Three Tune Tuesday - XTC

Hello, music lovers! 🎵

On #threetunestuesday, I always think back to listening to and absorbing the music I had access to as a child.
And believe me, there wasn't even that little of it :)

I'm back to punk and its offshoots, some of which have succeeded, and some have failed. One such example is the band XTC, which emerged from punk music. They pioneered the new wave sound, but their later work transcended that subgenre and significantly influenced music artists in the future.

For those not (yet) familiar with #threetunetuesday or #ttt - these are tags you need to set when you post.
It's a music initiative started by @ablaze, and with his words, the jist is as follows:

Every Tuesday, I'm going to share 3 songs that I like to listen to and I invite your feedback in the comments below. Better still, why not have a blast of your own Three Tune Tuesday and mention me in the post and I'll come and find the post and upvote it. If you could also use #threetunetuesday tag that would be great, as that is what I use when sifting through all the entries every Wednesday. It'll be a sweet way for us all to discover new music. You'll also be in with a chance of winning the reward.

XTC was an English rock band formed in 1972 in Swindon and was active until 2006. Their music was a mix of punk, rock, and pop, with innovative melodic arrangements and witty lyrics. They released 14 studio albums and made over 30 videos (between 1977 and 1992); after all, it was the golden age of MTV and music videos.
It's also true that they never achieved any significant commercial breakthrough. Neither they nor their managers were good with money, and the band lost money on most tours or went bankrupt.
Regardless, they influenced many younger artists with their music and new approaches.

I have chosen some songs that I have listened to a lot myself.

XTC - Statue Of Liberty

The song is from their debut album, White Music, released in January 1978. It is about an immigrant who comes to the USA and sees the Statue of Liberty. Some have interpreted it as a criticism of American society and politics. It was withdrawn from BBC Radio airplay for being "too provocative and inciting violence."
The XTC denied this and said it was a satirical narrative about American society.

XTC - Making Plans For Nigel

Making Plans For Nigel was their biggest hit, released on their second album, Drums and Waves, in November 1979.
The song is a satire, combining punk energy and pop melody, about parents' excessive interference in their sons' future without considering his wishes and interests. It reached number 17 in the UK chart.

XTC - Shake You Donkey Up

The song is from their seventh album, 1984's The Big Express. It is in the form of a so-called hoedown style, an American folk dance that has music to go with it. The Big Express is a conceptual and autobiographical album, so although the lyrics seem nonsensical, this song is about men's unenlightened attitudes towards women caused by stereotypes and prejudices.

And now a bonus.

XTC - All Along The Watchtower

Finally, their cover of Dylan's All Along The Watchtower was released on their first album, White Music.
I've listened to this song the most, and my (perhaps overinflated?) opinion is that it can stand shoulder to shoulder with Jimi Hendrix's cover, which is much better known.

That's all for today, thank you for your attention.

This is my 66th post for #threetunetuesday, which @ablaze started. I hope what I'm sharing is enjoyable for others, too, because then it makes sense.

If you're curious about the fresh music, follow me on Seckorama's #newtunes, or take a look at my lo-fi recordings at 3speak channel - video, or Seckorama's Music Podcast - audio.

If you like jazz, I recommend Jazz-Matinee, @w74's regular Sunday blog.

More #ttt posts?
Take a look at Kim Gordon, Interpretations, Early Years, Fusion, November, The Who, Rock Proof, Calm Down, The Pretenders, KYUSS, Rain Tunes, Three Performances, Radio mood, Sax Mood, Beach Mood, Deep Forest, Steve Miller band, Ultravox, And Rock Goes On, Steve Albini, Paul Weller, Suicide, Steve Hillage, Jorma Kaukonen, Slade, Ian Dury and The Blockheads, Opal, The Dandy Warhols, Seasick Steve, Echo And Bunnymen, Morphine, The God Machine, Modern Lovers, New Model Army, Wishbone Ash, Brian Setzer, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard.

The front image is mine, created in Night Cafe Studio and edited in Photoshop.

And here's something else:

Support and vote for those exceptional witnesses:
@good-karma, @liotes, @fbslo and detlev.witness.

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