Fuzzy Warbles Collector's Album
When XTC stopped touring and became a studio-only entity, the finely jeweled arrangements that Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding had already favored took on incredible new breadth and depth. Since 2002, Partridge has been going through his own vast archives, releasing eight volumes in a U.K.-only series calledFuzzy Warbles. They are finally available in the U.S. in one gorgeously designedCollector's Album, along with a bonus disc,Hinges. With over 100 songs, the set includes early versions and demos of songs which appeared on XTC albums, previously unreleased gems, and songs for a wide range of outside projects, including the Disney movieJames and the Giant Peach(which are so dazzling it boggles the mind that the deal ultimately fell apart). There are whims borne to fruition (an answering machine ditty), and flat-out brilliant slices of songcraft finally brought to light. What's truly remarkable is how complete are Partridge's sensibilities, as both a songwriter and arranger. Everything is considered and tended to--a background vocal here, a tambourine there--it all matters and it all sparkles.--David GreenbergerMore Andy Partridge and XTCOrpheus the Lowdownwith Peter BlegvadThrough the Hillwith Harold BuddCoat of Many CupboardsXTCSkylarkingXTCNonsuchXTCApple BoxXTC