Oranges & Lemons

by XTC

Product Description:

XTC: Andy Partridge (vocals, guitar); Colin Moulding (vocals, bass); Dave Gregory.

All tracks have been digitally remastered using 24 Bit technology.

XTC: Colin Moulding, Dave Gregory, Andy Partridge.

XTC has always been influenced by psychedelia, but not since the DUKES OF THE STRATOSPHEAR album has it been so obviously displayed--even the record's jacket illustration is based on the animation of YELLOW SUBMARINE. In addition to the psychedelic influences, the band also demonstrates more political awareness than previously, as shown by "Here Comes President Kill Again," and "Across This Antheap."

The band even scored a hit single with the chiming, gorgeous "The Mayor of Simpleton," (ironic considering that it contains the line "Well I don't know how to right a big hit song,") which extols the virtues of the heart over the head. Other standouts include the herky-jerky funk of "Poor Skeleton Steps Out," complete with whistles, xylophones, and assorted odd noises. The upbeat "Pink Thing" features a lively acoustic guitar, handclaps, and some vocal gymnastics from Andy Partridge, while the expansive "Chalkhills and Children" is an introspective, dreamlike number built on swelling synth tones and rolling drums. ORANGES & LEMONS would make an excellent starting point for future XTC fans. Collectors should note that the CD was initially available in a limited-edition format consisting of several three-inch CDs.

Using a 60s Milton Glaser-type cover illustration, this purported to be a retro album. In reality it was another extremely fine XTC album, their ninth in a series of classy, offbeat pop exercises from the musically fertile brain of Andy Partridge, who hated touring and loved to stay at home as a reclusive pop star. This is probably their best album and features Partridge's most complete and satisfying song. "The Loving" and "The Mayor Of Simpleton" are both excellent compositions, but they pale against the exceptional "Chalkhills And Children." On this, Partridge celebrates that his home (the nearby chalkhills) and children keep him sane and well-grounded against the possible excesses to which he would succumb as a touring popster.