Joe Brooks

I think the consensus is this XTC's best album. I would agree in my opinion. As light concept album of seasons and change, it's glorious how the songs have that feel of Spring/summer. The joy of life, love and meetings. Then it turns to autumn, worry, rain, sadness, change but still love. The final act as winter sets in themes of Death, loss, warmth, survival, ritual. It really is journey. Of course its full on the band wonderful musicianship all three of them at the top of their game! And the wonderful lyrics of Andy Partridge are amazing as always. Colin Moulding is really excels on this album. His songs almost take on an Andy like quality, full of nostalgia and paganism. In sort brilliant album, the arrangement is great, thanks the band and Todd Rundgren who know his stuff (even if though him and Andy were not the best bedfellows). Highlights = Grass, That's Really Super, Super Girl, Earn Enough for Us, Mermaid Smile, Dying, Sacrificial Bonfire.

One of my top XTC albums (and its not easy to chose). For the bands last hurrah! Its quite joyous. Full of more their great pop songs, woven in with the depth and maturity of their latter works. For me there is not one "okay" song on this album. Some are good, most are great and a few excellent! I think it gets overshadowed by the sadness of Dave Gregory departure but none-the-less Andy and Colin are on top form. I love it and that's coming from someone who was 3 years old when it came out. Highlights = Playground, Stupidly Happy, In Another Life, Standing in for Joe, Church of Women, The Wheel and the Maypole.