XTC Albums Ranked

XTC was an English rock band formed in Swindon in 1972. Fronted by songwriters Andy Partridge (guitars, vocals) and Colin Moulding (bass, vocals), the band gained popularity during the rise of punk and new wave in the 1970s, later playing in a variety of styles that ranged from angular guitar riffs to elaborately arranged pop. Partly because the group did not fit into contemporary trends, they achieved only sporadic commercial success in the UK and US but attracted a considerable cult following. They have since been recognized for their influence on post-punk, Britpop, and later power pop acts. Between 1979 and 1992, XTC had a total of 10 albums and 6 singles that reached the UK top 40, including “Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)” (1980) and “Senses Working Overtime” (1982). In the US, “Mayor of Simpleton” (1989) was their highest-charting single, while “Dear God” (1986) was controversial for its anti-religious message. The group also inspired tribute bands, tribute albums, fan conventions, and fanzines across the UK, US and Japan. In 2006, Partridge announced that his creative partnership with Moulding had disintegrated, leaving XTC “in the past tense”. Moulding and Chambers briefly reunited as the duo TC&I in the late 2010s. Partridge and Gregory remain musically active. Here are all of XTC’s albums ranked.

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10. 25 O’Clock (1985)

“25 O clock is a psychadellic masterpiece by XTC under the assumed name of Dukes of Stratosphear. Imagine Piper at the Gates of Dawn meets Sgt. Pepper. This was originally an EP but has been fleshed-out with demo tracks to make it full album length. As is often the case, the demos are just as interesting as the “finished” versions. The “money” tracks are 25 O clock and The Mole from the Ministry, both nicely crafted and thoroughly trippy. The whole album is delightful psychadellia, a tonic for body and mind.”

9. White Music (1978)

“This record is pure energy. It has a punk feel and creates an equilibrium between guitars and keyboards. It feels like a real team working together. It also feels like the band is having fun. The record is not predictable. These are spontaneous and well-crafted pop songs. The record feels very fresh. The song structures and the arrangments are very rich as well. When you listen at the details closely you will find nice keyboard arrangments and nice guitar riffs.”

8. Mummer (1983)

“Mummer was XTC’s deeply un-commercial follow-up to ‘English Settlement’. Everything from the cover to the song titles said ‘avoid’, but the sound within those record grooves said something very different indeed. The album is dripping with charm and sweet sounds, rich melodies and whimsical lyrics. Take for instance the enchanting ‘Ladybird’, or ‘Love on a Farmboy’s Wages’ or ‘In Loving Memory of a Name’ – great songs telling poignant stories – each song has a purpose and a tale to tell.”

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7. Oranges & Lemons (1989)

“The material is amongst XTC’s finest, if not their best ever; this goes without saying, but let’s talk about this new APE HOUSE remastering, which is nothing short of spectacular. Everything has been improved, detail retrieval is phenomenal, increases in dynamic range and gain, and all without too much gloss and none of the artificial ‘shrillness’ that seems to accompany many remasters of 1980’s and 1990’s first issue CD’s.”

6. Nonsuch (1992)

“Andy and Colin showing a maturity in their song writing which gives this whole album a wonderful atmosphere. Matched by Gus Dudgeon’s glorious production which while understated, just oozes class. There is no point in listening to an album of this of this quality from an MP3 file. The album from APE House looks and feels like it has been produced with the care and love that it deserves. Recommended to anyone who appreciates the effort and soul which goes into good music.”

5. Apple Venus Volume 1 (1999)

“Apple Venus Volume 1 (1999) was the long-awaited album from England’s XTC following a “strike” with Virgin Records. This album is without Dave Gregory, an important member who contributed heavily to the band’s sound through excellent guitar and keyboards in past albums. With Andy Partridge holding down the guitars, and Colin Moulding on bass and writing/singing songs, the result is still a very respectable set of songs that have classical as well as jazz elements to them.”

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4. Black Sea (1980)

“Another winner for Steven Wilson! Spectacular 5.1 mix,tons of extras,Big Bang for your buck unlike recent Bruford and Rush reissues! I bought this album in 1980 to learn a song for a band I was in,and was amazed at the maturity of writing and arranging they did compared to other young bands at time. Putting this Blu-ray on for first time blew my mind with all the hidden sounds exposed in 5.1,Steven Wilson respects the band and listener and I highly recommend this and all others in series”

3. Drums And Wires (1979)

“Power Pop. Post-punk. New Wave. Mix ’em all together and you get XTC. One of the most influential rock bands of the late 20th century, with a timeless musical catalogue on par with The Beatles, Beck, and Radiohead. This album’s production by Hugh Padgham and Steve Lillywhite at Townhouse Studios helped pioneer the famous gated snare drum sound and “live hall” ambience used in countless hits in the 1980s.”

2. English Settlement (1982)

“English Settlement is XTC’s second best album (behind Drums and Wires), and it most accurately depicts their sound, which is a mixture of new wave, pop, reggae and a hint of punk. The band was clearly in transition on this one, which allows for a little bit of everything. What I like most about this album is its consistent sound throughout. There isn’t a track that sounds like it doesn’t belong on the album, as is the case with so many bands out there. Colin Moulding’s bass playing is superior on this one, and Andy Partridge’s vocals are in top form. There are so many great songs, such as Senses Working Overtime, Ball and Chain, Jason and the Argonauts, All of a Sudden (It’s too Late), It’s Nearly Africa, English Roundabout and No Thugs in Our House. It all came together on this album, and it’s fun to listen to. If you’re just getting into this band, then this is the album that you’d want to start with.”

1. Skylarking (1986)

“Easily one of the best albums of the 1980’s and possibly XTC’s best work. Every song is stupidly catchy, the lyrics are fantastic, Partridge & Moulding both sound great and the corrected polarity makes everything 10 times warmer. To me this is very much a summer album, frequently conjuring up imagery of green fields and sunlit rivers.”