Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Better than I expected, February 29, 2000
Most songs by quirky rock/pop composer-performers don't survive being covered; If they do, it's often only by slavishly copying the original note for note. But Partridge and Moulding's songs are so strong that they often do very well in other hands. Some of the songs on this collection don't survive the individualistic treatment; the first three cuts on this album are pretty forgettable. But some are gems. Reuben Blades changes "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul" from XTC's Rundgren-produced spy movie theme into a steamy Latin tune. TMBG's"25 o'Clock" is as much fun as the original. Sarah McLachlan's "Dear God" is as good in its own way as the original. And "The Good Things" by Terry and the Lovemen is probably unique in the history of recorded music- a band covering itself! If you're an XTC fan you'll need this album to complete your collection, of course. If you're not already a fan, buy the XTC originals, but buy this one just for McLachlan's cut.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
A Testimonial Snack, March 25, 2002
If you're new to XTC, and like other artists better (maybe some that are on this CD) then maybe this is the one for you.
For me, this was a little disappointing. I think too many of the artists stuck too close to the original and didn't try injecting anything of themselves into the songs. But that is the problem with XTC songs, they are so indelibly stamped with XTCishness, it's hard to imagine them being covered.
Granted, there are many singers who can carry off an XTC song better than Moulding or Partridge, but when you've heard the sheer quality of their work, you can't imagine anyone else singing them really.
I am a fan of Sarah MacLachlan, but to be honest, I found her rendition of the song a little bit boring. The songs lyrics can be sung out with either venom or sadness, it seems she did neither, which is surprising because she can be quite melancholy and wistful on her own tracks. She didn't seem to take this anywhere.
Ruben Blades version of "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul" is absolutely stunning, and dare I say it, as good as the original. He made this song his own, and he sounded like he cared. It gives this CD authenticity, and is the only track worth it apart from the following . .
The Verve Pipe's "Wake Up" and Terry & The Lovemen's "The Good Things". Verve Pipe because they made the song their own without losing what makes the song recognisable as an XTC song, they put enough of themselves in without forgetting that the song is great with or without them.
And "The Good Things" because it's XTC, and it's one of the best things Colin Moulding has written in the XTC canon. He may write less than Partridge, but he absolutely comes up with very observant, life catching songs without being pretentious. The rest of the songs are a mixed batch -- the strongest being They Might Be Giants "25 O'Clock", which matches the original in sound and texture, but beefes up the solo section a bit, making it a bit snappier and less psychedelic.
And those are the only ones I remember from this disc worth mentioning. Just an opinion.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Typical Tribute Mixed Bag, December 5, 1999
There's a fundamental problem with tribute albums - big fans of the original band won't like them ("they've ruined the songs!") and fans of the covering bands tend not to listen to much else but their favorite band's one track. That said, TE has compiled an impressive and varied group to take a stab at XTC's oeuvre. Highlights include: Sarah McLachlan's haunting remake of "Dear God", the Rembrandts' straight "Making Plans for Nigel", Ruben Blades recasting of "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul", Crash Test Dummies' odd reworking of "All You Pretty Girls" and They Might Be Giants' typically odd "25 O'Clock". Only Spacehog's glam "Senses Working Overtime" doesn't quite work. Oddly, Joe Jackson's "Statue of Liberty", which should be a match made in heaven, is simply good. XTC fans, approach with an open mind...and be pleasantly rewarded.
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