Panegyric Vinyl & CDs

Review: The reissued and remastered CD of XTC's Skylarking, now with added bonus material including a 5.1 mix, revisits the band's dynamic collaboration with producer Todd Rundgren. Released in 1986, the album showed the band's transformation into a studio-only group after frontman Andy Partridge's decision to stop touring. The album featured the band's breakthrough hit 'Dear God' that helped catapult them to one of the leaders of alternative music . This remastered edition enhances the intricate, lush arrangements of tracks like 'Summer's Cauldron' and 'Season Cycle,' highlighting the album's day-in-the-life concept conceived by Rundgren. Rundgren's influence is evident in the album's seamless transitions and cohesive narrative, despite the behind-the-scenes tension with Partridge. The producer's knack for innovative arrangements and Partridge's introspective lyrics blend into a compelling collection of songs. Colin Moulding's pastoral contributions, such as 'Grass' and 'The Meeting Place,' add depth and charm to the album. The added 5.1 mix and bonus material bring a fresh perspective to this classic, allowing fans to experience Skylarking in a new light. From the upbeat 'Earn Enough for Us' to the reflective 'Dying' and 'Sacrificial Bonfire,' the album remains an important piece in XTC's creative growth and Rundgren's visionary production.