XTC – Apple Venus Volume 1

 

XTC – Apple Venus Volume 1

By

Jesse E. Mullen

 

You lead a successful band for 15 years. You’ve transcended genre, going from glam to post-punk to college rock and finally your own blend of sophisti-pop. Then you enter litigation with your record label and are forced to take an eight-year break from recording.

So was the story of XTC. The Swindon-based band – really a duo of Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding – had formed in 1972 and released a handful of classic albums. But problems with their record label Virgin led to a forced sabbatical in 1992.

That all changed in 1998 when XTC were finally freed from their contract. And in 1999, a brand-new album was released on TVT Records entitled Apple Venus Volume 1. Certainly, the years apart would have an effect on the music. But would it be as enticing as their previous work?

Things get off to a shaky start with the repetitive, art-pop groove of “River of Orchids.” Partridge seems fascinated by the way that words of English language sound when inverted – specifically “circus” and “circle.” And it is fascinating from a linguistics perspective. Just not for five minutes and fifty-three seconds. 

However, the track does set the stage for the stronger moments, utilizing syncopated strings. They transform the track from a clunker into an interesting – albeit skippable – introduction to the “new” XTC sound. Track 2 is where the real fun begins.

“I’d Like That” boasts a chugging palm muted acoustic guitar, clever wordplay, and gorgeous harmonies. Partridge seems to be having fun making comparisons between his partner and himself with doomed lovers of famous lore. But it’s not the only song of doomed love.

“I Can’t Own Her” speaks of Partridge’s unrequited love towards an unnamed woman, and the resigned sadness it brought him. Chilling strings and a fingerpicked acoustic guitar announce the track in grand fashion. But Partridge’s harmonious vocals bring it to another level. 

However, the most bitter tune on the album – as well as one of the best – is “Your Dictionary.” A sharpened barb to Partridge’s doomed marriage, it is extremely effective at displaying the singer’s contempt. 

“Your Dictionary” is relatively simple musically, but the lyrics are some of the most unique heard in pop. By spelling out a word and describing the antonym, it is an apt metaphor for the mind games and emotional abuse which can end a relationship.

Elsewhere, we hear Partridge combining psychedelic pop with Spectorian wall-of-sound production on “Greenman,” and harking back to childhood memories on “Harvest Festival.” The strings are out in full force on the former, and it’s a joy to hear through headphones. On “Harvest Festival,” we hear a sound not too distant from early Beach Boys. 

But it’s his sidekick – bassist Colin Moulding – who delivers perhaps the most satisfying track on the album in “Frivolous Tonight.” The song begins with a piano theme combined with horns, sounding not unlike Burt Bacharach. And the lyrics take it to another level.

Moulding tells a tale of people only want to talk about “trivial things.” And it’s all delivered in dry British humor (or humour, as they say.) When some poor soul wants to talk shop, he is ejected from the party in dramatic fashion.

Once the chorus hits, the listener is greeted by absolutely gorgeous harmonies by Partridge and guitarist Dave Gregory. It’s a defining moment on the album, and quite possibly of XTC’s discography as a whole. 

Sadly, this would be one of the last tracks to feature Gregory, as he left the band shortly before the record’s completion. A member of XTC since 1979, Gregory’s departure had a profound impact on the chemistry of the band – both personally and musically. XTC would release only one more album before disbanding in 2006.

Most bands – particularly a band that had been around for several decades – couldn’t take an eight-year hiatus and stay motivated. But XTC were not an ordinary band. Picking a favorite XTC record is often an exercise in futility, but Apple Venus Volume 1 makes a strong case as the pinnacle of the Moulding/Partridge partnership.

TVT/1999