From handing a tape to John Peel to encouraging Colin Moulding to write songs, Steve Warren is a key part of the XTC story. In a fascinating interview, he recalls befriending Andy Partridge as a child, working as a roadie for the Helium Kidz and touring the world with XTC.

Also in this episode, Gaz Barrett describes how he commissioned a mural of English Settlement in the centre of Swindon.

Artist Dayna Baxter on Instagram 

Music from Garry Perkins on Soundcloud 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

XTC fans were out in force at the Neo-Ancients festival in Stroud, Gloucestershire on Saturday 4 May 2024 when producer Hugh Padgham joined festival co-director Ben Wardle to talk about XTC’s English Settlement.

Your dedicated podcast host, Mark Fisher, was on hand with his trusty tape recorder to share it with you. Hugh talks about drunken jam sessions, Andy Partridge as a sumo wrestler and creating the flange effect on Jason and the Argonauts, as well as taking questions from the audience.

Music courtesy of Knight in Shining Karma Robert Lawlor. 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Andy Partridge and Stu Rowe have been working together  since the recording of Monstrance in 2006. Andy then produced Jen Olive's album Warm Robot in 2009 and Stu produced Jen's album The Breaks in 2013. Somewhere in between all that they laid down a series of  improvisatory ideas that have become The 3 Clubmen EP.

In this third episode, XTC's Andy Partridge talks about the unexpected joys of collaboration, the secret origins of Meccanik Dancing and his latest songwriting partnerships.

The 3 Clubmen EP is released 30 June 2023 and available from Burning Shed

The 3 Clubmen

Stu Rowe 

Jen Olive

Andy Partridge's Ape House on Burning Shed 

Music courtesy of Mario Rodríguez Centeno, from La Jvnta 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Ten years ago Stu Rowe, Jen Olive and XTC's Andy Partridge started working on material which, after all these years, is finally – and gloriously seeing the light of day. To celebrate the arrival of The 3 Clubmen, we're talking to each of the brilliant musicians in turn.

This week, Jen Olive talks about the genesis of the 3 Clubmen EP as well as working with Andy Partridge on her album Warm Robot and with Stu Rowe on The Breaks.

The 3 Clubmen EP is released 30 June 2023 and available from Burning Shed https://burningshed.com/the-3-clubmen_the-3-clubmen-ep_cd

• The 3 Clubmen https://www.facebook.com/the3clubmen
• Stu Rowe https://www.facebook.com/stu.rowe.3
• Jen Olive https://www.facebook.com/jen.olive.5
• Andy Partridge's Ape House on Burning Shed https://burningshed.com/store/ape

Music courtesy of Mark Sander and Cone of Silence whose album Sixty-Grit Sandpaper and Other Delights can be streamed on major platforms including Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/2NScWtLyNgLkSzsOddYCCC

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

It's the music we've been awaiting for a decade – and now it's out! Stu Rowe, Jen Olive and Andy Partridge have gone public with The 3 Clubmen and their very wonderful eponymous four-track EP is released at the end of June. But with three such gifted musicians to choose from, what's a humble podcaster to do?

There can be only one answer: three weekly podcasts!

In the first episode, Stu Rowe talks about working with XTC's Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding, Terry Chambers, Barry Andrews and Dave Gregory, as well as Jen Olive and most musicians in Swindon.

The 3 Clubmen EP is released 30 June 2023 and available from Burning Shed https://burningshed.com/the-3-clubmen_the-3-clubmen-ep_cd

• The 3 Clubmen https://www.facebook.com/the3clubmen
• Stu Rowe https://www.facebook.com/stu.rowe.3
• Jen Olive https://www.facebook.com/jen.olive.5
• Andy Partridge's Ape House on Burning Shed https://burningshed.com/store/ape 
• Music courtesy of Joel Bell https://soundcloud.com/joel-bell-4/sets/limelight-fuzzy-warbles-for-mark-f

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Oh we do like to be beside the B-sides. In this month’s episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, Mia Rankin, Ashley LeCron, Crawford Blair and Mark Fisher pick their favourite non-album songs , ranging from She's So Square to The World Is Full of Angry Young Men.

Music provided by Jeff Nicholson.

The episode was inspired by Mia’s ranking of all XTC B-sides on her Dead Letter Offices substack

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

What happens when a Christian, a Humanist and a Buddhist congregate to talk about the songs of XTC? Will they give praise? Or will they be torn asunder? 

David White, Belinda Blanchard and Ash Jñānagarbha share a pew with Mark Fisher to discuss Dear God, Dying, The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead, Easter Theatre, The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul, Scatter Me and Senses Working Overtime.

