Although i'm one of XTCs biggest ever fans i've never felt this was one of their best lead off songs off a new album !!! Great song yes but Nonsuch has better tracks !! Peter Pumpkinhead would have been better & made the album do better than it ended up doing !!!!
Everything you needed to know about this fine art rock/dance combo you could learn in the 70's by listening to Al Stewart, Supertramp and the Alan Parsons Project.
I really miss XTC. They are my favorite band and Andy Partridge is my hero. Great song from a great album by a great band. The younger um, "indie" bands could learn a thing a or two about great music from these guys. Andy is an expert songwriter.
Love this song...................and the video quality........for XTC is very good.........AP is a genius with words, guitar and Colin's bass is just the best. Sorry Andy got hurt..........but damn it made him write some good songs.
I was "disppointed" that this was presented as a single at the time. I would've rather heard "Ominibus" or "Crocodile" since it was a little more uppy for those who may not have known about them already. With that said, I think Nonsuch was another underrated album of theirs.
@spiderwolf9 - I will definitely say that both of those songs are great (maybe "Crocodile" a little more...and more 'rockin'). While not really single-worthy, "Then She Appeared" is the high point of the album to me.
What a wonderful band... Andy and Colin continued to produce fabulous material right through to the more recent Apple Venus and Wasp Star albums.... are they still a going concern?
@existentialcwby Yes I do. What I was saying is that they are too clever for Americans because most Americans are too stupid or ignorant. I'm not trying to cause a fight. There are statistics to back me up. America used to be number one at a lot of things. Sadly we are not anymore. Plus most people are obese, not just overweight mind you but morbidly obese. Fat and stupid. What a terrible way to go through life.
@ratbasket no, thats not true. many things are worthwhile and fulfilling. your nihilism and apathy is telling. i dont want any part of it. downing americans for not being clever enough to dig xtc while being an american who digs xtc is cute - you transcend the masses and sublimate yourself - but its no more than cute. how difficult it must be for you to suffer these fat, ignorant masses. i have no pity for you, but thats alright, cuz you seem to have more than enough for yourself. good luck.
@existentialcwby Oy Gevalt! Such anger over such a mere trifle! The lady doth protest too much, methinks. Let's not get all ad hom cowboy you don't even know me. Sorry I hurt your feelings or struck a nerve or whatever. All I'm saying is we live in a culture in decline, Don't take it personal. Whew!
@ratbasket i wouldnt call it anger; it was more like disgust or indignation at someone who is so against this 'culture decline' while being, ironically, an integral part of it. you couldnt really call this an ad hom attack as i am not attacking you to discredit your argument, but to point out your fallacy as a person. whats more, im not even really attacking you, just criticizing you, and i do take it personally, as i am a person, surrounded by persons.
@existentialcwby "to point out your fallacy as a person" Huh, sounds ad hom to me. Fairly interesting that you are perfectly comfortable judging me and yet you know nothing about me. You have in this brief exchange illustrated my opinion of decline as it pertains to civility. You have not asked me question one. You have consistently replied in a condescending, snide and pious tone. But whatever, you can have the last word, you win, congratulations. Now go somewhere and wave your flag.
XTC Wonderful musicians, Incredible songs, continued high standard over more than 20 years and an unusual and quirky humour. No place in modern Pop music for them, then. Criminally underrated, and sadly now, The Disappeared. Still, we've got the programmes that Simon Cowelll has created like Devil's spawn to trawl for talent.....oh no, hang on, sorry, they're full of deluded crap, or dance troupes, or in most cases, one and the same.
The time the single was released it was the biggest hit XTC had in over a decade.
The single went up to the top of the charts.
What's more the video is very unique.
Next to Sting's "iF i EVER LOSE MY faith IN YOU" it really leaves an impression on the viewer because there is a very unique English history lesson in this video.
The artistry and iconography are unique for the british music video.
The period maybe the Tudor Period or the reign of King artur's round table.
@rogerhoward555 Hello, I should say neither nor :) Probably the late Middle Age with a mix of England (crossbow), France (fleur de lys symbol), and Italy (Siena Palio, the flag). From a great fan of British rock music accross the Channel) ;)
I've just listened to both discs of Fossil Fuel from start to finish and there isn't a duff track to be found on that album. If you're not familiar with XTC it's a good place to start.
they get all of the credit they deserve from those of us who connect with their music and love them so - the rest of the public who don't get them don't deserve them and that is fine. They are like our (XTC fans) own private band.
@blastmir I agree with your point...but it is soo strange that they are underrated like they are....they really deserve more recognition...but I understand what you mean when you say that their fans give them credit, 'tis true
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Bland as hell, the whole thing. The don't get any credit as they haven't done anything of worth. I could find you a thousands tracks thats sound almost identical.
Original. A similar artistic operation than those made by Tears for Fears with some songs of the album "Raoul and the Kings of Spain", albeit the latter did in a less negative, a lot more comprehensive and fully embracing way.
Would a casual listener not paying attention to the band name believe XTC are the same band that made the songs Statue Of Liberty and Heatwave? I find that highly unlikely, They really changed over the years.
