XTC are an English band from Swindon centered on Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding. Reviews emphasise their Beatles-influenced pop, new wave energy and a move toward studio-focused work after live activity ended in the early 1980s.

Core members noted in DeBaser reviews include Andy Partridge (guitar, vocals), Colin Moulding (bass, vocals), Terry Chambers (drums) and early keyboards by Barry Andrews; producers mentioned include Steve Lillywhite and Todd Rundgren. Reviews document extensive praise for songwriting, arrangements and production; live activity and stage fright issues are discussed in multiple reviews.

DeBaser's reviews praise XTC as a studio-focused English band blending new wave energy with Beatles-influenced pop. Core strengths noted are melodic invention, production craft (Steve Lillywhite, Todd Rundgren) and a rivalry between Partridge and Moulding. Key albums highlighted include Drums and Wires, Black Sea, Skylarking and English Settlement.

For:Fans of new wave, studio-minded pop, Beatles-influenced songwriting, and listeners interested in detailed album reviews.

 Despite a classic like "Skylarking", my personal opinion is that the most significant work of that perfect pop machine called XTC was "Drums & Wires".

  Discover the review

 The group led by the brilliant Andy Partridge, an adjective used in this case without hyperbole, has always stood out, from their debut, for its imaginative, brilliant, psychedelic, ironic pop.

  Discover the review

 ..It was March '78, we had a contract for some concerts near Genoa. But Aldo Moro was assassinated and for public order reasons the shows were suspended. Everyone abandoned us and, without a cent, we ended up in a hotel for the disabled on the Riviera, where they gave us mush for the elderly with chewing problems..

  Discover the review

 Many critics consider them the best after the Beatles for their ability to mix sounds from different origins and thus deeply influence the musical scene of the period and beyond.

  Discover the review
Who knows XTC?
Loading...