That is the best description of XTC I have heard. Filling in the cracks of pop with gold.
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Leasha :) Every once in a while I think of something good
@jayburdification
3 жыл бұрын
@@JustJP just wait until you hear the Nonsuch album.
@nealeger8154
3 жыл бұрын
When this album came out I just sat down on the couch with headphones, closed my eyes and went on an adventure for about an hour. Fantastic album!
@HeavyMetalTones
3 жыл бұрын
XTC the most important pop band along with the Beatles rewrote the song writing book
@GatheringMoss
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, the quality of their entire discography is mind boggling. Keep on keeping on.
@swirll360
3 жыл бұрын
JP: XTC never put out a bad record, some better than others. but none bad. They were a great band and Andy Partridge is an underappreciated lyricist. His lyrics are always clever and smart and that's hard to achieve. Keep up the great work
@dw_xenophon366
3 жыл бұрын
“Reign of Blows” off the Big Express LP.
@Lwize
3 жыл бұрын
Slight Gentle Giant feel to this song.
@DurandCompton
3 жыл бұрын
This is by far their finest album and one of the few perfect albums out there.
@vanishing_girl
3 жыл бұрын
I relate to this song too much lol, and that bassline wow
@Mrpaulaustin08
3 жыл бұрын
Colin Moulding basslines are one of the great treasures of lfe.
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
Hard agree :)
@fractuss
Жыл бұрын
So beautiful.
@kevinmottram9491
3 жыл бұрын
I was listening to this song only the other day, and realised that it would be your next track that you'd be listening to from this album. Glad you liked it! As you intimated too, there's so much more to come in your discovery of all things XTC.
@Steve_Stowers
3 жыл бұрын
This album was my introduction to XTC. I can't decide which of their albums is my favorite, but this one is a strong candidate.
@skyclad4012
3 жыл бұрын
That bass.
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
🎸
@michaelakkerman407
3 жыл бұрын
Don't forget: XTC- The WHEEL and the MAYPOLE. 😀😀✌🤘❤
@1nelsondj
3 жыл бұрын
I love this album, don't know why it doesn't get the attention it deserves. Maybe because it was longer than a normal album. One of the best things about your reactions is hearing songs out of context of the albums, not preceded or followed by the usual songs makes them seem fresher. I'm glad you're liking this group. I hope you get to the "Mummer" album at some point, it has a couple of darker songs that are atypical for them. Their "Dukes of Stratosphear" work is great because it shows their musical loves and influences.
@marcribe6483
3 жыл бұрын
Mummer is possibly my favorite XTC album, though Oranges And Lemons would be a close second. I like English Settlement and it has some great songs, but as an album, I find Mummer the better of the two. I am aware that mine is not the popular thought amongst most fans. Drums And Wires is another album that's close to my heart, but for different reasons. Some great songs, great recordings, yet their lyrics are still within the first stage of their careers; before Partridge really stepped up his game.
@a.k.1740
3 жыл бұрын
@@marcribe6483 My top three are English Settlement, Black Sea, and Drums & Wires. with the departure of drummer Terry Chambers, the music and sound of XTC changed a lot. that said I really like The Big Express, Nonsuch and the Dukes of Stratosphear albums but I find Mummer uneven overall, Skylarking sounds a bit too 80s for my taste, just like Oranges & Lemons which is also too long and with not enough songs to my liking, Apple Venus Volume 1 too monotonous and Wasp Star (Apple Venus Volume 2) really disappointing and suffering from the absence of Dave Gregory. That said even in the albums that I like the least I find very good things there !!!
@-davidolivares
3 жыл бұрын
@@a.k.1740 Ouch, what’s not as brilliant on almost all XTC albums are like palette cleansers, almost necessary to continue being amazed.