Nonsuch is the name of a truly fabulous palace Henry VIII built just south west of London. It was a unique building, not a castle, so much as a rich mans playground. It was a symbol of the new age of reason and good taste Henry hoped he cd inspire in his subjects. Sadly the problems of his later life overshadowed such delights as Nonsuch, and all that survive are drawings and descriptions.
Andy Partridge (Fuzzy Warbles) gets my unqualified vote as best modern day lyric and music writer bar none. Consistently from 1977 to the present day, other than his sole unfortunate venture into electronic 'music', Andy has been at the top of the tree and (like the US band Sparks) has been absolutely seminal influencing scores of young composers and musicians. Many groups are derivative of XTC, but none of them have Andy Partridge.
there is just something about this song that makes me feel nostalgic for something i've never known...don't know what it is and can't explain any further. just a really, really great song.
Beautiful vid! I can't believe I've never seen it (and I've even got the old _Look Look_ compilation on VHS, obtained pre-internet so you know I really dig for their stuff). This song (and so many of their others) still turns up regularly on my playlist.
I've always felt they were on par, in their own time and way, with the Beatles! Their creativity and complex productions are unsurpassed! Very unappreciated and underrated! Especially in the U.S. Thanks for this Great clip!
@flooberbloob You are probably aware of Andys 'Fuzzy Warbles' series of re-mixed re-releases of his best XTC compositions. Colin Moulding has done a solo album (probably several by now if he's as prolific as Andy). The album they did as 'The Dukes of Stratosphear' is a good 'un too, you might not know of. Hope this will help you find more. Ppl with good taste all over the globe love XTC.
well yeah, but I'm just happy that this song is on here. I lost the Cassette tep, (yes cassette tape to let you know how long ago it was) and I could never find a replacement on CD anywhere, and anytime I've ordered cd's or dvd's (or perscription drugs for that matter) from online I've been sorley dissapointed it, and this was my 3rd favorite song on the album behind peter pumpkinhead, and Smartest Monkeys and though it's been around13 years I still remeber all the lyrics
The(comparatively)introspective & melodic side of Andy Partridge, from the excellent Nonsuch album, which capped their illustrious career (the things I heard on the radio from Apple Venus sounded rehashy to me, sad to have to say). Glad that they reincorporated a full-time drummer for that release(Dave Mattacks); a highly recommended album.
@8mv1 I feel that XTC are the greatest underated band since 1945....Andy Partridge your genius will rise to acclaim and recognition of millions.....the true son of a beatle
@8mv1 That SORT of says "people should have been forced to buy their records (whether they liked their music or not) to ensure XTC's chart success." Now, if their songs were widely played and no one bought them that suggests that most people don't actually LIKE them. (I do.)
Did anyone else notice that the beginning of the song was quite reminiscent of The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson at the level of the drums and rhythm?
Not sure if it was previously mentions, but Andy Partridge won a British or European songwriting award for this song. I think It's deserved, even if the video seems a little disjointed.
I agree flooberbloob.... nothing ever vulgar comes from this group... Partridge does'nt like the stage so there are too few live performances. but their studio work can be a floating dream on a balmy day!
pink thing..... flooberbloob is the funniest name i have ever seen. xtc is the best band i have ever heard. and pink thing is not dirty if you know what it is about. do you?
mignonhenne hasnt listened to enough XTC. Beatles influence certainly...but many more influences shaped Partridge before he found his own totally original identity. A true original criminally overlooked in the 80's and 90's
Bloody hell- brilliant songwriting, stellar playing and an imaginative video appealing to smart people. No wonder it sank without a trace. Talk about pearls before swine...
@95thFoot The fact that this band isn't as well-known as they should be perfectly reflects how the music industry has fuck-all to do with good music....
who isn't? I simply prefer their songwriting and musicianship over their predecessors. For me, XTC has a refined complexity that gives them the advantage.
The Beatles are great, but XTC's approach is more challenging.
Check out Nonsvch and Oranges and Lemons to start. You'll then have no choice but to move to Skylarking and English Settlement. By that time, Black Sea and the rest will be an irrefutable urge. Have fun, I did..........
I have had the fortune/ Misfortune to be haunted by Andy and Colin since 1976. They continue to both undermine and inspire all of my humble efforts as a songwriter. Start where you will regarding any of this treasure trove of songs and talent. Move in any direction. Up/down/left/right.This is pure genius. period.
All of a sudden we find the cupboard bare.. where are they now TTZ? give us some small crumbs Andy and Colin. It cannot just stop here... There are so many more colours in your paintbox to share.. And so many more pictures in your heads. So let them tumble in diamond disarray...... Kier XX
On 30 July 2008, Partridge summed up the status of XTC
"Yes I believe my musical partnership with Colin Moulding has come to an end. For reasons too personal and varied to go into here, but we had a good run as they say and produced some real good work. No, I wont be working with him in the future.
In December 2008 Moulding resurfaced and confided that the break up of XTC was partly caused by financial disagreements but stated that he and Partridge were again communicating
I think it's the quasi-medieval clothing. Q had a quasi-medieval judge's costume on in the pilot episode of TNG, plus he forced "Robin Hood" on the TNG crew at one time. :)
Plus, Andy's face does remind me of John, even though they don't actually look much alike. Hm.
