What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast

After being delayed 18 months by the pandemic, Terry Chambers is finally out on the road, giving XTC classics the live airing they deserve with his new band EXTC. The drummer is our very special guest on this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast along with bandmate, frontman and all-round multitasker Steve Tilling. We also hear from fans who caught the band's gig at the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth on 7 September 2021. Drink recommendation from Karen Neill.Mark Fisher's review of the gig is here Follow EXTC on Facebook Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support on Patreon Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.Picture: Lou Dommett Young ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Headphones at the ready as audio-guru Steven Wilson talks to What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast about his stereo mixes and 5.1 surround versions of XTC classics. Quizzed by three Marks – Fisher, Reed and Smotroff – the Porcupine Tree musician takes a deep dive into Drums and Wires, Black Sea, Skylarking, Oranges and Lemons and Nonsuch– not forgetting the Dukes of Stratosphear. In a fascinating conversation, Wilson also reflects on his remixing work for Tears for Fears, Yes, King Crimson and Jethro Tull. This episode's drink recommendation comes from Marianna Silva. Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

To mark the release of My Failed Songwriting Career Volume One, XTC's Andy Partridge talks about writing to order, the collaborations that work – and those that don't – and the perils of being a songwriter for hire.As well as sharing insights into the four songs on the first EP, the XTC frontman gives a sneak preview of the four that follow on Volume Two.Mark Fisher asks the questions and Rachel Treffry provides the drink recommendation.My Failed Songwriting Career is available from shops including Burning Shed Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.comIf you’ve enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

To mark the release of The Hardest Battle (2 July 2021), the mighty Colin Moulding talks about being true to himself, avoiding cliches and fighting off being beige. The XTC bassist and songwriter reveals the inspiration behind his first solo single since 1980's Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen to Mark Fisher, Sarah Palmer and Peter Mills, who ask: · Who are his favourite poets? · What makes him cry? · Analogue or digital? As well as The Hardest Battle, Colin remembers Say It, Bungalow, Boarded Up, Scatter Me and Dying, not to mention playing live with Terry Chambers. Drink recommendation from Kate Catalina. The Hardest Battle is available here The Monkees, Head and the 60s by Peter Mills is available here Fassine featuring Sarah Palmer hang out here Kate Catalina does stuff here Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this second deep dive into XTC's lyrical references, we talk about the flora and fauna of River of Orchids, the one-way traffic of English Roundabout and the coastal retreat of Bungalow.In a lively and, above all, morally uplifting discussion, we swing from the suburban angst of New Town Animal to the assembly-hall nostalgia of Harvest Festival.Comparing notes are Mark Fisher, Belinda Blanchard, Peter Mills, Sandy Leffew and Ami Parkerson. The fabulous musical soundtrack comes courtesy of Sarah Palmer and Lotte Fisher, who also provides the episode illustration. Drink tips from Donna Rees. Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

After enjoying a stateside hit with The Freshmen in 1997, Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe got the chance to write with his hero Andy Partridge. His band had already recorded a cover of Wake Up (and an unreleased Blue Beret) and now he'd fly to Swindon to co-write Blow You Away.It's a story he tells in Go Further: More Literary Appreciations of Power Pop (Rare Bird Lit, 2021), an anthology of essays about everyone from Squeeze to Teenage Fanclub and the Ramones.In this episode of What Do You Call That Noise?, Vander Ark joins co-editor Paul Myers and power-pop fan Melanie (@mixtape64) to talk about harmony, songwriting and their love of XTC. Mark Fisher is the host.Find out more at:Brian Vander ArkThe Record Store Day Podcast with Paul Myers The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

With their allusions to town and country, chalkhills and steam trains, XTC have deep Swindon roots. But how well do their references travel? In the first of two episodes exploring XTC's Wiltshire worldview, we look at the influence of British nursery rhymes on songs ranging from Ladybird to We're All Light, Ballet for a Rainy Day and Brainiac's Daughter. Sharing their UK expertise are Belinda Blanchard and Peter Mills, while our American cousins Sandy Leffew and Ami Parkerson talk about British invasions and exotic accents. Mark Fisher is the host. The fabulous musical soundtrack comes courtesy of Sarah Palmer and Lotte Fisher, who also provides the episode illustration. Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

