In between are dozens of different takes on XTC classics both known and unknown - and even a few Dukes Of Stratosphear. As demos go, there are a few questionable additions, such as the "avant-garde" experimenations in the form of the "MOGO" alternates, of which there are apparently many, and are probably the least entertaining parts of each disc. For the most part, however, the demos offer as much entertainment and hold your interest as well as any studio album the band has put out, and function as a much more interesting collection than last year's four-disc A Coat Of Many Cupboards boxset, which mixed some demos with studio tracks. After hearing some of the unreleased song, in many cases you, like I, will be shaking your head wondering why these gems never saw the light of day until now.
Andy will even sign each copy sold from his site. If that doesn't convince you, I don't know what will.
Article comments
1 - Greg
I've always thought I was the only XTC fan in the world who actually liked Mouldings' songs better than Partrige's. I think it's some sort of XTC fan heresy or something.
2 - Bill Sherman
I like 'em both about equally, though when it gets down it, Colin clearly has a firmer grasp on quality control than Andy.
3 - Eric Olsen
I like them about equally as well, Andy goes for a more pungent, angular use of melody and chords, while Colin is much sweeter and traditional is his melodic structure. As is often the case, the sum is greater than the parts.
4 - Jean-Jacques Massé
Happiness may be a warm gun for some, I would love to see the whole FW series on a shelf at least. Tons of joy, bugs and mysteries.
Or the new XTC album.