Customer Reviews

Fuzzy Warbles 7

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Andy Partidge's demo albums "Fuzzy Warbles" have been a mixed bag for the XTC front man; the first two were terrific the second set quite good with a bit of filler while volumes 5 and 6 were the weakest of the lot but also had some of the best original songs on them ("I Can't Tell What Truth is Anymore", "Tin Circus of Life" from 6 and "I Defy You Gravity", the brilliant "My Land is Burning" and instrumental "Ice Jet Kiss"). The balance has been redressed with volumes 7 and 8.

We get a demo version of XTC's classic "Cherry In Your Tree" originally cut for the "Carmen Santiago" CD. We also get a brace of new demos for "Books are Burning", "Hold Me My Daddy", "Scarecrow People" (from "Oranges and Lemons")the lovely "Ballet for a Rainy Day" (from "Skylarking")and finally get an offical release for "Candymine" a gem. I would echo other sentiments in that volumes 7 and 8 are the strongest since the first two and more consistent than the last two releases. The best tracks though are the trio of songs from the bubble gum album. "Candymine", "Visit to the Doctor" and the aforementioned "Cherry" indicate that if Virgin had allowed XTC to record this album under a variety of names they would have had a terrific winner on their hands. The most important track for Dukes fans will be the Dukes "reunion" song "Open A Can of Human Beans" from the MS benefit album. Previously available only as part of a mail order CD this is the first release for this marvelous lost 60's gem. It was great hearing Dave Gregory playing with Andy and Colin again. I personally think that Ian Gregory should be a regular part of XTC as well.

I don't know what else Andy has lurking in his closet but I suspect it will make for a terrific XTC album once Andy's bout with tinnitus is (hopefully) cured. By the way if you order this set from Ape House (Andy's website) you can also get as part of the package the Collector's Box which has stamps and a 9th disc with demos. The 9th disc has the following demos on them (unfortunately no "new" songs. I would have liked to have the demo for "Spiral" the latest download single from XTC but it isn't included as part of this set):

1. Gold

2. Now We All Dead (It Doesn't Matter)

3. Rain Of Blows (early version)

4. Reign Of Blows

5. Jump

6. Shake You Donkey Up

7. Happy Families

8. Here Comes President Kill Again

9. Beating Hearts

I'd highly recommend volumes 1,2, 7 and 8. I can strongly recommend 3 & 4 but felt that volumes 5 and 6 should have been condensed into a single disc (there's enough material for one very strong CD there). Volume 5 had the best original song in the set the dirg-like "My Land is Burning" a marvelous closing track that XTC should still attempt for their next album.