TOTAL XTC! (Wasp Star: Apple Venus 2 - Xtc)

Member Name: jazzbadger72

Product:	Wasp Star: Apple Venus 2 - Xtc
Date:	29/04/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 'Playground', 'Stupidly Happy'!

Disadvantages: 'Wounded Horse' isn't that great.

As much as I love XTC, I can't bring myself to say, as some have on this site, that they are better than the Beatles. They really aren't! However, their album Wasp Star contains several songs that are truly right up there with those of the Fab Four. The opening track, 'Playground', hangs on a relentlessly repeating guitar riff that is mesmerisingly catchy, and perfectly evokes the feel of a nursery rhyme or playground chant.

The second track, 'Stupidly Happy', continues the theme of building a song around one riff. Here, though, the riff stays right the way through the song, from beginning to end. Everything - words, melody, guitar solo, vocal harmonies - revolve around it perfectly. These elements slowly build until the whole thing pulses with an intensity and joy; by this stage Colin Moulding's bass swells with beautiful flourishes that only add to this happy mood.

Other catchy numbers include 'I'm the Man Who Murdered Love', and 'Standing in For Joe'. The final track, 'The Wheel and the Maypole', shows Andy Partridge at his eccentric best.

Like most of XTC's best work, 'Wasp Star' contains a quirky Englishness, superb arrangements, great bass and guitar playing and fabulous harmonies. Not bad for a band that haven't played live for 20 years!

Summary: If you like XTC, GET IT!