Nonsvch versus Apple Venus 1... Tough call. Mummer will always be my third pick any case, even if Skylarking was better and Oranges and Lemons equally great
Strangely I always felt this video was deliberately whimsical to give the song another outlet to its central theme. For me it was simply a paeon to teenage angst, the imagery is just another piece of scoffing and wistful nostalgia.
Very Brian Wilson-like with the back up vocals. But still very much their own thing. I always thought Virgin Records gave up on them too early after the initial success of "Oranges & Lemons" in 1989. "Nonsuch", from which this song is culled ,wasn't released until 1992. They didn't tour, so what was the hold up? As Andy Partridge has mentioned, if he had it his way, he'd been releasing albums every 6 months. XTC eventually got out of their crappy contract and then went independent.
The goes without mentioning. hahahaha. The funny thing about the Wilson influence is that Partridge didn't realize it till years later. Perhaps, his initial exposure to The Beach Boys was the earlier surfing/cars based music.I wasn't a fan of the BB/Wilson until I heard the arrangements and harmonies of such songs as "In My Room" and "Warmth Of the Sun", and of course, "Pet Sounds", "Smile" and some of the later 60's and 70's tracks. I fully appreciated Wilson's brilliance afterwards.
i didnt read you're whole text. sory. Andy Partridge suffers from sever stage fright. They have always been "discovered" but he could not do the things that an agent would insist you do. which does not change the fact that this band is one of the best in the last 20 years.
Yep. I have known that Andy Partridge has had severe stage fright for a long time. Hence XTC's end to touring in 1982. The question I had with Virgin was,( Andy mentioned this as well ), that Virgin didn't follow up the buzz created with "Oranges & Lemons" soon enough with "Nonsuch". It was delayed. Andy had material ready for ages. XTC went on strike for 5 years to get out of their contract with Virgin. Bad contracts aside, XTC are definately one of the best acts from the last 30 odd years.
That's alright. Yep. I've known for years about Andy's affliction. It's the mistreatment of the band by Virgin I didn't like. It's too bad well constructed music isn't given the same respect in the biz these days.
XTC wearing Henri V Sheakspeare gears ! Great great vid (even if women weren't looking like that in the XV sigle,look at Jan Van Eyck paintings by example) And of course, we never saw that in France on TV !!!
To be honest my friend, I was given this as a "tape" about 13 years ago....the whole song evoked terrible thoughts, awoke terrible memories, yet it was such an awesome song, awesomw lyrics, emotion, XTC..ART
I love XTC, they reach the places other artists cannot reach ( to coin an old beer slogan ). Think it is really harsh to offer criticism of production values having only heard 2 songs. However, most XTC fans will probably agree that production values pale into insignificance and the real values in the songs are the way they make you feel deep down inside. XTC have always, and still do, carried me on a rollercoaster of emotion with their words, music and lyrics.
I dont know who you are ole dunk but i like what you say bout xtc, hows about a long drink one morning, talk some shit and play some music, if you are as old as i am you may have heard of little feat, cheers James
The production on this album isn't that good since I am sure thier are some great songs buried underneath the gloss. With that said I have only heard this one and the Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead
As a 30 year veteran of music, rock and studio craft, there are few groups as prolific...plus, I dare you to do side by side comparisons of XTC recordings and any other records out there....even a music-retarded friend noticed that XTC records make most of his others sound like shit.
Great track! Love the sound of the guitars. The disappointed... the king of broken hearts. Music never ceases to amaze.
tinkersong 1 month ago
from the masterpiece that is 'nonsuch', XTC prove (if any were needed) their claim to be the most under-rated band of all time.
abbotskerswellpostie 1 month ago
the one of most beautiful harmony and melody in the last 20 years...
pavelvalentinych 4 months ago
all i can say for this is...ooooh ooooooh at the start...lol...classic absolute classic
Leslie
lesgl 5 months ago in playlist XTC
Skillful, Clever, Eccentric, Creative. XTC
petermcintyre100 7 months ago 2
he does look pretty miffed in this video
fuckamericanidiot 8 months ago
Nobody was ever disappointed by XtC.
roba111111 8 months ago 10
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roba111111 8 months ago
I'm completly mad about this song, this tune, and the vid too.
Atelana 10 months ago
Although i'm one of XTCs biggest ever fans i've never felt this was one of their best lead off songs off a new album !!! Great song yes but Nonsuch has better tracks !! Peter Pumpkinhead would have been better & made the album do better than it ended up doing !!!!
xtstevie 10 months ago
Andy looks a bit like Sting in this one...
PittFan888 11 months ago
Everything you needed to know about this fine art rock/dance combo you could learn in the 70's by listening to Al Stewart, Supertramp and the Alan Parsons Project.
BobbiV13 11 months ago
I really miss XTC. They are my favorite band and Andy Partridge is my hero. Great song from a great album by a great band. The younger um, "indie" bands could learn a thing a or two about great music from these guys. Andy is an expert songwriter.
acrovader 11 months ago
2:58 - is that Harry Partridge, Andy's son?
GloucesterAdam 11 months ago
@GloucesterAdam Nope :)
HarryPartridge 11 months ago
Love this song...................and the video quality........for XTC is very good.........AP is a genius with words, guitar and Colin's bass is just the best. Sorry Andy got hurt..........but damn it made him write some good songs.
