What does it sound like?:
Steven Wilson must never sleep because here he is again, this time with an Atmos mix of this 1979 album, which supersedes his 2014 surround mix. This bluray plus cd set encompasses everything that was on that earlier release, including the original 5.1 mixes, but adds an excellent 2025 Atmos mix. The album is maybe best known to the casual fan for Making Plans For Nigel, and to a lesser extent the non album but included here single. Life Begins At The Hop, but there’s plenty of other music here that’s equally worthy of your attention. In addition to the original album, there’s a further forty tracks comprising demos and rehearsals, so there’s plenty here to keep even the most hardcore fan happy. Of course, the question is, if you already own the 2014 set is this worth buying as well. If you have the requisite set up to listen, then the answer is a resounding yes, as Wilson’s new Atmos mix really gives the sound a 360 degree dimension, giving the songs a shimmering sheen while unearthing some previously overlooked details, all without affecting the original integrity of the songs. This for me is one of the most easily accessible XTC albums with its engaging songs and style, so if you want to explore their catalogue then this is a good place to begin your sonic journey.
What does it all *mean*?
Following on from last year’s Atmos mix of Skylarking, this set is another worthy addition to the collection. Now if only some of those missing master tapes could be found….
Goes well with…
Looking back….hard to believe this music is fast approaching fifty years in age!
Release Date:
26 Sept
Might suit people who like…
XTC, quirky inventive but accessible music.
Love this album. My favourite XTC when they were at their Poppiest.
Happy with the previous set, especially as mine is signed by Andy Partridge. I have a 5.1 setup but not an Atmos one.
Havng forked out for an Atmos set a few years ago, will probably end up buying this.
At the end of the day, XTC’s SW sets narrowly beat TMT’s SW sets as being the gold standard for reissues – filled with extras at an irresistibly affordable price. What’s not to like?
Apart from extremely loveable pop music I adored at the time but now sounds, shall we say, all rather breathless and dated?
Loveable pop music doesn’t date, ya prannock!
They got better as they got along. This was a step up from Go 2 but I can’t say that I return to it all that often.
I think it’s a good rather than great album. Probably all or nearly all their subsequent releases were better. Great single though!
Jumped at this as it’s one of my all time faves. Listened over the weekend and the Atmos mix is a stunner and worth the extra outlay even though I have the last 5.1 version.
Complicated Game in Atmos is breathtaking
…tempted to get an Atmos setup, just to hear that… oof…
I’m in agreement with Andy Partridge that they (by and large) got better and better over the years. I have no time for the first two albums but wouldn’t be without the last five.
Huge fan of XTC here, and I’d say that everything from Drums And Wires is superb, with Drums And Wires itself being good rather than essential. Partridge is correct really although I wouldn’t want to be without anything at all after Black Sea, even the somewhat underrated Mummer and The Big Express albums.
Nice write up Mr B. Pole and I agree the Atmos mix is an improvement just as every XTC album that followed Drums and Wires which itself is good