XTC- English Settlement

I am really tired of running into people who have never heard the majesty that is XTC. XTC is the kind of band that warrants rabid, frothing-mouth fandom. You should probably own their entire catalogue. You damn kids, with your hippity hop and Justin Tumberlicks (only kidding). Another band that is difficult to classify, XTC started out making jagged post-punk in the vein of Gang of Four and eventually moved to more lush and complex compositions, often being placed in the "new wave" genre. Songwriting duties were split between frontman Andy Partridge and bassist Colin Moulding, with Partridge writing the bulk of the material. This is just brilliant stuff: catchy, verbose, and meaningful. If you have missed them, don't go out until you here this album; then get everything else: http://www.mediafire.com/?txdbcymjngy

The Mekons- The Mekons Rock 'N' Roll

Sorry for no post yesterday, had the LCD Soundsystem concert to go to. I'll make it up to everyone with today's post though. Meet the Mekons, a first wave punk group from Leeds. Meeting at the University of Leeds, they formed out of the same group of kids who would go on to form Gang of Four and Delta 5. The Mekons sound is a hard one to describe, with people often denoting a "country" sound. While this certainly isn't George Strait, many of these tracks have all the twangy jangle and heartbreak of a good country song. I picked "Rock 'N' Roll" up on vinyl on a whim, and it really hasn't come off the turntable since. Listen listen listen: http://www.mediafire.com/?zde2iytwdz1

The Only Ones- The Only Ones

Yep the picture is upside down. On porpoise, i assure you. Meet The Only Ones, a great english rock band from the 70s who gained new life after their fantastic single "Another Girl, Another Planet" was used in a Vodaphone advertisement. It is really hard to put these guys in a genre. A bit harder than most of their power pop contemporaries, they also channel bits of early glam rock. "Another Girl" is certainly the highlight of the album, but the backup vocals on "City of Fun" are pretty sweet. Managed to pick this little gem up on vinyl. Hope you enjoy it too: http://www.mediafire.com/?tbnzfynzn5k