HollyUpOnPoppy 1 year ago
I really like the song. XTC are without a doubt among the best groups to come out of the new wave era.
MisterEvasion 1 year ago
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bassmanjoe 1 year ago
@bassmanjoe Its out there I'm sure but don't look in the top 100 for it.
101Volts 1 year ago
@bassmanjoe - Bitchin' Kitchen would agree with that! ;-) "That's like calling spray can cheese 'parmigiana' or Nickelback a 'rock band'"
xnonsuchx 1 year ago
Andy Partridge @ 2:07 lmfao
thedrunkenfool 1 year ago
I love this sogn. I love this band...
Lyktwz 1 year ago
I was "disppointed" that this was presented as a single at the time. I would've rather heard "Ominibus" or "Crocodile" since it was a little more uppy for those who may not have known about them already. With that said, I think Nonsuch was another underrated album of theirs.
spiderwolf9 1 year ago
@spiderwolf9 - I will definitely say that both of those songs are great (maybe "Crocodile" a little more...and more 'rockin'). While not really single-worthy, "Then She Appeared" is the high point of the album to me.
xnonsuchx 1 year ago
i m not disappointed in this song.
cosmicrider287 1 year ago
this song is about all those fags who bitch about their ex gf's driving everyone else nuts lol great bass playing too as always w/ xtc
kevin121 1 year ago
this song is about all those fags who bitch about their ex gf's driving everyone else nuts lol
kevin121 1 year ago
Great song and amazing band! This is the first time I heard a little Gilbert O Sullivan in andy's voice.. Heh heh
Stringmaster 1 year ago
One Word "Class"
lordscruffy0 1 year ago
What a wonderful band... Andy and Colin continued to produce fabulous material right through to the more recent Apple Venus and Wasp Star albums.... are they still a going concern?
baldbassman 1 year ago
Too clever for their own good and certainly Americans.
ratbasket 1 year ago
@ratbasket you know xtc is not an american band, right?
existentialcwby 1 year ago
@existentialcwby Yes I do. What I was saying is that they are too clever for Americans because most Americans are too stupid or ignorant. I'm not trying to cause a fight. There are statistics to back me up. America used to be number one at a lot of things. Sadly we are not anymore. Plus most people are obese, not just overweight mind you but morbidly obese. Fat and stupid. What a terrible way to go through life.
ratbasket 1 year ago
@ratbasket right i understand now, but understanding you turned out to be a waste of time.
existentialcwby 1 year ago
@existentialcwby Most things are. But that's life.
ratbasket 1 year ago
@ratbasket no, thats not true. many things are worthwhile and fulfilling. your nihilism and apathy is telling. i dont want any part of it. downing americans for not being clever enough to dig xtc while being an american who digs xtc is cute - you transcend the masses and sublimate yourself - but its no more than cute. how difficult it must be for you to suffer these fat, ignorant masses. i have no pity for you, but thats alright, cuz you seem to have more than enough for yourself. good luck.
existentialcwby 1 year ago
@existentialcwby Oy Gevalt! Such anger over such a mere trifle! The lady doth protest too much, methinks. Let's not get all ad hom cowboy you don't even know me. Sorry I hurt your feelings or struck a nerve or whatever. All I'm saying is we live in a culture in decline, Don't take it personal. Whew!
ratbasket 1 year ago
@ratbasket i wouldnt call it anger; it was more like disgust or indignation at someone who is so against this 'culture decline' while being, ironically, an integral part of it. you couldnt really call this an ad hom attack as i am not attacking you to discredit your argument, but to point out your fallacy as a person. whats more, im not even really attacking you, just criticizing you, and i do take it personally, as i am a person, surrounded by persons.
existentialcwby 1 year ago
Comment removed
ratbasket 1 year ago
@existentialcwby "to point out your fallacy as a person" Huh, sounds ad hom to me. Fairly interesting that you are perfectly comfortable judging me and yet you know nothing about me. You have in this brief exchange illustrated my opinion of decline as it pertains to civility. You have not asked me question one. You have consistently replied in a condescending, snide and pious tone. But whatever, you can have the last word, you win, congratulations. Now go somewhere and wave your flag.
ratbasket 1 year ago
Who else should reintroduce English thought to rock?
jablonsky67 1 year ago
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jablonsky67 1 year ago
one of my most favourite clips
Comunister 1 year ago
XTC Wonderful musicians, Incredible songs, continued high standard over more than 20 years and an unusual and quirky humour. No place in modern Pop music for them, then. Criminally underrated, and sadly now, The Disappeared. Still, we've got the programmes that Simon Cowelll has created like Devil's spawn to trawl for talent.....oh no, hang on, sorry, they're full of deluded crap, or dance troupes, or in most cases, one and the same.
kevinandrewmoore 1 year ago 6
These guys are still amazing 20 years later
jfpOne23 1 year ago
XTC could have been bigger. Andy openly admitted in radio interviews that he hated touring, the limelight and the whole fame thing.
paulbuttrill 1 year ago 2
The time the single was released it was the biggest hit XTC had in over a decade.
The single went up to the top of the charts.
What's more the video is very unique.
Next to Sting's "iF i EVER LOSE MY faith IN YOU" it really leaves an impression on the viewer because there is a very unique English history lesson in this video.
