Few '80s artists representing any genre released music as ambitious and solidly built on songcraft as XTC, one of the decade's primary masters of quirky British post-punk. Taking a major cue from punk rock's energy and anger, leaders Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding concocted a brainy form of alternative rock that both defined and defied the general pattern of '80s music. Here's a look at some of XTC's best songs of the era, all of them sophisticated and offering up a unique blend of pop and rock.
1. "Ten Feet Tall"
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Caroline Astralwerks
This gem from 1979's Drums & Wires may be a slight nod to the more melodic sounds to come on subsequent XTC albums. After all, that album's two other well-known songs, "Making Plans for Nigel" and "Life Begins at the Hop," project an angular, almost esoteric tone that at times overshadows the tight and accessible songwriting inherent in the songs. Of course, that could perhaps be said about almost every XTC track, but for listeners willing to peel through the layers, what's underneath tends to be quality pop music. All three of these Moulding tunes are essentials, but I select this one here because of the jarring contrast between the tasty, arpeggiated guitar opening and the droning, repetitive and yet effective nature of the chorus.
2. "Respectable Street"
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Caroline Astralwerks
Anyone of the mind that XTC had entered the '80s with a declining interest in the punk energy that kicked off its career should go directly to this Partridge scorcher from the group's 1980 long player, Black Sea. Built on driving guitar and drums and fueled by a wonderfully acerbic lead vocal performance from Partridge, the track somehow manages to mix a perfectly apparent pop sensibility with a consistently aggressive rock attack. XTC may have soon become a non-touring studio band, but this one had to have been a rousing highlight from the last couple of years of the group's touring days during the early '80s. XTC was probably at its best when it emphasized the band's contrasts without abandoning pop hooks, which is the case here.
3. "Senses Working Overtime"
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4. "Grass"
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5. "Dear God"
I considered leaving this well-known and revered XTC tune off the list, but I thought twice when I assessed that my slight bias against it stems from a general distaste for pop songs featuring kids singing. Something about the sound of it creeps me out. I don't know if that goes back to some kind of evil-kid horror movie memory or what, but I'm pretty sure the feeling affects my attitude about this song. Anyway, back on topic, this is a scathing, heart-on-sleeve attack on what Partridge seems to see as the illusive, artificial influence of religious belief. In another songwriter's hands, the treatment of these core metaphysical issues could come off as too emotional or merely bitter, but Partridge is a master and turns in another stunner.6. "Earn Enough for Us"
For me this is XTC's signature guitar romp and the band's most direct and punchy contribution to the fine if sometimes maligned genre of power pop. Partridge's gifts are certainly many, not the least of which is his passionate, earthy performance of grounded, Everyman lyrics here and in the similarly working-class-themed "Love on a Farmboy's Wages." Partridge exhibits a natural storyteller's eye for detail as well as an uncanny ability to inspire emotion and empathy within the confines of a three-minute pop song. What's more, his central melody here and the delicate choices he makes regarding the unpredictable but careful rise and fall of notes illustrate that rock music and art indeed at times completely belong in the same sentence.
7. "The Mayor of Simpleton"
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Caroline Astralwerks
