To buy or not to buy?
Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 12/31/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If you're an XTC fan this is a no brainer. While some of the material on this CD is rather thin, the best material can hold its own with anything XTC has released on either their full length recordigs or singles. We start with a three minute track featuring Andy laughing in the studio. Really. Unfortunately, this is a sign of the type of filer on this particularly disc. Then we get the final song written for "James and the Giant Peach" "The Stinking Rich Song". It's probably not Partridge's best song but, like a lot of what he wrote for the Disney film, it holds its own compared to the Randy Newman tracks.
"I Can't Tell What Truth is Anymore" has a lilting melody and one can see why it was an also ran for an XTC album. It still should have at least been a b side. "Tiny Circles of Life" was originally meant for "Nonesuch" and it's a very good Partridge original. The strange trilogy of "In My Hand", "Difficult Age" and "Pink Thing"(demo version)is interesting. Listen to all three and you'll an idea that there's a theme going on here. Luckily it wasn't one that was carried over a whole album of XTC originals but it works nicely here. The two versions of "Across This Antheap" are quite interesting and complete contrasts in terms of arrangement. There's also different lyrics for the earlier rejected version submitted for "Skylarking". "Prince of Orange" with its jangling piano and broad guitar chords has always been a favorite of mine. Love the odd mix of styles in this tune. Finally, "End of the Pier" like the majestic and powerful "My Land is Burning" (from Volume 5)deserves a complete, full production on an XTC album. Originally, it was intended as part of the theme for "Nonesuch" (along with "Bumpercars"). When that theme was rejected, the track fell by the wayside. Hopefully, Andy will rethink these decisions and include some of these wonderful tracks on an XTC album with the production they deserve.
You'll note that compared to the track listing I've glossed over a lot of material. Most of it isn't as memorable as the best songs I've gone into detail about here. This editon has some bald spots and potholes throughout it but, on the hole, the best material will be worthwhile. I'd suggest picking it up, recording the best tracks here along with Volume 5 on a CDR and make your own album of the best CD XTC never made. If you're reading this, you're probably going to buy it anyway. Just be aware before you dip your toe into this pool of music that it's flawed but the best material more than holds its own."
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1
