Mummer

Mummer was XTC's deeply un-commercial follow-up to 'English Settlement'. Everything from the cover to the song titles said 'avoid', but the sound within those record grooves said something very different indeed.The album is dripping with charm and sweet sounds, rich melodies and whimsical lyrics. Take for instance the enchanting 'Ladybird', or 'Love on a Farmboy's Wages' or 'In Loving Memory of a Name' - great songs telling poignant stories - each song has a purpose and a tale to tell.Although not their greatest album, Mummer is certainly up there with the best and is well worth investigating. It may take a play or two to click into place, but go for it.Finally, go for the APE release on partridge's label - sonically stronger and produced with love.

'Mummer' was recorded by a band in turmoil. Yet, through all this XTC produced one of the most beautiful pop LPs of the 1980's. The expanded pallete of sounds (mellotron, real strings, more acoustic guitars) coupled with a dazzlingly diverse range of stlyes created a set that, to these ears at least, was up with Sgt. Pepper - no exageration. I fail to understand why this LP is so underated. 'Great Fire' is mind bending psychedlic pop, 'Love on a farmboy's wages' is utterly gorgeous, 'Wonderland' is breathtakingly lovely - there's even a smattering of prog in there too (Deliver us from the elements - one of many fine songs by bassist Colin Moulding).In the end, the perceived commercial failure of this record sent XTC into a spin - what else can you do when you've done your best and no one is listening?From here on the band get more extreme but this is simply beautiful. XTC at their finest.

Very good

All good! Thanks

possibly xtcs 2nd best album after english settlement

Okay, okay, not everybodies cup of tea I'll grant you, but XTC are my favourite ever band, and this album has to be my most played album of 2011/12. Although I have been a big fan of XTC for many years, I only bought this album in 2011, and what a find - now my favorite XTC album.If you like XTC, this album is a must to purchase.

XTC again living my youth, love the music and tunes on a wonderful album... even better kids sing along in the car...

perfect