Best XTC Podcasts (2025)

1
Covering XTC with Dan Barrow and Innocents Abroad 1:19:37

6d ago1:19:37

1:19:37

It’s fan festival time again. Coming up on 20–22 June at the Mecca in Swindon, the sold-out 2025 XTC Fan Festival is a chance for friends old and new to come together and share in their love of all things XTC. On the line-up, as well as a trip to the Uffington White Horse, and interviews with Dave Gregory and Hugh Padgham, are performances from sev…

1
Coming Soon: (The Monosyllabic Mini-)Season 2 1:49

2d ago1:49

1:49

We have a clutch of new shows coming very soon with names you might expect...or not.By Sandy Smallens

1
"All The Things You Are" by Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II 59:47

5d ago59:47

59:47

The jazz standard "All The Things You Are" has been performed countless times by master jazz vocalists, 30s big bands, bebop small groups, hard-bop combos, modern deconstructionists, and even soon-to-be Kings of Pop. On this episode, Kirk takes listeners through the history of the now-famous tune, from its humble Broadway origins all the way to his…

1
1983 Part 3 Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", New Order "Blue Monday" & Naked Eyes "Always Something There to Remind Me" 55:36

13d ago55:36

55:36

Send us a text Matt and Sheryl continue with 1983 adding Matt's picks, the Eurythmics breakthrough hit single "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" and the Bacharach/David classic "Always Something There to Remind" me covered by synth pop duo Naked Eyes & Sheryl's pick, the highly influential and biggest selling 12" single of all time, New Order's "Blu…

1
"Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Jim Steinman and Bonnie Tyler 1:00:19

20d ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Turn around... every now and then I get a little lonely and the snare is sounding small Turn around... every now and then I get a little bit tired of listening to the sound of sleigh bells Turn around... every now and then I get a little bit nervous that the cannons will not fire Turn around... ...every now and then Kirk decides to take on a classi…

1
Bluey, Background Jazz, and the 'Best' Metal Guitar Solo 1:08:00

1M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

How should you count The Police's "Bed's Too Big Without You?" Why do so many people revere Marty Friedman's solo on Megadeth's "Tornado of Souls"? What's going on with those pauses during the Bluey theme? And what the heck is that sound on Sly and the Family Stone's "Sex Machine"? Those questions and many more on the first mailbag episode of Seaso…

1
Madison Cunningham on XTC 1:00:35

1M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Twenty-five years after their final album, XTC continue to inspire new generations of musicians. In this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, Grammy Award-winning songwriter Madison Cunningham talks about finding inspiration in River of Orchids, 1000 Umbrellas and Easter Theatre. The musician also talks about her love of a riff,…

1
The Music of the Muppets 1:03:43

2M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Kirk pays a visit the musical world of The Muppets, from their Sesame Street origins in the 60s to the globe-hopping, cinematic heights of the 70s and 80s, with plenty of detours along the way. FEATURING: "Sesame Street Theme" by Joe Raposo, Jon Stone, and Bruce Hart "Mah Na Mah Na" by Piero Umilliani from Sweden: Heaven and Hell "Pinball Number Co…

1
"Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)" by The Mars Volta 59:07

2M ago59:07

59:07

Kirk digs into one of the most dense and challenging records in his collection, with an analysis of "Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)" from The Mars Volta's 2003 progressive rock opus De-Loused in the Comatorium. Written by: Omar Rodríguez-López, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and Jeremy Ward Produced by: Omar Rodríguez-López & Rick Rubin Album: De-Loused in t…

1
The Dukes of Stratosphear (XTC) 40th Anniversary 59:03

2M ago59:03

59:03

How much further up the charts would Senses Working Overtime have climbed if the sleeve had been made of heavier material? What does the finish on the cover of Wait Till Your Boat Goes Down tell us about its sales? In this edition of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, we explore the fascinating relationship between XTC and cardboard in t…

1
"Fast As You Can" by Fiona Apple 52:41

3M ago52:41

52:41

Kirk digs into Fiona Apple's breakneck 1999 single "Fast As You Can," a cornerstone in her late 90s collaborations with Jon Brion, as well as her work with drummer Matt Chamberlain. Written by: Fiona Apple Produced by: Jon Brion Album: When The Pawn..., 1999 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: Jon Brion in Performing Songwriter Mag…

