In the early 80's I was turned on to XTC by my good friend Charlie P. who was a huge fan and constantly played new stuff by the band. I was immediately struck by their sense of melody and musicianship. As I was always a big fan of British rock I began following their music and was soon taken by the genius songwriting and clever arrangements. By the time Skylarking was released I already had a decent collection of tapes and albums by the band but noticed the new album was even more brilliant than those prior. Todd Rundgren's production and the songwriting prowess had been kicked up one notch further and the song "Dear God" was all over WFNX and other alternative stations. The album "Oranges and Lemons" marks a milestone in my passion for XTC's music. I remember picking up the cassette in a music store in Exeter NH and upon first listen just absolutely falling in love with the vocal harmonys, intricate arrangements, lyrical genius and overall remarkable production values. I listened to this cassette over and over again wishing the band would maybe tour again allowing Andy Partridge to expel and stage fright demons. But alas,it was not to be and I as well as the many other XTC fans around the globe could only wait for new recordings from the band.

The 90's delivered several great CDs and we are now in a new drought for a new XTC album. Dave Gregory left the fold after the last recorded work and many fans hope for something new perhaps this year. I decided it was time to play some acoustic versions of XTC's music in order to keep an interest alive and allow others to hear the true stripped down genius of their songwriting. Creating new acoustic arrangements and utilising loops on the fly I will play 2 full sets of XTC music for the wonderful folks at Vincents Bar on Tuesday January 24 from 9pm - midnight. Vincent was hip to the idea and thanks go out to him for giving me this opportunity to play these songs which I love so much.

If this goes well ...who knows, maybe I'll bring it on the road.

Chris Reddy - Acoustic tribute to XTC
Tuesday January 24 @ Vincent's Bar, Worcester MA - 9 - midnite
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