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All songs written by Andy Partridge except "My Bird Performs," "The Smartest Monkeys," "War Dance" and "Bungalow" (Colin Moulding).
XTC's NONSUCH falls somewhere between the high-polish shine of ORANGES & LEMONS and the pastoral reverie of SKYLARKING. The album also marked the end of the band's dealings with their original label, the beginning of protracted legal maneuverings, and a seven-year gap in releases (which ended with APPLE VENUS VOLUME ONE in 1999). The generous total of 17 songs was also the result of the three-year recording gap preceding it. Included are ample rewards ranging from the rocking ("The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead," "Crocodile," "The Disappointed") to the soothing ("My Bird Performs," "Holly Up On Poppy," "Humble Daisy"). As always, a distinctly British sense of place, manner, and language pervades the songs (in a manner not unlike The Kinks' VILLAGE GREEN PRESERVATION SOCIETY).
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Remastered reissue of 1992 album. Virgin Records. 2001.
Recorded at Chipping Norton Studios, Oxfordshire, England from July to October 1991.
XTC: Andy Partridge (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, harmonica, synthesizer, percussion); Colin Moulding (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, bass); Dave Gregory (acoustic & electric guitars, piano, Hammond organ, synthesizer, percussion, background vocals).
Additional personnel: Stuart Gordon, Gina Griffin (violin); Florence Lovegrove (viola); Rose Hall (cello); Guy Barker (trumpet, flugelhorn); Dave Mattacks (drums, percussion, samples); Gus Dudgeon (percussion, background vocals); Neville Farmer (background vocals).
Rolling Stone (5/28/92, p.55) - 3.5 Stars - Very Good - "...Too lovely for college radio, too challenging for legions of baby boomers unwilling to progress, XTC has built itself a very gorgeous golden cage..." Spin (6/92, p.72) - Highly Recommended - "...the 17 songs on NONSUCH comprise a mature collection..." Entertainment Weekly (5/8/92, p.58) - "...a kaleidoscopic, highly intelligent collection of off-kilter pop craft..." - Rating: B+ Q (5/92, p.87) - 3 Stars - Good - "...17 dense, melodic, intelligent and occasionally irritating pop songs..." Option (Nov.-Dec./92, p.152) - "...pop songs of artistry and imagination..." Musician (7/92, p.96) - "...17 solidly constructed songs...a dense hour of music..."
i love it i love the cd Submitted by bcm4433 (reno nevada) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
A topnotch, subtle ecstacy from the band Good steady quality throughout with thoughtful, catchy words and melodies, some strange key changes to keep you alert, and the Beatles, Floyd and other influences mixed with the occasional very unique XTC spin on things. They sing about love, humanity, war, and sanity in turmoil, with intelligence and wit. After all, we're 'the smartest monkeys' who invented the cardboard box for the homeless to sleep in, and count me among 'the disappointed' in love. XTC is your best friend sometimes, because they really understand what it is to be human, and put it across in a Beatlesque melody. Submitted by Andrew M. (Santa Rosa, CA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
A Favourite... It's a shame the band were derailed by Virgin after this album, because they're on fire,in songwriting and performance terms. I rate this album only just behind "Apple Venus 1" as their finest (5 stars). The highlights are many. "Dear Madam Barnum" is typically catchy with a nicely strummed acoustic and some Byrds/Harrison type guitar work, "Omnibus" is whimsical and jerky and that's just the bass line, "The Disappointed" was one of the best singles of the 90's by anybody, "That Wave" and "Crocodile" are powerful and aggressive with nice solos, and "The Smartest Monkeys" is clever without being preachy while still making you groove along, being one of Colin Moulding's finest moments. Essential for any fan of well written pop music. Submitted by Woody (NSW, Australia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful.
A Young Persons Introduction to XTC Nonesuch is a brilliant example of what this band is all about! "...unwilling to progress.." BAH HUMBUG. I wonder if that reviewer even listened to it?? Nonesuch is a MASTERPIECE filled with brilliant lyrics. If you don't believe me, check out Dear Madam Barnum, Wrapped in Grey, Ballad of Peter P, etc. This might be the best choice for the aspiring XTC fan. "... at the very least you can stand up naked and grin.." GET IT GET IT GET IT. It'll be the best 7 or 8 bucks you ever spent! Submitted by a reviewer (Enumclaw, WA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
More pop musical mastery This album is big, and unusually consistent for such a long piece. Not one song on this album is filler. They all have merits. Bungalow is particularly intriguing. If you like XTC and don't have this album you must get it. If you like classic tune based music, but thought it died, then give this Cd a spin. It brilliantly walks the line between pop hookery and artistic content. Submitted by a reviewer (Kiwi in Korea) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 2 found this helpful. This review is for a different format.
A Favourite...
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