1
1983 Part 2 U2 "New Year's Day" & Echo & the Bunnymen "The Cutter" 52:54

3M ago52:54

52:54

Send us a text Matt & Sheryl add U2 "New Year's Day" and Echo & the Bunnymen "The Cutter" as their first playlist picks for 1983

1
"Where The Streets Have No Name" and "With Or Without You" by U2 59:24

3M ago59:24

59:24

Strong Songs Season Seven kicks off with two of the most famous songs ever recorded, from one of the biggest bands in the world. U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "With or Without You" make up two-thirds of the three-song "suite" of hit singles that kicked off their 1987 album The Joshua Tree. As it turns out, the two songs have a lot to sa…

1
Rick Buckler of the Jam on Terry Chambers and XTC 1:10:57

3M ago1:10:57

1:10:57

To commemorate the death of Rick Buckler on 17 February 2025, this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast features an interview the drummer did with a group of XTC fans and fellow musicians in March 2018. Buckler recorded Sound Affects with the Jam at the same time as XTC were working on Black Sea and, indeed, he joined in with the…

1
“We are the most underrated and yet most important members of any band” with Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) 1:05:22

3M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

Brian Ritchie is our first guest whose primary instrument - the one that helped make his band Violent Femmes a household name - is an acoustic bass. Today we hear how all that came to be, the band’s path from busking on the streets of Milwaukee to rocking stadiums, and why their approach really hasn’t changed all that much. Along the way he tells s…

1
“Cool World” by Chat Pile: The Bass-ic Review 16:04

3M ago16:04

16:04

As we gear up for our next season of Four Strings and the Truth interviews, we’re introducing a new, more bite-sized feature: the Bass-ic Review. This is an analysis of new and recently released albums from the bottom up - i.e., from the point of view of the bass: the playing AND the player. And to kick things off, we’re focusing on the much-antici…

1
Living Between The Songs with Klaus Flouride (Dead Kennedys) 1:00:39

3M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Dead Kennedys - the scabrous, Northern Cali-based band that taught the world how to stage dive - created some of the most indelible anthems in hardcore, naming and shaming those in charge and challenging its audience to face hard truths. The band’s gone through a few line-up changes in its 40+ years, but one constant has been the instrumental inter…

1
Back on His Grind with David Wm. Sims (Jesus Lizard, Scratch Acid, unFact) 52:36

3M ago52:36

52:36

He first caught our ears with the propulsive lines that drove Austin weirdos Scratch Acid; and then David Wm. Sims - and SA vocalist David Yow - decided to set it all on fire, joining forces with guitarist Duane Denison and drummer Mac McNeilly to form noise rock progenitors Jesus Lizard. Now, 26 years after their last studio album, the quartet has…

1
WATT POWER with Mike Watt (Minutemen, fIREHOSE, dos, Il Sogno Del Marinaio, mssv, and a million other groups) 1:05:57

3M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

You didn’t think we were gonna get through this season without a dispatch from the man in the van with a bass in his hand, did you? Coming to us live and shirtless from his home base of San Pedro, CA, Mike opines on the 40th anniversary of post-punk magna carta “Double Nickels on the Dime,” how he learned new ways to collaborate in the wake of band…

1
When Inspiration Strikes with Colin Moulding (XTC, The Dukes of Stratosphear, TC&I) 43:34

3M ago43:34

43:34

In South West England, in a town called Swindon, a group of disaffected youth would come together in the early 70s and create a body of songs over the next few decades whose indelible melodies and incisive lyrics would root themselves in your brain and never leave. Today’s guest, Colin Moulding, shook off XTC’s early affection for dissonance and co…

1
Talking about Bruce Thomas (Elvis Costello & The Attractions) with Dave Derby (Gramercy Arms, The Dambuilders, Lloyd Cole) 45:51

3M ago45:51

45:51

When a planned interview with Bruce Thomas fell through for…reasons, we dusted ourselves off and decided to consult with bassist/songwriter/singer Dave Derby (Gramercy Arms, The Dambuilders), no slouch on the four string himself (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFcGRQROIt0). Dave and I volley our favorite BT performances - too many to name! - and r…