@stephenlf706
3 жыл бұрын
Mole
@Bob.L.Shirley
3 жыл бұрын
Just had a "things we haven't accomplished" discussion with a friend last night and this song crossed my mind. I'll be sure to share your reaction with him, JP. Between Vangelis this morning and the Swindon boys this afternoon, you've really brightened my day! And couldn't agree more on Colin's singing and bass lines on this track. Chef's kiss!👍🏼
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
Ty Bob! Glad you enjoyed todays choices :D
@sylvanm4216
3 жыл бұрын
Regarding this being one of the less beloved XTC albums - I would say the songwriting is uniformly great across almost their whole discography, but this one, along with Mummer and The Big Express, turns off some listeners because of some of the extremely in-your-face 80's production choices. Personally, I love 80's music, so that doesn't bother me much. As for "One of the Millions"…Such a good song. The arrangement really makes it sound like you're floating on the waves in an unsteady boat, swaying, maybe a little seasick, hard to find your footing.
@brucer2152
3 жыл бұрын
This is one of my favorite XTC recordings. I guess I'm in the minority.
@michlev9390
3 жыл бұрын
I think you’re right about the production. That’s what turn me a little bit off with Oranges and lemons. After earing their early stuff (from the beginning to English settlement) I found the production a little bit to ”perfect”. But now I rediscover it with the run of Justin and that’s a real good album!
@ohmyHamad
3 жыл бұрын
It reminds me and sounds like (Raconteur Troubadour) by Gentle Giant, which is great (:
@brumleyhall
3 жыл бұрын
Kintsugi is the name of a "Death Cab for Cutie album, a group from the last 20 years you would probably enjoy.
@jasondeshan4635
2 жыл бұрын
Yes! Would love a reaction to Plans or Transatlanticism!
@a.k.1740
3 жыл бұрын
It's the track that most reminds me of the overall vibe of the English Settlement album and that's why it's one of my favorite tracks from Oranges & Lemons. Great bass part & lyrics from Colin Moulding !
@sylvanm4216
3 жыл бұрын
The bit about cracked pottery reminds me of a Robert Christgau line about XTC that has always stuck with me: "The eccentric dissonances that sour [Partridge's] melodies and the fitful time shifts that undercut his groove may well bespeak his own sense of distance, but art-poppers who command both melody and groove are rare enough that I wish he'd find another way." It's a sentiment that always struck me because Christgau is frustrated by those "cracks" in XTC's pottery, when, to me, in the midst of a put-down, he unintentionally encapsulated just what I love so much about this band. Art-poppers who command both melody and groove, /and/ can craft a final product shot through with strange bits of just-right wrongness.
@-davidolivares
3 жыл бұрын
Like a backhanded pop hit. “Ya want a hit take this, ya pug”. “Thank yoo” they said quietly.
@markspooner1224
3 жыл бұрын
This is the best thing so far.... today!
@vdggmouse9512
3 жыл бұрын
I'd get something to eat - go online and buy some more music. I might even buy this. I liked this song better than the other xtc songs you've reacted to.
@ithaliem
3 жыл бұрын
This is a great album. The American equivalent is Sluggo! by Mike Keneally, who has even worked with Andy Partridge. Keneally has made several great albums but Sluggo! has some of his best songs in it, like Tranquillado, Chatfield Manor or Beautiful. Highly recommended.
@rafaelfernandeslopesdeoliv1700
5 ай бұрын
Based fellow Keneally enjoyer, Sluggo! is a treasure.
@maruad7577
3 жыл бұрын
"If I had a million dollars I'd buy a K-car! A nice reliant automobile!" "If I had a million dollars I wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner... but you still would" The Barenaked Ladies song "If I had a million dollars" is a humourous classic. In reality, we would give some to our kids, buy a different house or a lakeside cottage (though good ones are pretty expensive now and the maintenance can be too hands on for me) and maybe my wife would retire. There are an estimated 100,000 lakes in Manitoba and a bunch more in nearby Northern Ontario but the demand is huge (lots of foreign owners). Charity would get some as well... probably a lot more volunteering. This song reminds me of some other songs but I cannot for the life of me remember which... Maybe somethings by The Waterboys?
@-davidolivares
3 жыл бұрын
Plimsouls are all I got… Million Miles Away
@murdockreviews
3 жыл бұрын
One of Colin's greatest tunes, IMO.
