XTC – Nonsuch - 1992

[Roland Bru]

XTC is Andy Partidge, or rather, XTC came to be Andy Prtidge. Starting in the late 1970’s as a punkish pop group, they soon became somewhat more pretentious. Their earlier hit, Making plans for Nigel is the kind of nervous hit single often associated with English pop music of that period. Its urgency gives the music a sense of importance: listen to what we’re singing, it might help you, or even: the world needs this message.

Lyrics wise Andy would always be more personal however. After their very nice album Skylarking they lay low for a while (although Apples and Oranges was produced). Nonsuch is chockfull with catchy, poppy songs, getting slightly more serious towards the end. The Ballad of Peter Pumkinhead is delicious power pop, with the 80’s production sheen dating it somewhat but not too damaging. Dear Madam Barnum, Crocodile,The Disappointed and The Smartest monkeys continue in similar vein, but already with the track My bird performs they suggest they have more tricks in their bag. Then she appeared is 60’s nostalgia, not unlike their Dukes of Straotsphear project. The ugly underneath is fun, Bungalow and Rook are pensive tunes and after listening the whole album in one go (which can be a bit much) you are impressed by the ability to surprise the listener with sophisticated playing, surprising twists and intelligent lyrics. Sophisticated pop would be my best description in two words.