XTC took the world by storm (briefly)with a number of strong singles that received much acclaim, MTV airplay and college radio station rotation. Brilliant though Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding are as songwriters, the disc included with School Guide is for completist only. While some of these songs eventually appeared on the band's debut Virgin album, there's only a hint of the greatness that would eventually find them.
The booklet is fairly comprehensive including a complete discography (through 1999), enlightening interview with Andy and some cool promo photos of the band. There was a reason they were called Rats Krap (Star Park backwards and one of Andy's clever play on words). This isn't the band fan's came to know and love but an interesting embryonic version. A pity that Dave Gregory wasn't a member at this stage as his guitar playing would have enhanced many of these interesting tracks.
While you're at it, pick up Andy's two "solo" releases Fuzzy Warbles V. 1 & 2. Volume 1 is the stronger of the two but even the heavy padding of disc two doesn't detract from the strong XTC album contenders. Oh, and I Don't Wanna Be Here (from Volume 2) has a glorious melody that briefly intersects with a melody that Eric Carmen nicked during the 70's.