@sylvanm4216
3 жыл бұрын
Colin's contributions to this album might be his best ever.
@scottandrewbrass
Жыл бұрын
Yeah he peaked on this one.
@WarrenCromartie2
3 жыл бұрын
Great song. One of the best on Oranges & Lemons. XTC didn't really put a foot wrong IMO, although started to weaken very slightly by this album. There are some classic songs on O&L, but it also patchy here and there. President Kill, The Loving, Merely a Man and Pink Thing are relatively weak. I highly recommend reviewing the albums Skylarking, Mummer and The Big Express. The latter two often being overlooked, but are actually superb and IMO, better than O&L and Nonsvch.
@stephenlf706
3 жыл бұрын
I have an old mix tape with Andy songs on one side and Colin songs on the other. This is the opening Colin track.
@gaiaeternal5131
3 жыл бұрын
Hi JP. Dave from (not so) Lonely Street. Much as I like Andy's songs and lyrics, Colin is so underrated, and this is a really strong, thought-provoking one of his. I was offered the chance to work in Africa a few years ago, and I nearly turned it down due to my lack of adventure. But I wasn't one of the millions and grabbed my chance, which gave me one of my greatest life experiences.
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
That sounds like a great experience Dave! Would love to hear about it sometime
@gaiaeternal5131
3 жыл бұрын
@@JustJP Very briefly, spent time working with the Zimbabwe Police in the 90s. Toured their beautiful country, made a lot of friends, got to know some of their music (and it's great), and on my few weekends off, went on safari and visited Victoria Falls.
@rogerpitcher6540
3 жыл бұрын
Good that you encourage your wife’s creativity. I think this is a great album. One of my favorites.
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
Ty Roger :)
@michaelbenz8092
3 жыл бұрын
The vocals on this are Colin Moulding. They're very similar to Partridge's, but I felt they were somewhat different.
@ronalddelrosario7405
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent description of this song! I love hearing new (to me) ideas and that gold-filled cracks thing is a pretty awesome one! This is a Colin Moulding song and he wrote maybe 1/3 of XTC's songs. He's also the bassist of the group. Interestingly, of the 3 main members, Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding and Dave Gregory, Partridge was the indisputed leader and the strongest personality. Moulding and Gregory tended and likely preferred to be in the background. But this song makes me wonder if Moulding was expressing a bit of pent up frustration with himself in this song. Not sure why Oranges and Lemons isn't ranked up there with their best albums. To me it's one of their most consistent albums and I listen to this more than any of their other albums except for Apple Venus and Skylarking...
@suz5862
3 жыл бұрын
I thought this song was all about how living a life being risk averse begets complacency.
@jamespaivapaiva4460
3 жыл бұрын
A million bucks or a million baht. I would not buy a yacht.I would wait for the day and save. So I could make the biggest splash,with my wave! Until then I wait in X.T.C.-Peace.
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
🚢🌊
@trondsatre8615
3 жыл бұрын
"Oranges and Lemons" is a great selection of songs. Not as much fun as "Skylarking", but richer and more satisfying.
@mondegreen9709
3 жыл бұрын
Procrastination. The story of my life.
@brucer2152
3 жыл бұрын
Wabi-Sabi: In traditional aesthetics, wabi-sabi (侘寂) is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and . The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is ", impermanent, and incomplete" in nature.
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
Yes! Thats also a great point!
@michlev9390
3 жыл бұрын
Kintsugi is also the name of a really good album from Dead cab for cutie. An album you would probably like (maybe you already love it). Anyway, great reaction as usual!
@josephworthfiftiesguy
3 жыл бұрын
try the ballad of peter punkinhead ,by xtc-1980
@jayburdification
3 жыл бұрын
If I had $1 million I would travel the world and see everything I can. This is definitely Colin Moulding’s best song on this album after king for a day.
@scottandrewbrass
Жыл бұрын
Much better song . King For A Day is just a rewrite of Tears For Fears "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".