"You think they're going to zig and they zag," says Ami Parkerson about XTC. In this multinational episode, our guest presenter introduces fellow fans Orit Friedland, Ondine PM, Ursula Marie and Leslie Randall to talk about Ladybird, Church of Women, Take This Town, The Last Balloon and The Mayor of Simpleton – not to mention The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets.Elsewhere, Cathy Forster shares a top drinking tip, while young XTC fans Esther and Arthur talk about the wide range of XTC songs they love – with English-language voiceovers by Polly and Hamish, courtesy of Strange Town theatre Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Guest presenter Kevin Winser discovers XTC are as good to read about as they are to listen to as he chats to three of the authors who have put the band in print.This episode features Chris Twomey, author of XTC: Chalkhills and Children, "the definitive biography", Todd Bernhardt, co-author with Andy Partridge of Complicated Game: Inside the Songs of XTC, and Mark Fisher, editor of Limelight, the 1980s fanzine, The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book.Elsewhere, young XTC fans Esther and Arthur pick some of their favourite songs – with English-language voiceovers by Polly and Hamish, courtesy of Strange Town theatre.Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

More than 40 years after its release, Making Plans for Nigel is still haunting the imagination. In this episode, Tom Clarke, formerly of The Enemy, explains why he has brought Colin Moulding's character into the 21st century on The Chronicles of Nigel. He's joined by Laurie Nankivell who talks about the influence of XTC on Squid, whose song Houseplants namechecks Making Plans for Nigel. This episode also features Alex Parkinson introducing Making Pints for Nigel, a beer by Alphabet Brewing. And we hear from young drummer Lucas making an excellent attempt at the Terry Chambers pattern for Making Plans for Nigel. Mark Fisher and Laura Wade ask the questions. More about Making Pints for Nigel More about Squid More about Tom Clarke and The Chronicles of Nigel Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The festive fun continues with the second Yuletide episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast. The conversation continues as Andy Partridge and Chris Butler take us through some of their favourite seasonal songs. Amid the sleigh bells and trumpets, you can hear about a Captain Beefheart song that never was, the secret of the Zippy zither and John Leckie's outrageous story about being in the studio with Phil Spector. Questions from Mark Fisher, Mark Reed and David White. Listen along to the accompanying Spotify playlist: A Merry XTCmas Catch up with Chris Butler Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Prepare for a feast of seasonal excess with the first of two festive episodes of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast. First up is Martin Newell talking about Christmas in Suburbia and his fantastic Flowers in December EP. Then comes Chris Butler of the Waitresses talking about Christmas Wrapping to Andy Partridge who names the XTC song it influenced. This episode also features a Christmas song from Robert Lawlor and a visit from Rainer Fielder and his children Arthur and Esther. Questions from Mark Fisher, Mark Reed and David White. Listen along to the accompanying Spotify playlist: A Merry XTCmas Visit Martin Newell's website Catch up with Chris Butler Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Between 2002 and 2005, X-sTatiC performed 61 XTC songs in the course of eight gigs. Along the way, they picked up famous fans and paved the path for the Fuzzy Warblers and now Fossil Fools. Now, for the first time in over ten years, Dan Barrow (guitar), Ed Percival (bass), Adrian Ogden (drums) and Mick Casey (guitar) come together to talk about being unofficial XTC ambassadors as they remember the songs that challenged them and the ones that raised the roof. More about the band at X-sTatiC and Facebook This episode also showcases young XTC fans Lucas and Elsie sharing their talents in the Playground. Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

All the guests in this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast are in their 20s. None was even born when Nonsuch was released. Yet all talk with passion and insight about XTC's enduring legacy. So what does XTC mean to a young generation of music lovers? From England, Scotland, Wales and the US, Margaret Brown, Myles Parsons, Huw Thomas, Rachel Treffry and Laura Wade come together to talk about music, art, creativity and the biggest question of all: how to pronounce the word Nihilon. Listen here to their playlist of music they are enjoying right now: Spotify Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast brings together fans and musicians alike to celebrate the enduring music of XTC. Every month, we take a fresh look at the band, from the singles to the albums, from the visuals to the personalities. It is witty, surprising and fun.In this podcast trailer, host Mark Fisher gives a flavour of the episodes as well as introducing The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book, both available at https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this special edition of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, recorded live as part of the online XTC Convention on 19 September 2020, author Mark Fisher talks to leading stand-up comedians about their love of XTC. He also gets them to join in some games and make up some nonsense – or do they? On the panel are: · Joanna Neary, who once performed a pastiche XTC song called Human Farm· Stewart Lee, who once met Andy Partridge before a gig in Swindon · Paul Putner, who befriended XTC after compiling a tape of their TV appearances· Kevin Eldon, whose love of XTC rivals his quiz-winning obsession with the Beatles· Andy Miller, a writer, editor and long-time Limelight reader whose books include 33 1/3: The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society Thanks to Mike, Steve, Julie, Darryl, Rachel and Joe and DJ Ivan for making the XTC Convention go with such a swing. Look out for more convention plans on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2657989814274246/ The comedians also make an appearance in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls, which you can buy along with What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book at https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

