reconciler

Sometimes a perfect album is perfect for reasons that aren't too difficult to explain.

Every melody is great. All the guitar work is great. Every individual song stands out with its own defining qualities and is sequenced in a way that keeps the album engaging.

It's that simple folks... go give it a listen.

Surprisingly underrated on this website -- great song after great song from a band that seemingly could do no wrong in the early to mid 80s. Many of the songs here are underground indie classics (Crystal Ball, Vasco Da Gama, Sunlight Bathed...) interspersed with gorgeous instrumentals which showcase a large range of influences.

This album (along with Black Sea and Oranges and Lemons) makes a strong case that XTC were the Beatles of the 1980s.

This is likely my favorite album from the 2000s. This is also likely some of the best lyricism I've seen across any album or any genre. Land Locked Blues feels like classical literature with every line feeling like it surpasses the previous. Most songs on here, especially highlights At the Bottom of Everything and 'First Day of My Life are incredibly catchy, memorable and emotional. We Are Nowhere and Its Now is just a pure gut-punch with a beautiful yet raw atmosphere. Despite how minimal the ... read more