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Tony Thomas's avatar

It’s hard to pick a favorite from one of the great long plays. Season Cycle is the thematic heart of this magnum opus by XTC. The battle of stubbornness between Partridge and Rundgren also allows the contributions of Colin Moulding to shine. His ode to outdoor coupling, Grass, is a standout.

Alex O'Brien's avatar

Yes, very difficult to pick favourites. Whenever I pick standouts or favourite tracks, there's almost always a few more that could just have easily been chosen. Grass is phenomenal!

Tim Fearnside's avatar

One of the best albums of the 80s, full stop. (Though its follow up, Oranges and Lemons, is also right up there—as good of a two-album run as any). Hard to pick a favorite, as this plays like a single work, songs thematically linked, bleeding into the next, etc. A masterwork.

Alex O'Brien's avatar

Yes, definitely a masterwork that plays like a single piece and is one of the best of the eighties.

Andrew Diemand's avatar

I know of XTC, of course, but admittedly haven't really listened to them. But this sounds right up my alley. You especially got me with "echoing the classic Kinks." Will have to check it out! Thanks :)

Alex O'Brien's avatar

I’m glad the post resonated and inspired! Cheers!

Woody Cross's avatar

I’m a fan of everything I’ve heard by the band, but that sadly is limited to about a half dozen songs that were mostly MTV videos.

I need to remedy that! Sounds like Skylarking would be a great album to start with! Thanks for the recommendation!

Alex O'Brien's avatar

My pleasure, Woody! I'm glad the post resonated with you.

Maple Mixtape 🇨🇦's avatar

What a band! Dear God is always a fave, I liked Earn Enough For Us, too.

Alex O'Brien's avatar

Yes, two magnificent songs!