1
Despair, Redemption, Legacy, Family and Keeping Going with Jah Wobble (Public Image Ltd, Invaders of the Heart, etc.) 1:01:42

3M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Generous with his time, expansive with his bass playing, and one of the funniest people I’ve ever spoken with, Jah Wobble sits down with a couple of his favorite basses to discuss the gestalt of his 45 plus years as a bass man and band leader. Musical instigator for the first (and best) couple of albums by John Lydon’s post-Sex Pistols combo Public…

1
A Gentleman and a Ska-ler with Horace Panter (The Specials, General Public, The Dirt Road Band) 42:42

3M ago42:42

42:42

(Do I really need to write any show notes after coming up with that title?) It’s time to pick it up with Horace Panter (nickname: Sir Horace Gentleman), the man whose elastic lines launched generations of skanking acolytes. From their shambolic/iconic “Saturday Night Live” performance in 1980 all the way through waves of reunion tours that ended af…

1
...And Now a Word From The Bass Master General with Karl Alvarez (Descendents, All, Massacre Guys) 48:04

3M ago48:04

48:04

Grab your bonus cups and strap on your ear goggles (kinda mixing band references here) to drink of the wisdom of one Karl Alvarez, the fleet-fingered fellow who anchors and propels power pop deities Descendents (as well as their alter-ego combo, All, who are no longer active). As with many of our show’s guests, you could readily identify any of Kar…

1
Fingers of Fury (Road) with Kira Roessler (Black Flag, dos, AwkWard) 49:30

3M ago49:30

49:30

Providing the rhythmic glue for Black Flag’s mid-80s heyday was just a starting point for bassist/songwriter/singer Kira Roessler. Now, an Oscar- and Emmy-winning dialogue editor (that’s half an EGOT!) based in LA, Kira still finds time - in 30-minute increments - to lay down intricate, dueling bass lines with her sometime bandmate (and ex-husband)…

1
He’s The Man with Graham Maby (Joe Jackson, Marshall Crenshaw, Freedy Johnston, Natalie Merchant) 44:19

3M ago44:19

44:19

Sonic architect Graham Maby joins us to discuss his 50-something year career, which began with him fulfilling Joe Jackson’s vision for a bass-led pop combo, resulting in some of new wave’s most memorable songs. In addition to performing with a veritable Mount Rushmore of power pop auteurs - including Marshall Crenshaw and Freedy Johnston - the UK-t…

1
Feeding the Animal with Joe Lally (Fugazi, The Messthetics, Coriky) 53:43

3M ago53:43

53:43

Beneath Joe Lally’s low-key demeanor beats the heart of an omnivorous low-ender, a restless composer, performer and, most recently, teacher. In an expansive conversation, the man whose bass lines launched 10,000 bands takes us through his musical upbringing, touching on the origins and status of DC hardcore standard-bearers Fugazi, his later-in-lif…

1
Season Seven Announcement! 5:25

3M ago5:25

5:25

Strong Songs Season Seven is now underway! You can listen to the season premiere right now on Patreon, or here in the main feed in two weeks, on March 7. For those next two weeks, sign up to become a patron of the show and use the code "STRONG" and you'll get 80% off your first month. So basically, you can listen to the premiere right now for one d…

1
New Year Bonus - Favorite Albums of 2024 1:12:40

4M ago1:12:40

1:12:40

Send us a text Mike joins Matt & Sheryl to discuss their favorite albums and songs released in 2024

1
A Bunch of Great Music Recommendations 36:07

4M ago36:07

36:07

In between seasons, Kirk re-ran a bunch of old episodes and prefaced each one with a new music recommendation. He's taking those down recasts in preparation for season seven, but it seemed like a good idea to put all the music recommendations in one place. So that's what this episode is! DISCUSSED AND RECOMMENDED: "The Meadow" by Nickel Creek from …

1
Remembering XTC superfan Darryl Bullock (ft artist Ken White) 1:12:09

5M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

Darryl Bullock was a massive fan of XTC, an avid record collector and one of the tireless organisers of the online and in-person XTC fan conventions. He died, way too young, on 23 December 2024. He was such a pillar of the fan community that this month’s episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast is dedicated to him – with thoughts esp…

