Search - XTC :: Go 2

One of their top 3 albums

Matthew Sahlgren | Kalamazoo, Michigan United States | 10/16/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is brilliant. It's an edgy clash of direction. I can understand fans of later-XTC not digging "Go 2" but I was really into them when I picked this up (on vinyl) sometime in 1983. Truthfully, I really have not much use for later-period XTC. I find them too predictable and maudlin. "Oranges and Lemons" pretty much bookends their place in my collection. "Go 2" came out before the term "New Wave" defined anything and, put into the context of the musical times it was released, the album finds the band staking their claim and announcing themselves to their contemporaries (and audience) of that short and exciting era. Namely, The Talking Heads, Wire, Gang of Four, Oingo Boingo, Devo, and a few forgotten but pretty neat acts. All bands initially founded on principles of edgy, arty, and unique new ideas of melody and structure. Almost all steadily moved towards entirely predictable and traditional styles of their chosen subgenre of popular song. (Whew!)

I'm aware XTC isn't particularly fond of this release. They have a wealth of fantastic records but given their output of, say; the last ten years, that opinion matters little to me. "Go 2" is XTC's most interesting release. The smartly-designed LP (CD art boringly altered) cover required you to pull out the inner-sleeve and place it just so to read the entire spiel. The songs are interesting, ponderous and open to wide interpretation. Like good jazz, it requires the listener to pay attention. If you prefer your messages spoon-fed to you, messages you know you'll agree with anyway, download, "Dear God."

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