The artistry and iconography are unique for the british music video.
The period maybe the Tudor Period or the reign of King artur's round table.
Someone correct me.
rogerhoward555 1 year ago
@rogerhoward555 Hello, I should say neither nor :) Probably the late Middle Age with a mix of England (crossbow), France (fleur de lys symbol), and Italy (Siena Palio, the flag). From a great fan of British rock music accross the Channel) ;)
Galaad92 2 weeks ago
Great Post.
Not heard that for a decade. Another 'That sounds like a good tune' from the XTC factory !
petermcintyre100 1 year ago
I've just listened to both discs of Fossil Fuel from start to finish and there isn't a duff track to be found on that album. If you're not familiar with XTC it's a good place to start.
LamourNeDurePas 1 year ago 2
they get all of the credit they deserve from those of us who connect with their music and love them so - the rest of the public who don't get them don't deserve them and that is fine. They are like our (XTC fans) own private band.
But I hear ya
blastmir 1 year ago
@blastmir I agree with your point...but it is soo strange that they are underrated like they are....they really deserve more recognition...but I understand what you mean when you say that their fans give them credit, 'tis true
oogie11 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Bland as hell, the whole thing. The don't get any credit as they haven't done anything of worth. I could find you a thousands tracks thats sound almost identical.
mothman2 1 year ago
@mothman2
okay - start the list then.....
hey no matter - I love them and so do many but I understand if they are not for you. The good news is that We all have a choice.
blastmir 1 year ago
Maybe before The Beatles...:-)
avespesunica 1 year ago
Original. A similar artistic operation than those made by Tears for Fears with some songs of the album "Raoul and the Kings of Spain", albeit the latter did in a less negative, a lot more comprehensive and fully embracing way.
tht707 1 year ago
A GREA SONG BUT A TERRIBLE VIDEO.
mexicalth 1 year ago
@mexicalth I like it,quite classic really
paisleybabee 1 year ago
@mexicalth What makes this a terrible video?
rogerhoward555 1 year ago
YES ! xtc r nrg !!!! LOVE THIS SONG !!!!
MOJOPIN1960 1 year ago
one of my favorite song ever
gabrielecalcinari 1 year ago
the most under-rated band in the world
ofer941 1 year ago 15
I love XTC , but seriously, 80's videos are so over the top : ) You can tell the director is trying to cram in a novella in the space of 3 minutes.
veal759 1 year ago 2
Would a casual listener not paying attention to the band name believe XTC are the same band that made the songs Statue Of Liberty and Heatwave? I find that highly unlikely, They really changed over the years.
101Volts 1 year ago
@101Volts And I mean that as a compliment to the band, They made their albums well.
101Volts 1 year ago
Hugely under-rated band
moisie 1 year ago 4
Nonsuch is the name of a truly fabulous palace Henry VIII built just south west of London. It was a unique building, not a castle, so much as a rich mans playground. It was a symbol of the new age of reason and good taste Henry hoped he cd inspire in his subjects. Sadly the problems of his later life overshadowed such delights as Nonsuch, and all that survive are drawings and descriptions.
slessorpr 1 year ago
@slessorpr Wow!!! you learn something new.This is a good history lesson.
I love the English iconography of this video.It is very unique for an english music video.
rogerhoward555 1 year ago
Andy Partridge (Fuzzy Warbles) gets my unqualified vote as best modern day lyric and music writer bar none. Consistently from 1977 to the present day, other than his sole unfortunate venture into electronic 'music', Andy has been at the top of the tree and (like the US band Sparks) has been absolutely seminal influencing scores of young composers and musicians. Many groups are derivative of XTC, but none of them have Andy Partridge.
slessorpr 1 year ago
@slessorpr every band of their period took inspiration from punK London.
They took inspiration from PUNK COUNTRYSIDE.
THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE WITH XTC COMPARED TO OTHER PUNK BANDS OF THE PERIOD.
rogerhoward555 1 year ago
Briiliant song. I cannot believe I've only JUST heard it!
XTC have fast become a favourite band of mine!
matholton 1 year ago
Is this my favorite XTC song? dunno, I like them all. BIG fan!
braak 1 year ago
Good song to listen to in the car
juliengab123 1 year ago
there is just something about this song that makes me feel nostalgic for something i've never known...don't know what it is and can't explain any further. just a really, really great song.
jfhartley 1 year ago
@jfhartley ANDY Partridge's unique voice.
The sound of the accent of the british countryside.
JUST BLOODY UNIQUE!!!!
rogerhoward555 1 year ago
Beautiful vid! I can't believe I've never seen it (and I've even got the old _Look Look_ compilation on VHS, obtained pre-internet so you know I really dig for their stuff). This song (and so many of their others) still turns up regularly on my playlist.
bibliola 1 year ago
One of the best songs of alternative music. A gem? I agree. The lyrics are good and the original sound is fantastic.
mauriciogherrera 1 year ago
I've always felt they were on par, in their own time and way, with the Beatles! Their creativity and complex productions are unsurpassed! Very unappreciated and underrated! Especially in the U.S. Thanks for this Great clip!
goinbzurk 1 year ago 2
Great to see Scott Bennett in the video - he was sorely wasted as a fireman - he could have really done well as a model.
lollygaggle 1 year ago
This is one of the best songs in my life.