1
1983 Michael Jackson Thriller and Prince 1999 albums 56:28

5M ago56:28

56:28

Send us a text Matt & Sheryl start a new year with 2 albums released in late 1982 that found their popularity in 1983 and beyond, Michael Jackson's Thriller and Prince's 1999

1
Alles Wat We Vorig Kwartaal Hebben Gelezen – Dit Zijn Onze Keuzes Voor Jou! 1:20:34

5M ago1:20:34

1:20:34

We zijn terug met een nieuwe aflevering van onze boekenclub! In deze aflevering bespreken we alle boeken die we in de afgelopen drie maanden hebben gelezen. Pak je Goodreads er maar bij en voeg deze aanbevelingen toe aan je leeslijst! Bekijk onze solo YouTube kanalen: 👇🏻Charif: https://www.youtube.com/@ItscharifJair: https://www.youtube.com/@JairEm…

1
Remembering Janis Stockhouse, The Great Band Director 56:39

5M ago56:39

56:39

In light of Janis Stockhouse's unexpected death at the tail end of 2024, we're re-posting Kirk's 2019 interview with her for anyone who might want to listen to it. Janis started teaching at North high school in Bloomington, Indiana, in the early 1980s. It was a time when "jazz education" as a concept was still a relatively new thing. She retired 38…

1
#64 1994: Soundgarden, Blur, Oasis, Massive Attack & more 47:10

6M ago47:10

47:10

Back in September we made an appearance at the Haarlem Vinyl Festival for a special live podcast on the year 1994! Here's the second part of an abridged version of the show (we've had to cut out the sections we played music on the turntable due to copyright issues). For 1994, we were both astounded at how many great records we found, both establish…

1
XTC and the music business 1:32:36

6M ago1:32:36

1:32:36

In this edition of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, we go behind the scenes to see how deals get signed, press releases get written and records get released. Joining us are Ronnie Gurr, who went from producing a punk fanzine to working in the Virgin press office; Mike Smith, who signed Andy Partridge to Warner Chappell Music as a songw…

1
1982 Part 9 Elvis Costello "Beyond Belief", Modern English "I Melt With You", John Cougar "Jack & Diane", XTC English Settlement & 1982 wrap up 1:53:44

6M ago1:53:44

1:53:44

Send us a text Matt, Sheryl & Mike wrap up 1982 with Mike's song pick, Elvis Costello "Beyond Belief" and album XTC English Settlement, Matt's final song, John Cougar "Jack & Diane", Sheryl's final song, Modern English "I Melt With You" and all the many near miss songs and albums for the year.By Elvis Costello, XTC, Modern English, John Mellencamp

1
#63 1994: Jeff Buckley, Nine Inch Nails, Aphex Twin & more 40:11

6M ago40:11

40:11

Back in September we made an appearance at the Haarlem Vinyl Festival for a special live podcast on the year 1994! Here's the first part of an abridged version of the show (we've had to cut out the sections we played music on the turntable due to copyright issues). For 1994, we both found a treasure trove of great records. On this first part, we co…

1
#62 1982: The Grand Finale! Rush, Alan Parsons Project, Marillion & more! 55:48

6M ago55:48

55:48

It's the last episode of our series on 1982 and naturally we've saved the best until last. On this extended episode we cover metal, progressive rock, minimal jazz and of course our picks for our favourite and most influential albums from the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Ego Coach: Wat Te Doen Als Je Verliefd Wordt Op Een Ander? Zelfliefde, Datingadvies & Meer! 1:30:21

6M ago1:30:21

1:30:21

In deze aflevering praten we met Marion van Diemen, een ervaren coach met meer dan 30 jaar ervaring in het begeleiden van mensen voorbij het ego. Marion heeft als personal, talenten-, loopbaan-, business- en vergevingscoach honderden mensen geholpen om hun ware potentieel te ontdekken en te verwezenlijken. We bespreken hoe het ego invloed heeft op …

1
Augustus: De Eerste Keizer Van Rome | Martijn Icks 1:48:22

7M ago1:48:22

1:48:22

In deze aflevering praten we met Martijn Icks, docent Oude Geschiedenis aan de Universiteit van Amsterdam, over de eerste keizer van Rome: Augustus. We bespreken hoe Augustus aan de macht kwam en wat zijn belangrijkste strategieën waren. Hoe kreeg hij zoveel invloed in het Romeinse Rijk en wist hij het volk voor zich te winnen? Martijn Icks legt ui…

