The Whitest Music U Know
Actually, White Music, the title of XTC's first album isn't a reference to the band's own Caucasian-ness (besides, Andy Partridge claims to be one-eighth black), but a play on "white noise." I didn't buy the XTC albums in order, and I'm glad I didn't, because this one took some getting used to. I kind of wish I could go back in time to when the band was new (which would have been right around when I was born) to see what people thought of this post-punk outfit emphasizing energetic organ riffs. It's certainly a far cry from what the band ended up becoming, and it can be difficult to believe that the same guy wrote and sang both "Spinning Top" and "Dear God." Anyway, let's get on with it.
Radios in Motion - From what I've heard, this first song on the first album was performed live with radio noise at the beginning, which would have been a cool touch for the album. Oh, well. It's still a good beginning song, and an effective introduction to the band's early sound. Andy's voice is weird (I know it's been described as a seal bark), and Barry Andrews' organ is chaotic and catchy.
Crosswires - Like Andy's first song on this album, Colin Moulding's first-heard contribution is just as nonsensical, and he seems to be attempting to imitate Andy's voice. Still pretty catchy, though.
This Is Pop - Andy's response to critics who insist on narrowly categorizing every band, this was an early single. And I think it was a good choice, as it's easily one of the most memorable songs on the album.
Do What You Do - Colin's songs back in this era rarely had much substance, but they were still fun. This one is no exception.
Statue of Liberty - Another single, but apparently banned from radio play for the line, "And in my fantasy, I sailed beneath your skirt." Nowadays you'd probably hear lyrics like that on Kidz Bop records, but hey, the times are a-changing.
All Along the Watchtower - Speaking of which, this is a cover of the Bob Dylan song most famously recorded by Jimi Hendrix, but you probably wouldn't be able to tell if it weren't for the title. It goes on for almost six minutes, with Andy wailing both vocally and on the harmonica.
Into the Atom Age - I like the retro-futurism in this one, with the palette-shaped coffee table bringing forth images of the fifties. And hey, DOES anyone remember what happened to string?
I'll Set Myself on Fire - Another Colin offering, this time about his preferred method of suicide. Cheery, huh? Well, actually, it kind of is.
I'm Bugged - The organ made to sound like skittering bugs is a neat effect. I think Andy has said something about this song being about an imaginary scenario in which he sees the entire audience wearing bug-glasses.
New Town Animal in a Furnished Cage - A short but enjoyable little song about suburban ennui.
Spinning Top - I sometimes get this and the next song mixed up, since they're really pretty similar. They're basically organ-heavy songs describing somewhat absurd dances. In this case, the dance simply consists of spinning around until you get dizzy and fall down, at least according to Andy.
Neon Shuffle - While this is similar to "Spinning Top," it's more energetic, and I like it better. In fact, it's kind of like the preceding song is a demo for this one.
And now for the bonus tracks. Most of my XTC CDs are the Geffen releases where they stuck these right in the middle of the album, but I'm going to be separating them out for these reviews. After all, they weren't originally conceived as part of the record.
Science Friction - I've heard the term "science friction" used in several different situations, and I have to wonder whether Andy came up with it. Regardless, this is an entertaining song about alien invaders, and a reflection on Andy's own astrophobia.
She's So Square - Not one of the band's better efforts either musically or lyrically, it pretty much just makes fun of hippie fashions.
Dance Band - One of the first songs Colin wrote. He's said that his earlier works are usually just simple lyrics added to a bass riff, and this one definitely fits that description. It's basically about the dance clubs Colin's parents frequented, where people did the Foxtrot and such to live bands.
Hang on to the Night - One of the better early B-sides, this is a very simple but quite engaging number.
Heatwave - Another one that I'd say is just as good as most of the album tracks from the same era.
Traffic Light Rock - Quite frankly, I'd say this song is pretty stupid, but I can't help but like it. And I have to wonder whether Joe and Freddy still aren't ready to do the Traffic Light Rock. {g}
Instant Tunes - I think this was actually a later song than the rest (the book Song Stories places it in the Go 2 era), but hey. It's Colin who penned this one, and it's comparing insipid songs that immediately become hits to instant cake mix.
