{"product_id":"xtc-skylarking-cd","title":"XTC: Skylarking (CD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3DRUnkkjkds?si=9d-WYNxeGH2FjoYj\" height=\"300\" width=\"full\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSkylarking\u003c\/em\u003e is the 1986 album that finally gave XTC a significant profile on American college radio. In the XTC timeline, \u003cem\u003eSkylarking\u003c\/em\u003e slots neatly between \u003cem\u003e25 O’Clock\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003ePsonic Psunspot\u003c\/em\u003e, the EP and album released by the band’s psychedelic alter ego, The Dukes Of Stratosphear; and with hindsight, it seems inarguable that the Dukes’ dilated-pupil worldview and vivid color palette leached into \u003cem\u003eSkylarking\u003c\/em\u003e’s mood of existential wonder and contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe band ended up with an album that radiates warmth, wit, compassion, and unanimity of purpose; one which is often cited, with good reason, as one of the brightest jewels in the XTC crown. The songwriting is next-level, the sequencing is inspired, the musicianship is seamless and the arrangements are both supportive and striking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased on October 27, 1986, \u003cem\u003eSkylarking\u003c\/em\u003e, tacitly acknowledged to be not just one of XTC’s best albums, but one of the best albums ever, modestly nosed into the UK charts for a single week. But bare chart statistics have never reflected XTC’s critical stock and the respect they command in the musical community, far less the undying love they still inspire from a fittingly ecstatic global fanbase. It’s always a special thrill to expose this album to people who haven’t heard it before and register their expressions of rapture and amazement. Try it yourself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSummer's Cauldron\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Meeting Place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThat's Really Super Supergirl\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBallet For A Rainy Day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1000 Umbrellas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeason Cycle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarn Enough For Us\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBig Day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnother Satellite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMermaid Smiled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Man Who Sailed Around His Soul\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSacrificial Bonfire \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDear God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","brand":"Ape House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53946131710298,"sku":"APECD108","price":11.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1481\/5374\/files\/xtc-skylarking_ea9a1b8d-5e46-4005-b4b2-60da0d7751fe.jpg?v=1775559457","url":"https:\/\/freebirdrecords.com\/products\/xtc-skylarking-cd","provider":"Freebird Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}