Rimrak125 1 year ago 4
i love this song
OlarBipolo 1 year ago 4
love this song...thanks for posting it!
mellowmaquina 2 years ago 4
Having heard and loved the song many times over I have to say that "I am disappointed" at the video. Great song. alex
alexleitch37 2 years ago
Apparently they were too!
omtara 2 years ago
ANDYYYYYYYYYYYYY....PLEASE SIR, CAN WE HAVE SOME MORE..?
please? Colin? Andy? Dave? pleeease?
flooberbloob 2 years ago 12
@flooberbloob You are probably aware of Andys 'Fuzzy Warbles' series of re-mixed re-releases of his best XTC compositions. Colin Moulding has done a solo album (probably several by now if he's as prolific as Andy). The album they did as 'The Dukes of Stratosphear' is a good 'un too, you might not know of. Hope this will help you find more. Ppl with good taste all over the globe love XTC.
slessorpr 1 year ago
there's some 'blue steel' looks happening all about the video haha.
this song encapsulates my hometown in a jerry springer tragic sort of way.
such beautifully sad...i cannot finish the video, however inventive and well done it is...i want to watch zoolander now XTC i love them
fundy76 2 years ago
what is jerry springer
sidewalkpilot 2 years ago
what's that?
fundy76 2 years ago
pink thing is about a new baby.... although it sounds like it's about something entirely different... (done on purpose of course)
macxtc 2 years ago 2
makes a lot of sense.. andy sings about his home life a lot
thewakz 2 years ago
Once, I had no sympathy
For those destroyed and thrown away by love
Seems, your ring upon my finger
Signifies that I've become the spokesman of...
The disappointed
hanselkksc 2 years ago
well yeah, but I'm just happy that this song is on here. I lost the Cassette tep, (yes cassette tape to let you know how long ago it was) and I could never find a replacement on CD anywhere, and anytime I've ordered cd's or dvd's (or perscription drugs for that matter) from online I've been sorley dissapointed it, and this was my 3rd favorite song on the album behind peter pumpkinhead, and Smartest Monkeys and though it's been around13 years I still remeber all the lyrics
Xclubkid22 2 years ago
the guy waving the big flag is hot!
scoobeski 2 years ago
I wish I could've seen the video that Andy actually wanted to make. This wasn't it, and yes. . . he was disappointed.
iamguitarmutt 2 years ago
The(comparatively)introspective & melodic side of Andy Partridge, from the excellent Nonsuch album, which capped their illustrious career (the things I heard on the radio from Apple Venus sounded rehashy to me, sad to have to say). Glad that they reincorporated a full-time drummer for that release(Dave Mattacks); a highly recommended album.
The21stcenturypaul 2 years ago
A great song by the most underestimated and misunderstood band in the history of popular music.
YoungPike 2 years ago 15
YES YES YES. The Best band EVER!! may your gods bless you within and without!! Kier XX
Thecolourarchive 2 years ago 4
I really wish the details could be worked out to get some XTC on official DVD.
Great band,
ferrari808 2 years ago 5
Never got the credit or sales they deserved
8mv1 2 years ago 33
@8mv1 The true artist seldom ever do! What a shame. Love these guys
atcoffeegrl 1 year ago
@8mv1 You're damn right..underrated beyond belief
oogie11 1 year ago
@8mv1 I feel that XTC are the greatest underated band since 1945....Andy Partridge your genius will rise to acclaim and recognition of millions.....the true son of a beatle
StardustEuphoria 1 year ago
@8mv1 That SORT of says "people should have been forced to buy their records (whether they liked their music or not) to ensure XTC's chart success." Now, if their songs were widely played and no one bought them that suggests that most people don't actually LIKE them. (I do.)
shmuli9 1 year ago
Did anyone else notice that the beginning of the song was quite reminiscent of The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson at the level of the drums and rhythm?
lyonslaforet 2 years ago
Not sure if it was previously mentions, but Andy Partridge won a British or European songwriting award for this song. I think It's deserved, even if the video seems a little disjointed.
xnonsuchx 2 years ago 5
@xnonsuchx
Not quite. He was nominated for an Ivor Novello songwriting award for this, but didn't win unfortunately.
He wuz robbed, I tells ya!
TheMightyHartley 1 year ago
@TheMightyHartley - It was 18 years ago...I guess I mis-remembered. :-)
xnonsuchx 1 year ago
no KallenK, I was referring more to the "besides that they have nothing" portion of mignonhenne's critique...
flooberbloob 2 years ago
I agree flooberbloob.... nothing ever vulgar comes from this group... Partridge does'nt like the stage so there are too few live performances. but their studio work can be a floating dream on a balmy day!
macxtc 2 years ago 3
pink thing..... flooberbloob is the funniest name i have ever seen. xtc is the best band i have ever heard. and pink thing is not dirty if you know what it is about. do you?
mdknutson 2 years ago
mignonhenne hasnt listened to enough XTC. Beatles influence certainly...but many more influences shaped Partridge before he found his own totally original identity. A true original criminally overlooked in the 80's and 90's
flooberbloob 2 years ago 3
have you read the book??? it was the beatles and the brian wilson.
