(In) XTC

I mentioned in another thread I'd managed to find all of the XTC 'Apple Venus' albums on vinyl, and 'Volume 1' and 'Homespun' arrived yesterday.

I won't rave about albums that have already been appraised extensively, but 'Homespun' is well worth a look if you don't have it (and liked Vol.1).

It's the home demo tapes produced by Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding for the songs on the Apple Venus vol.1 studio album. It features comprehensive liner notes, written by the songs authors, giving a very useful insight into the developement of the songs.

Sound quality is also excellent (I've got to return vol.1 as it sounds like someone was frying eggs at the time it was cut!). Many of the tracks have a more dynamic, direct feel to them, particularly on those with simpler instrumentation. 'I'd like that' works superbly in this form, and the self-flaggelation of body percussion is more obvious than in the studio mix.

'Dictionary' also works very well in this format, and is rapidly becoming my favourite track. To think that this track might never have seen the light of day if Andy Partridge had had his own way is a disturbing thought.

Stunning albums - I can't wait for vol.2 to be delivered.

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes
alweekes@audiophile.com