Complicated Game: Inside the Songs of XTC

Description: Complicated Game: Inside the Songs of XTC PRODUCT DETAILS: Product Description "I like accidents. I like to put myself in the way of musical harm. I like being at the wheel of that musical car, and aiming it at the wall, just to see what shape the car's going to come out. It might come out an interesting shape that would have taken me forever to decide on otherwise." Complicated Game offers unique insight into the work of XTC founder Andy Partridge, one of Britain's most original and influential songwriters. It is also an unprecedentedly revealing and instructive guide to how songs and records are made. Developed from a series of interviews conducted over many months, it explores in detail some thirty of Partridge's songs - including such well-known singles as 'Senses Working Overtime' and the controversial 'Dear God' - from throughout XTC's thirty-year career, as well as an extensive interview dedicated solely to the art and craft of songwriting. While the interviews cast new light on the writing of lyrics, the construction of melodies and arrangements, the process of recording, and the workings of the music industry, they are also filled with anecdotes about Partridge, his XTC bandmates, and their adventures around the world - all told with the songwriter's legendary humour. This fascinating book also includes pages from Partridge's songwriting notebooks and reproductions of his original artwork designs; a guided tour of his hometown of Swindon; and a foreword by Steven Wilson, the guitarist, songwriter, and record producer best known as the founder and leader of Porcupine Tree. Review "Chock full of fascinating information from the mind of one of the most brilliant songwriters of our time. No one else does what Master Partridge does. This book tells us why." - ADRIAN BELEW (KING CRIMSON, DAVID BOWIE, TALKING HEADS) "Delving deeply into history, process, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics, this vivid and insightful tome contains the very conversation I wish I could have with Supreme Musical Strategist Partridge. He and Todd Bernhardt have handed us a treasure trove of juicy detail that is easily the ultimate XTC geek-fest!" - GREGG BENDIAN (ORNETTE COLEMAN, TODD RUNDGREN, ZOOT HORN ROLLO) "A phenomenal blow-by-blow account of the behemoth that is the XTC scrapbook. As a teenager, I was knocked out from note one by Andy Partridge Co. From the blistering, amphetamine-paced early records, to the slanted perfection of Black Sea, Mummer, The Big Express, and so on - these records illustrate the endless possibilities of recorded music. The exceptional song craft and emotional range rarely give you what you expect, which is something I always appreciated. I owe a tremendous debt to Andy for his lead-by-example definition of a true maverick. Read this book." - JASON FALKNER (JELLYFISH, THE GRAYS, BECK) "Like Todd, I LOVE XTC! I had the pleasure of seeing the band twice in 1980, and later had the unique opportunity of spending weeks with them in the studio. (Dare I say, it was almost like being in the band!) I know first-hand how obscenely brilliant these gents are, and take great delight in reading the details of songs that meant so much to me. This great reference book is going on the shelf next to my dictionary. Vive la XTC!!!!" -PAT MASTELOTTO (MR. MISTER, KING CRIMSON, XTC) "Todd's book has gone into some serious detail here-it is indeed a 'good read'. Recording Nonsuch was a career highlight for me; I'd have to have been an idiot to screw up material as great as that! A big 'thank you' to XTC for asking me to play with them - 'twas a real pleasure." - DAVE MATTACKS (FAIRPORT CONVENTION, NICK DRAKE, XTC) "If you think you know what makes Andy Partridge tick-and if you believe you're read, heard and/or gleaned everything there is to know about the music of XTC-prepare to have that belief system blown to smithereens. Every one of these gloriously comprehensive interviews is loaded with valuable information that will deepen and enhance your understanding of this fascinating ma Features: PUBLISHERS GROUP UK PAYMENT SHIPPING RETURNS We only accept payment through PayPal. This is to ensure that all of our buyers qualify for eBay Buyer Protection. Most orders are shipped within 1-2 business days with standard shipping and tracking. A tracking number will be posted as soon as the item has shipped. Please make sure to provide the correct shipping address during checkout as the address cannot be changed afterwards. We are not responsible for any incorrect or undeliverable addresses. We do not ship to PO/APO Boxes. We offer easy returns on most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

Price: 20.79 USD

Location: Jenks, Oklahoma

End Time: 2025-01-01T01:17:41.000Z

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