Then she appeared. Probably the best XtC record ever.

definitely one of their best. clever rhyming schemes, literate lyrics, wonderfully poetic middle eights. i like pairing this one up with omnibus on my mp3 player -- great double-a side, thematically, and sure to pick one up when bitten by the doldrums.

It's the "giggling crew of Mary Celeste" line that always makes me smile. I can just picture the crew all hiding while the ship is searched, trying desperately to stifle their laughter behind their hands. Gets me every time.

then she appeared is for sure prime cut xtc.....this whole album's a beauty though......the last one before the arthur scargill trio were warming their de-plected hands over the flames of the fire in the oil drums outside the virgin offices

typical xtc.....lets release the best album of our careers then go on strike!

there's no better band in the world to get drunk and play the WHAT IF?
game with

although when asked what if xtc hadn't of stopped touring.....you can always reply with... we wouldn't have been rewarded with an album as gorgeous,uplifting,majestic,musically crafted and well fuck me....as good as this......easily in the famous weasie holy trinity.....hey hey welcome to the madcap zanescape land of forums......name checking other people in your posts......holy trinity eh!!!!

i'm off to start the paegan pot of power pop ep thread

Nonsuch is not in my trinity, Platty, but I appreciate the shout out all the same!

I suppose I could have started this under the existing Nonsvch(sic) thread.

Best song on Nonsvch: My Bird Performs. It's wonderful, what a perfect blend of melody and words. Definitely in my top ten - top five - XTC songs.

I've got to love Dave Mattacks' contribution to the album. It's a shame I heard The Disappointed was really looped drums, because the groove is just too good! I love the left and right panning of the hi-hats on this track. Having seen the run through vids of That Wave just makes me feel even more passionate about the album - the sheer POWER of the song... and DM isn't hitting those drums hard either! It's all down to the production... and the sound is fantastic... even the contrived sounds in The Smartest Monkeys - which I personally like as well!