XTC is another in a long line of groups who were screwed out of their financial due. Last I heard, Andy was still composing in his garden shed in Swindon. A brain like his doesn't die.
Thanks for the XTC recommendation—it’s great! I love their early 80s stuff, and Senses Working Overtime may be one of my top 10 desert island songs. But I generally don’t love their later stuff (the Peter Pumpkinhead song I find particularly annoying). But I’m really liking this song. Andy Partridge could really write a sophisticated pop song.
I have to agree with you -- the Nonsuch album (which has the Peter Pumpkinhead song on it) is easily my least favorite XTC album. It's fussy and airless and, as you say, annoying. But those last two have some of Partridge's best songwriting and production ever -- and, sadly, some of Colin Moulding's least inspired songs. It's not surprising he threw in the towel after Wasp Star and called it a day. Somewhere I have a playlist of just the good stuff from the two final albums; maybe I'll post it up on YouTube. Don't tell Andy.
Attended a private all-girls school, 6th - 12th grades in Louisville, Ky -- frickin' May Day was every year -- school crowned a senior "May Queen," girls all danced around the May Pole holding long flowered ribbons. Rehearsals were excruciating and went on for weeks ahead of time. Day before the "festival" students stole flowers from many neighboring yards for the decorations. Not a great memory but thanks for your related info.
At my elementary school we celebrated "Play Day" on June 14 (Flag Day). It was held outside and was a combination May Day and 6th grade graduation. Each grade performed for the 6th graders and the day ended with the graduates' performance, followed by the May pole dance. It was a big deal that everyone looked forward to each year. The 6th graders chose the theme for the celebration; my year it was Aquarius. Can you guess what year I graduated?
XTC is another in a long line of groups who were screwed out of their financial due. Last I heard, Andy was still composing in his garden shed in Swindon. A brain like his doesn't die.
Always liked XTC, especially Dear god, maybe I have a new favorite! I will be on the hunt for this album.
I use Tidal, better sound and more money to the artists, not sure it's enough, but better.
Wow Ty, I loved this. Happy Maypole dance to you!
I loved hearing the Baltimore oriole. I have been wonder why it's named after the city of Baltimore......Krishna
Per Wikipedia: "It received its name from the resemblance of the male's colors to those on the coat-of-arms of 17th century Lord Baltimore."
The more you know!
May Day is celebrated by women's colleges and Waldorf schools.
Here's "To the Maypole" sung by the Bryn Mawr Night Owls. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2iRbPFKwkQ
in my day breakfast was strawberries and cream and seniors got sparkling wine.
At this time a song by cabaret singer Mabel Mercer called “The First Warm Day in May” comes into my head. Some lyrics:
On the first warm day
On the first warm day in May
It would be enthralling
If you brought me a sweet bouquet
On the first warm night
When the moon is shining bright
It would be enthralling
If you’d love me with all your might
I’ll rehearse the way
You lead me to the cherry tree
Where you will say
“Darling, marry me
Oh, marry, marry me...”
Thanks for the XTC recommendation—it’s great! I love their early 80s stuff, and Senses Working Overtime may be one of my top 10 desert island songs. But I generally don’t love their later stuff (the Peter Pumpkinhead song I find particularly annoying). But I’m really liking this song. Andy Partridge could really write a sophisticated pop song.
I have to agree with you -- the Nonsuch album (which has the Peter Pumpkinhead song on it) is easily my least favorite XTC album. It's fussy and airless and, as you say, annoying. But those last two have some of Partridge's best songwriting and production ever -- and, sadly, some of Colin Moulding's least inspired songs. It's not surprising he threw in the towel after Wasp Star and called it a day. Somewhere I have a playlist of just the good stuff from the two final albums; maybe I'll post it up on YouTube. Don't tell Andy.
I’m definitely going to be listening to more of those last two albums. And will keep an eye out for the playlist ;)
Attended a private all-girls school, 6th - 12th grades in Louisville, Ky -- frickin' May Day was every year -- school crowned a senior "May Queen," girls all danced around the May Pole holding long flowered ribbons. Rehearsals were excruciating and went on for weeks ahead of time. Day before the "festival" students stole flowers from many neighboring yards for the decorations. Not a great memory but thanks for your related info.
At my elementary school we celebrated "Play Day" on June 14 (Flag Day). It was held outside and was a combination May Day and 6th grade graduation. Each grade performed for the 6th graders and the day ended with the graduates' performance, followed by the May pole dance. It was a big deal that everyone looked forward to each year. The 6th graders chose the theme for the celebration; my year it was Aquarius. Can you guess what year I graduated?
I feel cheated! Growing up in Indiana, we didn't have maypoles. I think my first introduction to that whole thing was Tom Tryon's Harvest Home.