Digging through my archives again and I found some fun XTC-related items I thought I would share.
First up is the fantastic single “No Thugs in Our House” from XTC’s “English Settlement” album released in 1982. While I appreciate the convenience of digital music, this record reminds me why collecting vinyl could be such a blast. As you can see in the photos (and more here on my facebook page), some real thought and effort went into packaging this little 7” single. The cover says “XTC theatre” and the sleeve opens into a mini stage. In theory, you could act out the song with the enclosed sheet of paper puppets (*clears throat*…not that a mature person like myself would ever consider such a thing…). The back cover has the lyrics written out in the form of a play (scenes, acts, character lines, etc.). On top of all that, the B-Side has three more songs (“Chain of Command,” “Limelight” and “Over Rusty Water”), all for the price of a single. Money well spent, I say.
“Thugs” was and remains one of my all-time favorite XTC tunes. Aggressive, funny, troubling, clever, rockin’ and did I mention its impossibly catchy chorus? I can’t help but sing along whenever I hear it. There is a version of the song that is even a bit more raw and aggressive available in the “Transistor Blast” box set, which I highly recommend.
Under the guise of The Three Wise Men, in 1983 XTC released a single with a holiday theme. “Thanks for Christmas” backed with “Countdown to Christmas Party Time.” Unless you knew, there was no way to know this was XTC. The sleeve indicates it was produced by “The Three Wise Men and The Good Lord.” Sticking with the theme, both tracks are credited to Kaspar/Melchior/Balthazar (of course, the names of the Biblical Magi). Not sure they released this as they did for any reason other than as a lark. You can now find these two songs on the “Rag ‘N” Bone Buffet” compilation; ditch your copy of “Wonderful Christmastime” and play these songs next holiday season instead.
The Dukes of Stratosphear was perhaps another lark, although a little more elaborate. The cassette pictured here is their only full length album “Psonic Psunspot.” XTC released this (and a prior EP) using the Dukes name and for a while would not admit it was actually them. Regardless, this is another joyous entry into the XTC discography. To my ears, it cheekily exaggerates many of their musical influences but not to the detriment of producing good songs. You can pick up all the Dukes songs on one handy disc entitled “Chips From the Chocolate Fireball.” All XTC fans should own this.
XTC has so many great and accessible songs; I’ve always felt in a more just world they would have been a much bigger commercial success, constantly filling the charts and our radios with hit songs. I guess I just have to be happy they have a place in my house.