1
1982 Part 8 Donna Summer "Love is in Control (Finger on the Trigger)" & The Who "Eminence Front" 56:55

7M ago56:55

56:55

Send us a text Matt & Sheryl near the end of 1982 with their penultimate episode bringing back a song they previously discussed featuring the Toto guys backing Donna Summer with Quincy Jones producing and the last great Who single "Eminence Front" along with the album it came from It's Hard and Pete's solo album All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Ey…

1
XTC’s Andy Partridge: the Patreon questions II 1:24:39

7M ago1:24:39

1:24:39

In the second of a special two-part edition of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, supporters on Patreon ask questions they had always wanted Andy Partridge to answer that he never gets asked. The challenge was to come up with questions that would surprise, delight and generally intrigue the XTC frontman. They do not disappoint! The resul…

1
Antoon van Aken: De Ondergang Van Keizer Nero, Huidige Dictators, Hoe Macht Werkt & Meer! 2:02:51

7M ago2:02:51

2:02:51

In deze podcastaflevering duiken we diep in de fascinerende geschiedenis van de val van Nero. Samen met hogeschooldocent en auteur Antoon van Aken onderzoeken we waarom en hoe deze beruchte Romeinse keizer zijn macht verloor. Wat waren de oorzaken van Nero’s ondergang en welke rol speelden zijn tegenstanders, zoals Gaius Julius Vindex en de pretori…

1
#61 (1982 Part 5) Who Changed With The Times? King Crimson, Pete Townshend, Squeeze & more! 35:06

7M ago35:06

35:06

On this week's podcast, we explore which artists in 1982 adapted to the changing musical climate and which stayed true to their own style—with results ranging from mixed on King Crimson’s Beat to the absolutely exceptional All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes by Pete Townshend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
1982 Part 7 Thomas Dolby "She Blinded Me With Science", The English Beat Special Beat Service & one hit wonders with deeper catalogs 1:10:01

7M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Send us a text Matt & Sheryl divert from 1982 and discuss one hit wonders with deeper catalogs that fall within the playlist years of '72 - '99 as well as Sheryl's 1982 playlist song pick, Thomas Dolby "She Blinded Me With Science" and Matt chooses his album for 1982, The English Beat Special Beat Service.…

1
#60 (1982 Part 4) Post-Punk: The Cure, XTC, Cocteau Twins & more! 42:15

8M ago42:15

42:15

On the podcast this week: an album that might just be the most bleak and depressing album ever made (and it's not one by Steven, believe it or not!), plus post-punk releases by Cocteau Twins, Felt, XTC & more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Steven Wilson & Tim Bowness

1
#59 (1982 Part 3) Big Hitters: Queen, Prince, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney & more 38:05

8M ago38:05

38:05

Up for discussion on this week's podcast: mainstream hit records from 1982, with absolutely huge albums by Queen, Michael Jackson, Prince and many more! Coming up next week, albums by The Cure, XTC, Cocteau Twins and more! Buy Tim Bowness' eighth studio album Powder Dry (out now!) here: https://burningshed.com/store/timbowness Get tickets for Steve…

1
Ad van Liempt: Kamp Vught, Nazi Oorlogsmisdaden, Pogingen Om Ze Te Berechten & Meer! 1:30:54

8M ago1:30:54

1:30:54

In deze aflevering duiken we diep in de geschiedenis met Ad van Liempt, een van de meest vooraanstaande Nederlandse historici en journalisten. Hij vertelt over zijn nieuwe boek Wraak op het Verzet, waarin hij de gruwelijke gebeurtenissen reconstrueert die plaatsvonden in de laatste maanden van Kamp Vught, het enige SS-concentratiekamp in Nederland …

1
1982 Part 6 America "You Can Do Magic" & Duran Duran Rio 1:15:34

8M ago1:15:34

1:15:34

Send us a text Matt & Sheryl push through 1982 with one of the last yacht rock songs to chart in the US top 10, America's "You Can Do Magic" and Sheryl's album pick for '82, an album that shook the music world throughout the year and into '83 warranting comparisons to Beatlemania, Duran Duran Rio.

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