X-Ray Spex/Germ Free Adolescents (1978)

An English punk band formed in London in 1976, X-Ray Spex's only original album (#30 on the UK album charts). Pop-oriented punk featuring saxophone and Poly Styrene's hightoned female vocals. One of the London punk classics. Includes the singles, "The Day the World Turned Day-Glo/I Am a Poseur" (#23 on the UK charts), "Identity/Let's Submerge" (#24) and "Germ Free Adolescents/Age" (#19). All the songs written by Poly Styrene. The 2005 CD reissue includes 11 bonus tracks, including the first single "Oh Bondage, Up Yours!/I Am a Cliché". Recommended to those who like Buzzcocks, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Blondie.

XTC/Go 2 (1978) *

2nd album. Techno-pop-punk style. Barry Andrews (keyboards) left the band after this album was released.

XTC/Drums and Wires (1979) *

Their pop songwriting came into bloom on a full scale in this 3rd album. Produced by Steve Lillywhite.

XTC/Black Sea (1980) *

4th album. Avant-garde British pop. Dubby beats.

XTC/English Settlement (1982) *

A masterpiece of the time they stopped live concerts and were devoted to studio recordings. Elaborate sounds. A gem of British pop.

XTC/Mummer (1983) **

Acoustic-oriented sounds. The melody lines are excellent. Includes "Wonderland".

XTC/The Big Express (1984) *

Aggressive, muscular pop album.

XTC/Skylarking (1986) *

Over-produced by Todd Rundgren, but highly recommended to the public.