Skylarking

While I love XTC, and acknowledge that the musical acumen is college level, as opposed to that of other bands being grade school level, "Skylarking" is perhaps the only album of theirs where everything truly works for them as it ought to. It took Todd Rundgren to temper their oddball quirkiness and jazz chop time signatures, into something consistent enough to permit their true strengths to shine through. I think that there is enough to be written about this album in its many facets to fill a fairly large size volume. This would include; the musicianship, song suite composition, the play of lyrics & imagery, etc. In fact, this album should be studied as a text book example of a perfectly crafted, and performed musical perfection. The only other group to ever have come close to matching it's perfection is Steely Dan. "Skylarking" is the post-punk equivalent to the Beatles "Sgt Pepper." Sadly, Andy Partridge was not able to appreciate the masterful way in which Todd Rundgren was able to extract this musical treasure out of the band, so the fans where deprived of a follow-up. Although, I love XTC, I would say that the only other albums of theirs that stand apart, as examples what they are capable of are; "Mummer," "Go2", and the first Dukes of the Stratosphere effort. Outside of this, they maybe accused of not only making music that they themselves would appreciate, but essentially playing over the heads of their potential fan base.

What can I say that hasn't already been said....It's FANTASTIC, and this vinyl copy is the one to get, forget old original vinyl versions, missing Dear God, this is super quiet and dynamically excellent, Get It!!

Yeah. Great album, still completely relevant. Dear God being one of the great songs ever written.Also, the vinyl was nit warped or anything and the sleeve is immaculate.

This album sounds better than ever thanks to Andy Partridge’s gentle-but-masterful hands on the controls. It’s a delight from start to finish.

My dad used to play this record for my brother and I when we went on road trips to the beach as kids. I just got a turntable last Christmas and this is the first record I bought for it. No regrets.

Wonderful reissue. Sounds absolutely fantastic. Great highs, deep bass, flat and centered pressing. Well worth adding to your collection.

Absolute masterpiece. But those who know this record, know this of course. High quality pressing and sonics are impeccable as you you would expect from Ape House. Will not disappoint. Enjoy!

Sounds great, the quality of the pressing is sweet.

Having had the original pressing of this xtc lp it was great to listen to the newly remastered and corrected version. Fantastic lp - one of their best but I’m a devotee so like all their output!! Vinyl is super - nice thick heavy quality pressing and the inner sleeve is lined so very protective especially from dust.

Like many I was always left feeling it sounded a bit average sound quality wise, a bit thin and tinny.. So decided having restarted my viynl collection to purchase this on 200g viynl and not disappointed. The sound is crisp and the bass and mid ranges are all back opening up new depths of instrumentation not heard before.. Have no doubts if you want to hear this album as it should have been in the 1980s..looking forward to furthe re-releases from these english eccentrics

Really nice to hear my favourite XTC album on vinyl - quality and sound is lovely. Might have to pick up Apple Venus 1 next....hopefully Nonsuch might get a vinyl release one day too

Great vinyl album

Great album sounds fantastic