"I still think XTC are one of the best bands ever," says Hugh Padgham – and he should know: he's worked with everyone from David Bowie to Brian Wilson, Kate Bush and The Police. Having enjoyed his earliest successes as sound engineer on Drums and Wires and Black Sea, and co-producer on English Settlement, he says XTC continue to hold a special place in his heart. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Black Sea on 12 September 2020, Padgham joins guitarist Dave Gregory for a special 90-minute edition of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast. They talk about the clanking anvils of Towers of London, the one-note solo of Love at First Sight and the slow-build tension of No Language in Our Lungs. "We were always thinking progressively and pushing ourselves," says Gregory. Questions about this landmark album come from Mark Fisher, David White and Mark Reed, with additional commentary from David Yazbek. Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Illustrator and graphic designer Andrew Swainson has been collaborating with Andy Partridge for over 20 years. As well as working on XTC and Dukes of Stratosphear re-releases, such as Skylarking and The Complete and Utter Dukes, he helped create the distinctive look of records including:Powers, Partridge's tribute to abstract electronic artist Richard M Power, made to look like an early 60s paperback bookWarm Robot by Jen Olive, with its sci-fi fold-out sleeveGonwards, by Peter Blegvad and Andy Partridge, complete with Mexican-style loteria card gameOrpheus: The Lowdown, another Blegvad/Partridge collaboration, with its haunting X-ray imageryFuzzy Warbles, the gorgeous compendium of unreleased XTC rarities In this episode, Swainson joins XTC fans Mark Fisher, Sarah Crookall, Laura Wade, David White and Peter Mills – not to mention a brief visit by Andy Partridge – to talk about his mesmerising designs.More about Andrew Swainson at https://www.andrewswainson.com/Remember to subscribe to What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast on your favourite podcast app – and please support future episodes by donating at https://www.patreon.com/markfisherTreat yourself to The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book, both available at https://www.xtclimelight.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Guitarist and keyboard player Dave Gregory talks about his contribution to the sound of XTC. In conversation with musician Hugh Nankivell, he reflects on the smell of guitars, playing an idolised instrument on Skylarking and the joy of making music with Colin Moulding and Andy Partridge. Recorded at home in Swindon in March 2018, the interview appears in full in What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jordan Cooper of Don't Let's Start: A Podcast About They Might Be Giants joins Mark Fisher, Mark Reed and David White to talk about the connections between XTC, TMBG and Adam and the Ants. In a freewheeling conversation, they explore the head versus the heart, intellect versus instinct, and content versus form. Along the way, Andy Partridge drops by to share his opinions about Adam and the Ants and They Might Be Giants and remembers how XTC caught the eye of John Peel.Thanks to the good people at Sodajerker for the KT Tunstall extract (listen to the full podcast here: https://www.sodajerker.com/episode-160-kt-tunstall/)Support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher and read about XTC in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available at www.xtclimelight.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

To cheer us up during the Covid-19 lockdown, Andy Partridge pays a call to What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast with the promise that Everything'll Be Alright. He talks to author Mark Fisher with characteristic wit and candour about the power of XTC as a live band, the chords for Roads Girdle the Globe and how Yacht Dance was nearly a song about bees. Essential listening for every XTC fan, this episode will leave you Burning With Optimism's Flames. Please support at Patreon and check out Mark Fisher's books, The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Author Andrew M Stafford talks about Breathing the Same Air, his memoir of his time with XTC during the making of The Big Express at Crescent Studios in Bath. Belinda Blanchard, who had her own brush with XTC when she starred in the video for Dear God, previews her performance at the XTC Convention 2020. Mark Fisher, Mark Reed and David White join in the chat – and Andy Partridge supplies the jingles. Support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Giving a first listen to Garden of Earthly Delights: An XTC Celebration (Futureman Records), XTC fans Mark Fisher, David White and Mark Reed talk about: Don't Lose Your Temper covered by Derrick AndersonYour Dictionary covered by Mark McCriteLife Begins at the Hop covered by the Kickstand BandSeagulls Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her covered by Casper Fandango & His Tiny Sick TearsRunaways covered by I Think Like MidnightWe're All Light covered by Anton BarbeauBattery Brides covered by CinderpopMy Bird Performs covered by Myrtle Park's Fishing Club Special guest Colin Moulding from XTC adds his thoughts about cover bands, My Bird Performs and X-Wires as covered by the Pop Up Book. Futureman label boss Keith Klingensmith talks about putting the album together here: http://xtcbumperbookoffunforboysandgirls.blogspot.com/The show is created by Mark Fisher, editor of The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book – details here: https://www.xtclimelight.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★