KallenK 2 years ago
this song describes me -.- sadly
animefansara 2 years ago 3
brian jonestown massacre and xtc. sickiest two bands ever
skatexas2307 2 years ago
Bloody hell- brilliant songwriting, stellar playing and an imaginative video appealing to smart people. No wonder it sank without a trace. Talk about pearls before swine...
95thFoot 2 years ago 43
@95thFoot The fact that this band isn't as well-known as they should be perfectly reflects how the music industry has fuck-all to do with good music....
thunkawoo 1 year ago
I love this song! One of my favorites!
0bpdn9dm 2 years ago 4
Give me XTC over the Beatles any day.
turntapzap 2 years ago 5
that's a stupid statement. They owe a lot to The Beach Boys and Beatles.
PeterMayer 2 years ago
It's just my opinion.
XTC are influenced by the Beatles, sure,
who isn't? I simply prefer their songwriting and musicianship over their predecessors. For me, XTC has a refined complexity that gives them the advantage.
The Beatles are great, but XTC's approach is more challenging.
turntapzap 2 years ago 10
I love XTC, but I never like making comparisons saying one band is better than the other, especially when it comes to someone like The Beatles.
PeterMayer 2 years ago 2
Point well taken.
turntapzap 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
yes, take away the sgt pepper and pet sounds influences and they have nothing.
mignonhenne 2 years ago
Wow. This is awesome. I have only BEAT CRUSADERS to thank for hearing this song... guess I need to find for XTC stuff :D
goldraine 2 years ago 4
Check out Nonsvch and Oranges and Lemons to start. You'll then have no choice but to move to Skylarking and English Settlement. By that time, Black Sea and the rest will be an irrefutable urge. Have fun, I did..........
GraniteSun 2 years ago
I have had the fortune/ Misfortune to be haunted by Andy and Colin since 1976. They continue to both undermine and inspire all of my humble efforts as a songwriter. Start where you will regarding any of this treasure trove of songs and talent. Move in any direction. Up/down/left/right.This is pure genius. period.
I love/hate these guys.
may your gods bless you A and C.
Kier XX
Thecolourarchive 2 years ago
Absolute poetry! You have a way with words.
turntapzap 2 years ago
All of a sudden we find the cupboard bare.. where are they now TTZ? give us some small crumbs Andy and Colin. It cannot just stop here... There are so many more colours in your paintbox to share.. And so many more pictures in your heads. So let them tumble in diamond disarray...... Kier XX
Thecolourarchive 2 years ago 2
Don't forget The Dukes of Stratosphear, either!
haggidubious 2 years ago 2
Yes. Notice Collin is standing infront of The Red Curtain in this video!
TempusTransit 2 years ago 4
For a song called the disappointed it's not very disappointing. I loved it.=)
jonah557 2 years ago 2
this song still sounds great
jshroom32 2 years ago 2
On 30 July 2008, Partridge summed up the status of XTC
"Yes I believe my musical partnership with Colin Moulding has come to an end. For reasons too personal and varied to go into here, but we had a good run as they say and produced some real good work. No, I wont be working with him in the future.
In December 2008 Moulding resurfaced and confided that the break up of XTC was partly caused by financial disagreements but stated that he and Partridge were again communicating
kangaroocomedy 2 years ago
Ahhh that's good. Great vid too.
haggidubious 2 years ago
Xcellant tune. Will always be one of my top songs ever!!
craigbeat00 2 years ago
nearly flawless tune - would have preferred something other than the rhythm track from "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" underneath.
ipykipyk 2 years ago
Blame the production, not the artist. Love this track - one of my favourites from this album.
Dalriada35 2 years ago 3
dam xtc has sooo many playing styles that they almost sound like different bands to me sometimes.
OpaqueMoonlight 2 years ago 4
tour you bastards!! i miss you
tonypix 2 years ago 7
I like this song and clip a lot. I love his voice !
Faery76 3 years ago
I can't really understand some of the lyrics unless I really listen hard, but this song is so chill.
russianfantastico 3 years ago
For some weird reason Andy always reminds me of John De Lancie as Q in Star Trek in this video
zzzozzz 3 years ago 2
Hahahaha! My impression mirrors yours! So much like John De Lancie!
TempusTransit 3 years ago
I think it's the quasi-medieval clothing. Q had a quasi-medieval judge's costume on in the pilot episode of TNG, plus he forced "Robin Hood" on the TNG crew at one time. :)
Plus, Andy's face does remind me of John, even though they don't actually look much alike. Hm.
datalal624 2 years ago
never seen this. David Gregory is grossly underrated musician.
PeterMayer 3 years ago 3
Kate (Bush) is great! She wrote a song for the movie "The Golden Compass".
ILBREN7 3 years ago
The cooky costumes and stuff remind me of Adam Ant.
Waluigiman 3 years ago
ha! listen to XTC vs. Adam Ant by They Might Be Giants!
hatchibombatar 2 years ago
I adored every aspect of this vid.. The song,music, words and visual go right over the top! Woohoo! Great video!