Well, that's all for now. Tune in next time, when we'll learn why life is good in the greenhouse, and how Barry Andrews completely failed at being the band's third songwriter.
Radios in Motion - From what I've heard, this first song on the first album was performed live with radio noise at the beginning, which would have been a cool touch for the album. Oh, well. It's still a good beginning song, and an effective introduction to the band's early sound. Andy's voice is weird (I know it's been described as a seal bark), and Barry Andrews' organ is chaotic and catchy.
Crosswires - Like Andy's first song on this album, Colin Moulding's first-heard contribution is just as nonsensical, and he seems to be attempting to imitate Andy's voice. Still pretty catchy, though.
This Is Pop - Andy's response to critics who insist on narrowly categorizing every band, this was an early single. And I think it was a good choice, as it's easily one of the most memorable songs on the album.
Do What You Do - Colin's songs back in this era rarely had much substance, but they were still fun. This one is no exception.
Statue of Liberty - Another single, but apparently banned from radio play for the line, "And in my fantasy, I sailed beneath your skirt." Nowadays you'd probably hear lyrics like that on Kidz Bop records, but hey, the times are a-changing.
All Along the Watchtower - Speaking of which, this is a cover of the Bob Dylan song most famously recorded by Jimi Hendrix, but you probably wouldn't be able to tell if it weren't for the title. It goes on for almost six minutes, with Andy wailing both vocally and on the harmonica.
Into the Atom Age - I like the retro-futurism in this one, with the palette-shaped coffee table bringing forth images of the fifties. And hey, DOES anyone remember what happened to string?
I'll Set Myself on Fire - Another Colin offering, this time about his preferred method of suicide. Cheery, huh? Well, actually, it kind of is.
I'm Bugged - The organ made to sound like skittering bugs is a neat effect. I think Andy has said something about this song being about an imaginary scenario in which he sees the entire audience wearing bug-glasses.
New Town Animal in a Furnished Cage - A short but enjoyable little song about suburban ennui.
Spinning Top - I sometimes get this and the next song mixed up, since they're really pretty similar. They're basically organ-heavy songs describing somewhat absurd dances. In this case, the dance simply consists of spinning around until you get dizzy and fall down, at least according to Andy.
Neon Shuffle - While this is similar to "Spinning Top," it's more energetic, and I like it better. In fact, it's kind of like the preceding song is a demo for this one.
And now for the bonus tracks. Most of my XTC CDs are the Geffen releases where they stuck these right in the middle of the album, but I'm going to be separating them out for these reviews. After all, they weren't originally conceived as part of the record.
Science Friction - I've heard the term "science friction" used in several different situations, and I have to wonder whether Andy came up with it. Regardless, this is an entertaining song about alien invaders, and a reflection on Andy's own astrophobia.
She's So Square - Not one of the band's better efforts either musically or lyrically, it pretty much just makes fun of hippie fashions.
Dance Band - One of the first songs Colin wrote. He's said that his earlier works are usually just simple lyrics added to a bass riff, and this one definitely fits that description. It's basically about the dance clubs Colin's parents frequented, where people did the Foxtrot and such to live bands.
Hang on to the Night - One of the better early B-sides, this is a very simple but quite engaging number.
Heatwave - Another one that I'd say is just as good as most of the album tracks from the same era.
Traffic Light Rock - Quite frankly, I'd say this song is pretty stupid, but I can't help but like it. And I have to wonder whether Joe and Freddy still aren't ready to do the Traffic Light Rock. {g}
Instant Tunes - I think this was actually a later song than the rest (the book Song Stories places it in the Go 2 era), but hey. It's Colin who penned this one, and it's comparing insipid songs that immediately become hits to instant cake mix.
Well, that's all for now. Tune in next time, when we'll learn why life is good in the greenhouse, and how Barry Andrews completely failed at being the band's third songwriter.