"It's in the order of their hedge row ow ow, its in the way their curtains open and close ose, its in the look they give you down their nose ose…"
I get these odd blast from the past that make me insanely nostalgic. Sorta the reason that I do that awesome 'Bringin Sassy Bach' column. I happily look back until I find something worth looking forward too.
XTC was a little band who rocked my 80s and I just fell back in love with the album Black Sea. Holy SHIT people go right now and get it.. I'll wait. Released in 1980 this vinyl was tucked in my jacket for literally months.. til the cardboard was wearing the photo off. There is not a lame ass tune on this entire album. Massive crush on Andy Partridge and one of the few bands that I boldly promoted to the punks who scoffed. Out of all of their work this is the best.
Here I am 32 years later literally shaking people to find this album and listen. The problem is you wont listen- cuz your ears are filled with bullshit like Bon Iver and Coldplay. Its ok to go backward it really is. "Generals and Majors' if at the right volume can feel like an amusement park ride, it makes me dizzy its fucking amazing… and I can whistle the good parts like a boss.
At 14 I was one fucking cool kid. I hate that I forgot about this album for so long- I swear I will never let it happen again. "Living Through Another Cuba'' gave me the quote I use to this day " get on your knees and pray and while you're down there kiss your ass goodbye' I must have said that a million times since 1980, and only today remembered where it came from. Great drums nice and tinny 'he loves me he loves me not he's pulling things from an atom bomb'
Why are there only 1649 likes on XTC on Facebook, WTF is wrong with this world.
"Love At First Sight", 'what they want is' another fabulous social commentary. God the headphone were maxed out with this one. Those big air traffic controller looking headphones too not the wimpy ass earbuds out today Those things were padded like bean bag chairs looking like giant pleather donuts. 'mouse takes the bait as soon as he leaves his seat theres no escape, pretty soon their eyes will meet' The goofy Moulding echo back makes it all the more beautiful.
But it is 'Rocket From A Bottle' that revs it up. It hit me like a massive whomp in the head today 'I've been just explosive since you lit me' is one of the greatest tributes to love of all time. The sexy 'ay ay oo o o' is a zing. "cant stop from grins from going wide today' 'i feel strong like the tide today', its absolutely true of what real love can do. Why isn't this everyones wedding song? Why do so many people ignore that incredible power of being in love? Why ardent there more songs about its magical force? Less fuck talk more sparks! Yeah, 'I've been up in the clouds I've been shruggin off shrouds', don't feel it? You ain't never been in love.
"Towers of London", an ode to a landmark. But not cheesy at all, fantastic beat too. I am not sure why they feel the need to sing to brick but who gives a hoot- its a kicking song with some clever word play. XTC is a smart guys band which explains why allot of my friends couldn't dig it- they were drunk and slam dancing. I put on the vinyl and danced around the room as they babbled and burned holes in the furniture. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
"Paper and Iron" I had no idea what that was until I revisited the album. I didn't even think twice, its money of course. 'paper, iron, wont by Eden', an working class stiffs lament. "I'm told I'm worth much more but the Church says to turn the other cheek' the groan of 'paper iron' is sexy.. not sure why.
"Burning With Optimism's Flame" is my new anthem "all you do is smile you banish the night'. Well I can try. What a positive spin on negative ' bur ur ur ur ur nin uh uh uh uhhhhp'..again sexy as hell. As a matter of fact lets all try to live this song. Would it hurt us to try to find positivity? Why were they doing this in 1980 weren't things sorta good then? HA no. I'm kiddin- well about things being good in the 80's but not about this being a perfect new theme song for me.. I should have them play this when I walk in rooms.
"Sgt Rock" is a bit odd. It really sounds a bit gay pride but he's trying to 'get the girl mine keep her stood in the line' but they want to be 'tough like him'.. weird really- almost a bit of a naughty coach. Not quite Sandusky but icky just the same. I dig it!
"Travels To Nihilon' reminds me of 'Yassasin' by Bowie- sorta. Yeah this is a bit drummy odd for my take but its fun to sing out loud cuz you cant mess the pitch and you can get all breathy.
"Smokeless Zone" and "The Somnambulist' just suck but really out of all the greatness they're entitled to a couple skip overs. They seem a bit to arty for me but hey- they're easy to pass on.
Which leads us to "Don't Lose Your Temper" which if was released today would be a massive indie hit. Zooey Deshchanel in a quirky dress would be dancing to this in a Verizon ad or something. The vocals are gorgeous and the beat is fabulous again that sorta hollow drum makes it all the more fun. Its almost childlike in its romp. I think this is another great message.
Black Sea is nothing short of a masterpiece. You need to give it a go- why? Cuz there ain't jack out today that holds a candle to it. Its ok, I wont tell, say you're taking a nostalgia break. Use this as a bar to be reached by the next great thing.. watch um drop like flies.