XTC
White Music

THE REVIEW

XTC reminds me a lot of that Lucy in the sky with diamonds (L.S.D.) by the Beatles, which was heavily criticized for its strange wordplay, as it is pronounced "ecstasy". This somewhat connects the two bands; essential groups, each in their own way, from their respective eras, loved by fans and hated by rival groups for the success they achieved.

Formed by Andy Partridge (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Colin Moulding (bass and vocals), Terry Chambers (drums), and Barry Andrews (keyboards) who was later removed from the band, they immediately stand out as original and unique, like few groups in the New Wave (one of my favorite genres along with my beloved psychedelia).

In 1978 for Virgin (the ubiquitous New Wave label), this debut album by the band came out: "White Music", a brilliant example of pop-punk, different from subsequent albums, less polished, less sugary (though less beautiful), a great example of late '70s music. The album opens with "Radios In Motion", pulsating bass, scratching guitar, Partridge's shouts and a spectacular chorus... mix well... MASTERPIECE! Great excitement courses through your veins, pure elation or happiness for having picked the right album, a highlight of the record and the band. Following is "Xwires", pure schizophrenia, progressive trills (with all due respect to progressive), a P.I.L. composition based on the madness of various sounds that managed to escape, despite the shackles, from Moulding's mentality. "This Is Pop" is another exhilarating classic, already similar to future tracks, melodic and hard at the same time, a good balance in the album. "Do What You Do" is a chess game between the keyboard and the persistent kindergarten chant... piripiri.... bum bum bum... how talented they are! (excuse my advanced insanity).

"Statue Of Liberty" is a great composition worthy of the best Partridge, punk vocals with a commercial chorus like... ohohohhhhhh! Great keyboard solo, very simple but effective, strange piece, I like it... The first side concludes with the strange version of "All Along The Watch Tower", a splendid bassline competing to be heard more than the harmonica, Partridge here surpasses himself demonstrating his vocal skills!!! (everyone can interpret this as they like!). "Atom Age" opens the second side, the most representative piece of the album even if not the best, the strange harmony between punk and pop is clearly noticeable, surprising with each listening. "Set My Self On Fire" would fit well on the Clash's 'London Calling' if not for the vocals, perhaps the weakest track. "I'm Bugged" proves that keyboards fit well in XTC, adding an extra touch of mental insanity, second only to Devo (legendary and unbeatable!!!)... Mongoloid mongoloid.. (sorry again). "New Town Animal" is another rhythmic jump typical of the album, always pleasant. "Spinning Top" has a Jazz feel, perhaps due to the guitar and keyboard (it's my useless impression). The album concludes with "Neon Shuffle", great bass and guitar lines for a Beach Boys sound combined with Devo... what a blast!!!

Anyway, read the reviews of 'Drums and Wires', 'English Settlement', and 'Black Sea' which are their best albums!

Greetings from Psychobonco!!!