Now Hear This! XTC — “Reign of Blows” (1984)
Like most children, I gravitated to the things I was not allowed to pursue. For music, that meant at least two of every five songs that we heard on MTV. My folks, bless their hearts, simply didn’t want my young mind corrupted by the likes of artists like Twisted Sister, Dead or Alive, Duran Duran (their early stuff was basically softcore porn in a song) and the like.
One such artist that my father freaked out about was XTC. Unfamiliar with the body of their work, his only understanding of their craft came in the form of the unlikely hit single, “Dear God” off the Todd Rundgren-produced album, Skylarking. In the video, we see a young child standing next to a huge old tree, questioning God’s existence through song. Andy Partridge does him one better near the end, when he proclaims, without question, that he simply does not believe in “Him.”
As a young leftist evangelical Christian, I don’t think my father could, in good conscience, allow his heady and rebellious seven-year old middle child the opportunity to invest much time into the band. I don’t resent him for it, either. In fact, I am grateful. My repression led to an obsession: XTC is easily my favorite band of all time, and you’ll forgive me if I share song after song of theirs, now and in the future.
On this cut from the 1984 album The Big Express, Partridge is quick to get to the point in this pop gem condemning the United States of being those to blame for the Cold War and the worldwide repression that was happening because of Reagan’s rule. I was never a huge fan of harmonica, but for some reason, set against the fuzzy vocals and a dominant synth at 2:35 mark, I would argue that this particular moment helped to define fusion in pop music.
In the end, my father apologized for trying to take them away from me. He recognized their scope as being much more than a champion for an atheist movement in the western world; they are also some of the most brilliant lyricists regarding the political woes we face each day. God knows we could use them now.
1 comments
Stefi
1) my siblings and I were also not allowed to watch mtv growing up. The given reason was “it objectified women.” I agreed, but that didn’t stop me from sneaking mtv whenever I could.
2)I’ve gathered that we share a profound love of XTC and Jellyfish. I remember randomly checking out the Big Express from the library years ago and having my brain leak out of my ears. I’m also sure if there was some magical tally of how many times I’ve listened to ‘Reign of Blows’, it would register in the thousands.
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Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
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Yay! Love this! Welcome to the family!
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“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
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*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
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This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
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Okay, almost 24 hours later and I finally got Issac’s Summer joke. I’m an idiot.
Excellent. I am glad sometimes American dreams are encouraged, rather than stifled.
Swap the dog for a fire pit and it sounds like you’re writing about my back yard. Very nice.
funny, as your summer begins, another Summer ends.
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represent, Matt.