XTC Album: “Apple Venus, Pt. 1”

We all get older, and our tastes change at least somewhat, whether you're a listener or a composer. I see most of the reviews of this CD are either glowing or frowning upon the laid-back atmosphere of this disc. Reportedly XTC recorded a whole bunch of songs in the long gap between this and Nonsuch, while they wrangled to get out of their contract with Virgin. Eventually it was decided that they would release two separate discs--budget problems?, and they are of two different camps. This one is the acoustic stuff, with the "harder" stuff to come in Volume 2. I agree with some of the reviewers that it does take some time to get into the album--but it is worth it, and there are some very good songs here. I especially like the opener "River of Orchids", with its expert layering of orchestral instruments and voices in round-style. It's like nothing they've ever done before--almost classical in nature--utterly beautiful. "I'd Like That" has fun with wordplay and a good chugging beat. "Easter Theatre" and "Harvest Festival" are wonderfully rich-sounding ballads, contemplative of the past, thoughtful. Same for Colin's songs ("Frivolous Tonight" and "Fruit Nut"), though they are more lighthearted. The one I don't really care for is "Your Dictionary," which I read Andy really didn't want on the CD because he wrote it in a fit of anger towards his ex-wife--but he was outvoted. It seems rather simplistic and obvious from what we've come to expect from one of the better lyricists of recent years. Still, this by no means should scare any fans away--and I always have hope that each new release will bring them more fans. Listening to this CD reminded me of the change Joe Jackson made about 5 years ago when he decided to steer away from the rock scene and concentrate on different genres--and there were people who cried about that, too. XTC is doing the same thing (ironically, without Dave Gregory, who wanted to continue rockin'), and folks would be rewarded, I think, to stick with them.

Music does NOT get much better than this. I was introduced just a matter of months ago to this british-pop band, and before this release, I had no idea who these guys even were (believe it or not. I guess I'm too young).

But I have an open mind and I am used to finding a place in my collection of CD's reserved only for aquired-taste albums. But, even though it DID take a few listens to start to really "feel" or appreciate the record, it was pretty likable from the beginning.

Surprisingly enough (to some, I'm sure), the first track that stuck out to me was "Green Man." I thought the orchestration was a great approach and the dual-octaval vocals were also a nice touch. Soon, I realized similar qualities with most of the songs, especially the opener "River of Orchids," which still amazes me, and the multi-hooked "Harvest Festival." But the track that REALLY won me over for the CD in general and what would result in future purchases of other XTC works was the breath-taking "Easter Theatre." This one will take some time to get under your skin. In fact, I didn't even notice it in the initial listen. But once you allow it to get there, you'll keep it there. After I respected that track I heard the rest of the album differently, and bought "Upsy Daisy" a few days later. "I'd like that" is simple but fun and humorous at parts, much like it's organizational equivalent "Your Dictionary." Humor, although an XTC trademark on past albums and something they revived on "Wasp Star," is surprisingly scarce. It has moody, question-raising, thought-provoking overtones, almost as though it were being performed in an actual "theatre," complete with lighting effects and orchestra. Different, but it works. Perhaps they were going for showmanship in a studio setting, due to Andy's stage-fright. Whatever their purposes, it is quite refreshing in a time when words Limp Biscuit (spelling?), Korn, and Eminem are spoken in the same sentence as "good music."

But this, contrastingly is REAL music, complete with talent (such an over-looked trait now-a-days). Andy Partradge has so much song writing ability it makes me sick. I sit in my room putting together odd chord progressions, dreaming of writing something like "Wrapped in grey" or "The Meeting Place." These are the original Pop-Masters and before Oasis, Radiohead, or any other modern "pop" group got their chance, they were first taken to school by the originaters of British pop.

Give this a listen. Then check some older stuff. I like the quircky 80's stuff too, so give "skylarking" or "oranges and lemons" a try. And to all the hard-core XTC fans that were perportedly "let down" with Volume 2-- lighten up. Fact is (in most cases) if you liked Volume 1 you'll like the second one, too. It's definetly the funner of the two and Partridge's hooks and classic 80's sound are all there, tacked onto maturity.

Moral: This is good stuff.

Andy Partridge loves kicking back, doin' the garden, diggin' the weeds (apologies to Paul McCartney), and on "Apple Venus Vol. 1" he and remaining XTC veteran Colin Moulding really harvested something, er, fruitful. XTC have always crafted quirky, intelligent and oftentimes catchy music, and this latest effort is exceptional. Turn up the volume knob for the first track, "River of Orchids" and hear drops of water counterbalanced by the thrum of a cello, followed by a crazy profusion of brass and strings in a paean to rampant greenery. The mood lightens considerably with "I'd Like That," where Partridge does a turn as McCartney at his most rooty-toot. Moulding gets in a gem of a tune, "Frivolous Tonight" with barrel-house piano and Kinks-inspired whimsy. Then there's a detour to the Middle East with the exotic "Greenman." Moulding returns to his garden in "Fruit Nut," where he sings "a man must have a shed to keep him sane." True enough, as XTC have often escaped to rustic themes as a refuge from urban life. Think "Skylarking." This album won't rocket up the charts. But in a world of mindless dance, hip-hop and metal mush, XTC hold their own. Set out the hammock, pour a glass of dandelion wine, and watch the grass grow with "Apple Venus."

It's been over a year since this beauty came out and spring is coming once again. I'm reminded how beautiful and brave this album is. I think a lot of the reviewers are a little harsh because this isn't the "pop" album they were expecting. Instead we get Mr. Partridge passionatly writing about what is currently stirring him; namely nature and love itself. Everyone should open thmeselves up and let this thick syrupy album into their veins...it's really one of their greats...Honest! Please buy it! Age CAN improve a man's craft as I think it does here...My absolute favorite of 1999!

i love this b'c it's not like anything else out there right now. maybe it's because it was written awhile back? i don't know, but these guys are so brilliant and creative and different and unique. the strings, flutes, harpsichordy noise, the synths used gently...the LYRICS! are amazing...and of course, XTC are production geniuses. plus, their voices are smooth and passionate and expressive. now, my true love is punk and no fancy production, but this stuff is like the feeling of when you are little and get some catchy tune stuck in your head and can't get it out...like a tune from a musical...and i mean that in a GOOD way. i am not a fan of musicals either...except of course the gems for kids....willy wonka, chitty chitty bang bang! (yes, i am serious,) the wizard of oz. also...like the great old kid's shows...fat albert, hrpuf'n'stuf (as creepy as it was/still is)...the music sticks. i love how xtc bring you into another world...and talk of serious life stuff...but with beautiful music and strings and orchestration and harmonies to express it all. it makes me happy....this music. xtc are like the blooming flowers in a field of weeds....hmmmm, apple venus...think there's any beatles reference there? yep, i think so. fab, fab, fab!