Mepamper 3 years ago 2
Andy's face at 2:01 knocks the wind out of me
TempusTransit 3 years ago 2
Nonsvch versus Apple Venus 1... Tough call. Mummer will always be my third pick any case, even if Skylarking was better and Oranges and Lemons equally great
TempusTransit 3 years ago
Very clever song. Of course most of XTC's material is clever. Nice tune-meisters. I like Non Such a lot.
72seeker72 3 years ago 5
Really one of the best Partridge pop compositions ever.
sleepconvention 3 years ago 5
Strangely I always felt this video was deliberately whimsical to give the song another outlet to its central theme. For me it was simply a paeon to teenage angst, the imagery is just another piece of scoffing and wistful nostalgia.
Kenentigern7 3 years ago
Very Brian Wilson-like with the back up vocals. But still very much their own thing. I always thought Virgin Records gave up on them too early after the initial success of "Oranges & Lemons" in 1989. "Nonsuch", from which this song is culled ,wasn't released until 1992. They didn't tour, so what was the hold up? As Andy Partridge has mentioned, if he had it his way, he'd been releasing albums every 6 months. XTC eventually got out of their crappy contract and then went independent.
bandcouver 3 years ago
most xtc is brian wilson like which makes it amazing. if it was mike love like it would suck. its genius.
KallenK 3 years ago
The goes without mentioning. hahahaha. The funny thing about the Wilson influence is that Partridge didn't realize it till years later. Perhaps, his initial exposure to The Beach Boys was the earlier surfing/cars based music.I wasn't a fan of the BB/Wilson until I heard the arrangements and harmonies of such songs as "In My Room" and "Warmth Of the Sun", and of course, "Pet Sounds", "Smile" and some of the later 60's and 70's tracks. I fully appreciated Wilson's brilliance afterwards.
bandcouver 3 years ago
i didnt read you're whole text. sory. Andy Partridge suffers from sever stage fright. They have always been "discovered" but he could not do the things that an agent would insist you do. which does not change the fact that this band is one of the best in the last 20 years.
KallenK 3 years ago
Yep. I have known that Andy Partridge has had severe stage fright for a long time. Hence XTC's end to touring in 1982. The question I had with Virgin was,( Andy mentioned this as well ), that Virgin didn't follow up the buzz created with "Oranges & Lemons" soon enough with "Nonsuch". It was delayed. Andy had material ready for ages. XTC went on strike for 5 years to get out of their contract with Virgin. Bad contracts aside, XTC are definately one of the best acts from the last 30 odd years.
bandcouver 3 years ago
That's alright. Yep. I've known for years about Andy's affliction. It's the mistreatment of the band by Virgin I didn't like. It's too bad well constructed music isn't given the same respect in the biz these days.
bandcouver 3 years ago 2
so you like xtc. have you tried kate bush???
KallenK 3 years ago
XTC wearing Henri V Sheakspeare gears ! Great great vid (even if women weren't looking like that in the XV sigle,look at Jan Van Eyck paintings by example) And of course, we never saw that in France on TV !!!
YOUENARYEN 3 years ago
Of course, it was released on french tv, very late at night.
Gato76680 3 years ago
@YOUENARYEN Yes we did, I remember this one, liked the clip (and the song of course) in 1992 :) But may be on MTV in cable tv ;)
Galaad92 2 weeks ago
decent tunesmiths.
astroman287 3 years ago
I love this song so much..
Does anyone find Colin's part to be a bit creepy, lurking in the shadows.. closing curtains.
lordwindowlicker 3 years ago
To be honest my friend, I was given this as a "tape" about 13 years ago....the whole song evoked terrible thoughts, awoke terrible memories, yet it was such an awesome song, awesomw lyrics, emotion, XTC..ART
kangaroocomedy 3 years ago
Great track, Nonsuch is my fave XTC album as well.
The video reminds me of the wars that they used to have in the olden days.
Pellow 3 years ago
Great tune, its a pity it wasn't a bigger hit. But it wouldn't be their style would it?
colbro06 3 years ago
This song should have been massive.Great to seethe video,only waited one and a half decades!
hmhbspurs 3 years ago
One of the most underrated bands ever.
Sircornflakes 3 years ago 2
I love XTC, they reach the places other artists cannot reach ( to coin an old beer slogan ). Think it is really harsh to offer criticism of production values having only heard 2 songs. However, most XTC fans will probably agree that production values pale into insignificance and the real values in the songs are the way they make you feel deep down inside. XTC have always, and still do, carried me on a rollercoaster of emotion with their words, music and lyrics.
thedrunkenfool 3 years ago
I dont know who you are ole dunk but i like what you say bout xtc, hows about a long drink one morning, talk some shit and play some music, if you are as old as i am you may have heard of little feat, cheers James
fiftymillionbeers 3 years ago
The production on this album isn't that good since I am sure thier are some great songs buried underneath the gloss. With that said I have only heard this one and the Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead
MusicJew158 3 years ago
As a 30 year veteran of music, rock and studio craft, there are few groups as prolific...plus, I dare you to do side by side comparisons of XTC recordings and any other records out there....even a music-retarded friend noticed that XTC records make most of his others sound like shit.
csrhiatt 3 years ago 2
Actually, XTC took a lot of cues from groups like the Beach Boys. If you listen to Wouldn't It Be Nice, it sounds very similar.
xbm 3 years ago