@rogerpatton5604
3 жыл бұрын
Hey JP, if you want to hear Colin at his best, check out their song Desert Island.. it was a B-side from their Mummer album.. Andy with clever lyrics and Colin with great bass playing.
@stlmopoet
3 жыл бұрын
Not familiar with XTC. Really like this. Can totally relate. Good review. If I had a million dollars I would do what I do, but with less stress. Probably travel more. Would find ways to share.
@davidwoolbright3675
3 жыл бұрын
You should try some mireXTC tracks!!
@craigireland5629
3 жыл бұрын
Check out JP's several previous XTC reactions.
@davidwoolbright3675
3 жыл бұрын
I’ve heard all his XTC reactions. And Sinead Oconner
@hustonbop
3 жыл бұрын
❤️ this
@brucer2152
3 жыл бұрын
JP, you should do "English Settlement" or "Apple venus vol 1 and vol 2" next...I love that your listening to the entire album.
@groovytribemedia9231
3 жыл бұрын
A million dollars? Hmm. I pay off any outstanding debts. (including my mortgage) Goodbye million! 😆 I'm getting pretty excited cos I know which track is coming up next from this album. I'm salivating.
@-davidolivares
3 жыл бұрын
First, you get a Million dollars… Me and a mate were taking about wild and crazy guy Steve Martin and how to be a millionaire. Guess I’d paint another giant painting, cuz that’s my price now, figure all I gotta do is sell one. :) Buy that mansion I’ll need to put my divorced folks on opposite sides of me in the middle. This is an actual plan I’ve had. Nurses when needed. The rest, a balance of fun, work in art, work in music, and helping. Oh, and the song was good, Colin’s songs are a balance needed in XTC and of course the superior Dave Gregory throws his necessary artfulness all about. Thx, for the wunnerful wake up from my nap. Peace and cracked Music
@kato0828
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, don’t worry - you’re right. It is a perfect album, and every track is a sensual surprise. I go back and forth between this one and Skylarking, but Skylarking wins out for me. This album should be much higher respected.
@johnmavroudis2054
3 жыл бұрын
Nothing better than waking up to an XTC reaction, Justin! Thank you! This is was a superb reaction... LOVED your comparison to Japanese pottery and the beauty of the imperfect. Spot on. This is an incredibly strong Colin Moulding song... and it seems to be self-confessional time. Colin never really wanted the limelight... and he's comfortable in the warm cloak of XTC, where he contributes perfectly with Andy taking on the bulk of the writing duties. I'm sure in the back of his mind, he'd like to do more... The ironic thing is that Andy is upfront, engaging, loud, funny... but also, like Colin, is not crazy about being in the spotlight on stage. You'd never know it by watching him and his magnetic personality... but they're kind of two peas in the pod on that. LOVE this cover, as well... Courtesy of the very talented Mr. Andy Partridge (who does some wonderful art and design... His Dukes Of Stratosphear 25 O'Clock cover is AMAAAAZINGLY perfect for the content). Speaking of art... props to your wife for the great Lemon earrings! Looks great! Enjoying this wonderful XTC ride!... and yes... This is a very strong album... but I'd rank it behind English Settlement, Apple Venus, Skylarking, Nonsuch, Black Sea, and Drums and Wires... pretty much on the level of Mummer (their most underrated album), and The Big Express. Cheers!
@courtneywallace871
3 жыл бұрын
A million dollars? Pay off my debts. Work part time and volunteer. Dang, but the bass in this song is tasty. I love this band so much! Andy’s coming out with a new album of songs that he wrote for other artists that they rejected. Should be interesting. Hey Justin! Gave I mentioned lately you need to do more Todd Rundgren? 😜BTW, you’re not the only one. This album has been and might still be my favorite by XTC.
@Lwize
3 жыл бұрын
If a million dollars dropped in my lap today, I'd buy a complete new wardrobe (scrapping my old rags). Buying a fancy car can't happen right now, since it takes months for me to evaluate and decide. World travel will have to wait since...Covid. Maybe a new computer./
@Warloo100
3 жыл бұрын
Doesn't the singing remember of Gentle Giant?
