he stops short of saying that the pain was worth it... looking forward to more reactions from the album!
love this album. they are all pretty good, and it's the same for the lat 90s
Was 24 the Fall of '86, at a new boyfriend's apartment in Boulder, Co. He said I should try a new drug called "ecstasy," that it was great. I said ok, but just *a tiny bit.* Whatever he gave me was way way too much, put it that way. Anyway, that night I heard Summer's Cauldron on the radio for the first time & it blew my mind. XTC on ecstasy before Molly ever came along. The comedown was brutal for *days,* & I was deeply frightened that was my new reality for the rest of my life 😬. I never did it again, but every time I hear this it puts me back there, nearly 40 years, hearing those crickets 😆
Love this record 💫
If you haven't done it already, do Dear Good that was released together with Grass on a single, but was left out on the original pressing of Skylarking, but later included.
Great suggestion. Daniel has a recent review for Dear God, which was excellent. Would love to see some others such as Season Cycle, Ballet for a Rainy Day, 1000 Umbrellas, Another Satellite, Sacrificial Bonfire, Earn Enough for Us, ect..........
@@toddhill7483 I checked back, and realize I saw that reaction. Had just forgotten about it.
Do “Fly On The Wall!”
I’m jealous of you, wish I could rediscover it. It’s a wonderful album from start to finish.
For a great diversion check out their alter ego, dukes of stratosphear
A Little Recommended Ear Candy For You Daniel,, R.E.M. "Fall On Me" & "Near Wild Heaven"
Geniuses? Yes.
You love the bass. Of course you do. Colin Moulding is such a great bass player (and has a better voice than Andy Partridge, but Andy wrote most of the songs and insisted on being he lead singer). But yes, Colin's bass hooks are always rewarding to listen to. As is every single detail of every single XTC song.
lol
Grass you lie on or grass you smoke? Lol.
This is a fine album, but in my view is one of XTC's least appealing, along with Oranges and Lemons. To me their other records are far better, especially English Settlement, Black Sea and Mummer. But also Nonsuch, The Big Express, and so on. This is a top 5 band for me ... true artists and craftsmen!!! Astounding music!
I have to disagree - I think that Nonesuch was an attempt to replicate Oranges and Lemons; The big Express was a bit meh, but didn’t have the sense of being a whole that Skylarking or English Settlement had. Mummer is amazing for sure, but I do not quite put the later albums above the others. After Dave Gregory left, they were never the same.
@@Jabberwok28 I don't think Nonsuch sounds anything like Oranges and Lemons. To me Nonsuch sounds a lot warmer and more intimate. And I think the songs are just better. I've always found Oranges and Lemons to be more sterile, more contrived and less organic than their other releases. But that's just me.
Losing Dave Gregory left a big hole to be sure. But I feel losing Terry Chambers was an even bigger deal. His work on English Settlement was astounding. Fortunately Mummer didn't suffer as much as later records did from Chambers' departure, especially since he played on two or three Mummer songs.
“Pounce”??? Where are you getting these lyrics? “I will pet on you, just ask and we’ll cou-cous” perfectly encapsulates a young couple getting intimate… “Pounce” makes it sound like a violent rape. I’m really surprised (and saddened) that neither you or your viewers didnt catch that.
I will pounce on you, just us and the cuckoos..
You're not even close.
your pupils are dilated :)