Fossil Fuel (Singles 1977-1992) [IMPORT]

XTC

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 23, 1996)
• Original Release Date: 1996
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI Europe Generic
• ASIN: B000007659
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #65,930 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
All 31 of their U.K. A-sides, 1977-1992, on two CDs in a double slimline jewel case. Contains their XTC hits only -- no recordings by their alteregos The Dukes Of Stratosphear or The Three Wise Men. Includes 'Dear God', 'Respectable Street', 'Senses Working Overtime', 'Science Friction', 'TenFeet Tall', 'Making Plans For Nigel', 'The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead', etc. 1996 release on Virgin. The full title is'Fossil Fuel: The XTC Singles 1977-92'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great summary of the band's Virgin years focuses on singles, October 10, 2000

By	Wayne Klein "If at first the idea is not absu... (My Little Blue Window, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Sucessful or not, Xtc's output of singles between 1977 and 1992 were most impressive. Unlike lots of bands from the 70's and 80's, Xtc grew with each successive album carving a unique musical niche for themselves. Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding also helped relaunch a return to great songwriting.

The selection is based solely around what was released as a single in the UK and rarely does the album include more than 3 tracks from each album. Partidge's and Moulding's songwriting styles mesh amazing well on this 2 CD set.

So what's different about this import vs. Upsy Daisy Assortment (the US single disc counterpart)and Waxworks? The booklet includes all the song lyrics (and they're almost legible!). This set also includes about 14 more songs than the Geffen version. The sequencing is better here (based on date of release for both album and single) as well.

The sound quality blows away the previously issued best of collections (Waxworks and Compact Xtc)and for many of the tracks (particularly those from Mummer and Skylarking) sound better than those released on the original CDs (they don't match the sound quality on the MFS Gold discs that are currently out of print though).

All in all a great package with only one flaw--at around 106 minutes this could have been rounded up to include a couple of b sides as well (such as Down a Peg or The Good Things) that appeared on the band's CD singles. This would have given a further incentive for the fan to purchase this fine collection. A couple of unreleased tracks (like the live tracks on the Japanese only Ultimate Collection CD) would also have sweetened the deal. Regardless of these shortcomings, this is a terrific disc and a great place to become acquainted with the band.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A DBL Dose Of XTC!, February 20, 2000

By	Ralph Quirino (Keswick, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

XTC have always had a solid Canadian fan base and as someone who came to love them during my university years, their classic albums have always, in one way, shape or form been with me. That said, I welcomed the release of FOSSIL FUEL with open arms and knew that (for space limitations) it was time to say goodbye to those old LPs. Hardcore fans of the group may want the thing for its collectible value (initial UK pressings featured an embossed snail's shell as the actual CD cover)or as a great "mixed hits" car CD. But people who came to the group via APPLE VENUS should definitely try and find this set. Canadian XTC albums fall under EMI distribution (and appear on Virgin, the band's UK label for most of its career)and have all been readily available for years. FOSSIL FUEL, however, is a solid anthology and worth its weight in gold.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars comprehensive package of XTC "hits, November 9, 1999

By	James Siedliski ([e-mail]) (Providence, Rhode Island, USA) - See all my reviews

A nice "sampler" for newer XTC fans who would like to follow the maturation process. Covers the spectrum of "hits" while giving an overview of their catalogue. Still, would recommend the purchase of Black Sea, English Settlement, Skylarking, and Oranges & Lemons prior to this gem.