@disconsolatemoose6637
3 жыл бұрын
Sadly, I don't think reviewing XTC is going to get you a lot more subs, but I definitely appreciate you giving them your time.
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
As long as the music is good, thats enough for me :D
@HippoYnYGlaw
3 жыл бұрын
BlackVelvetStallion starts with a bell. The artist? Three guesses. This ? Reminds me of Supertramp. Personally, the lilac time do this better. Diolch Nos da
@blacksad1287
3 жыл бұрын
Every time I see that there is a new video on your channel, I hope for a first reaction on one of the many great ELO albums ( Eldorado, Face the music , a new world record, out of the blue,...)But unfortunately it's not yet for this time.
@-davidolivares
3 жыл бұрын
He has one song off Eldorado… great album. Beatles, Dylan and other influences are artfully incorporated and expanded on. Love it.
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
I've got El Dorado on my list to get to :)
@blacksad1287
3 жыл бұрын
@@JustJP Great news thank you
@progqueen6219
3 жыл бұрын
With a million dollars I'd pay off my mortgage and continued doing some much needed renovations, really boring and grown up right? Well that's life I guess. Maybe I'd visit some family and friends I havent seen this past 1,5 years, but I also need to be fully vaccinated for that so not just yet I guess, well everyone's allowed to dream right?
@JustJP
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds like good goals to me!
@michaelakkerman407
3 жыл бұрын
Build a recording studio in my backyard
@jfergs.3302
3 жыл бұрын
What a great song. A lot going on musically, but not a superfluous note in it. Strong as it is musically, i particularly love the vocal and harmonies. One top track. And only about a 4 on the XTC quirky-ometer. Now, if i suddenly received a million pound... It's tea time here so i'd send out for a magnum of champagne and a bucket of caviar with all the trimmings. Then after tea, i'd sit back and think hard about what to do with the rest of it :)
@-davidolivares
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, what are we going to do ole buddy?
@jfergs.3302
3 жыл бұрын
@@-davidolivares Travel, and live like kings i recon.
@-davidolivares
3 жыл бұрын
@@jfergs.3302 Shee, I’m in. :)
@fractuss
Жыл бұрын
My first XTC album. I could do worse.
@adamp2029
3 жыл бұрын
For me the only clunker on the album is Pink Thing and maybe President Kill. Excellent otherwise and the closer is a stunner!
@a.k.1740
3 жыл бұрын
I really don't like "Here Comes President Kill Again" and not especially "Pink Thing" as well. but I could say the same for other tracks like "Poor Skeleton Steps Out", "Scarecrow People" and "Hold Me My Daddy" and a handful of others. Overall I find the album too long while English Settlement which I love had just as many songs (15) for a longer overall duration !
@adamp2029
3 жыл бұрын
@@a.k.1740 ES is my favorite as well.
@a.k.1740
3 жыл бұрын
@@adamp2029 I wish Terry Chambers had stayed with the band. he brought so much to XTC. we can see the clear change in sound and orientation from Mummer which is more bucolic and quiet (although he plays on two or three pieces but it is not particularly felt).
@rogerpatton5604
3 жыл бұрын
Don't listen to them JP.. Pink Thing is a great song, as you'll soon find out.
@adamp2029
3 жыл бұрын
@@rogerpatton5604 Don’t listen to Roger, JP. His advanced age clouds his judgment! 😂
@HeavyMetalTones
3 жыл бұрын
buy a Gibson gold top
@-davidolivares
3 жыл бұрын
Lemon gold perhaps?
@i_love_rescue_animals
Жыл бұрын
I'm sorry but Colin Moulding could never hold a candle to Andy Partridge! He's like the Ringo (even though I love Ringo!) of XTC. (Sorry Colin, if you are reading this!!). I DO think his bass playing through all the XTC albums was very inventive and excellent, but as far as singing and songwriting, nowhere near Andy, IMO.
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