Music by Christopher Underwood and 5 Guys Named Lars

Ash Jñānagarbha

Belinda Blanchard in Dear God

David White's S.C.R.A.P.E.S

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

In the second of a two-part conversation for What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, five fans, journalists and photographers recall what it was like to witness XTC explode onto the scene. On 20 January 1978, XTC released their debut album, White Music, setting our radios in motion for the next 45 years.

Tony Mitchell, editorial staffer on Sounds, followed XTC to Hamburg, Amsterdam and Japan. Photographer Jill Furmanovsky was on the same trip to Hamburg in 1978 and subsequent publicity sessions. Beverley Glick, who wrote for Sounds under the name of Betty Page, joined XTC in New York in 1980. Paul Burgess and Andy Poulton were at school at Headlands in Swindon, where the caretaker was Colin Moulding's dad.

Music by Warren Butson.

XTC's White Music: 45 years on (part one)

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Paul Burgess

This Is Hardcore 

Warren Butson

Helter Skelter 

Jill Furmanovsky

Website 

Rock Archive 

Swindon Works: XTC 1978 Hanging Around books 

Beverley Glick
Website

Tony Mitchell

Website  

Andy Poulton

Website

Sounds Clips 

Twitter

On 20 January 1978, XTC released their debut album with its defiant cry of This Is Pop! In the first of a two-part conversation for What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, five fans, journalists and photographers recall what it was like to witness XTC explode onto the scene with White Music.

Tony Mitchell, editorial staffer on Sounds, followed XTC to Hamburg, Amsterdam and Japan. Photographer Jill Furmanovsky was on the same trip to Hamburg in 1978 and subsequent publicity sessions. Beverley Glick, who wrote for Sounds under the name of Betty Page, joined XTC in New York in 1980. Paul Burgess and Andy Poulton were at school at Headlands in Swindon, where the caretaker was Colin Moulding's dad.

Music by Jon Bicknell.

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Jon Bicknell

Drums and Wires UK

That Sfumato Effect

Paul Burgess

This Is Hardcore

Jill Furmanovsky

Website

Rock Archive

Swindon Works: XTC 1978 Hanging Around books 

Beverley Glick

Website

Tony Mitchell

Website

Andy Poulton

Website 

Sounds Clips 

Twitter 

Illustration: Ashley LeCron

In October 2020, we handed over What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast to a bunch of fans in their 20s. Time has passed and we're ready to hear from an even newer generation of XTC fans who are as wise and articulate as the last. 

In a lively conversation, Ashley LeCron, Lexie Ward, Lee Saunders and Lewis Wilkinson share their enthusiasm not only for XTC but also the bands that led them to discover XTC.

And because it's that time of year, they are in party spirit.

They've even put together a companion playlist.

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Picture © Lou Dommett Young

What was it like to be on the road with one of the hardest working bands of the late 70s and early 80s? We find out from four veterans of XTC's touring years: drummer Terry Chambers, journalist Allan Jones and roadies Pete Dewhirst and Steve Warren. 

Many thanks to Mike Smith and Steve Manning and the other XTC Convention organisers for making it all possible.

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Picture © Lou Dommett Young

One of the many highlights of the 2022 XTC Convention in Swindon was an in-depth interview with producer John Leckie. Talking to co-organiser Darryl Bullock, he recalled his formative studio experience working with former members of the Beatles and the excitement of going into the studio with XTC for their first two albums. 

After that came the sonic experiments of Go+ and Take Away/The Lure of Salvage and, of course, 25 O’Clock and Psonic Psunspot for the Dukes of Stratosphear.

Many thanks to Darryl for conducting the interview and sound engineer Paul Bullimore who made the audio possible – not just for this but the whole weekend.

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Terry Chambers and EXTC are back on the road and they are sounding fantastic. In this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, we catch up with Terry, Steve Hampton and Terry Lines at the start of a tour that will take in more than 20 dates in the USA, from Philadelphia to Virginia, and further gigs and festivals in the UK throughout the summer.

EXTC website 

Music from Felix von Boxberg 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

As they prepare for one last run around the block, the members of Fossil Fools, the UK's longest running tribute to XTC, talk about their origins, their famous fans and their appearance at the XTC Convention 2022.

Under Mark Fisher's intense questioning about their final set list, Terry Arnett (drums), Ed Percival (guitar), Dan Farmer (keyboard) and Matt Bell (bass) stay tight-lipped.

• XTC Convention, Friday 16–Sunday 18 September 2022
• The Water Rats, Gray's Inn Road, London, 29 October 2022 
• The Vic, Swindon, 25 November 2022 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

It takes seven musicians to reproduce the sound of XTC when the fantastic Scarecrow People take to the stage. In this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, we talk to three of them about keeping the XTC flame alive in Australia. 

As they prepare for their next gig at Camelot Lounge, Marrickville on 29 October 2022, Les Rankin (guitar), John Encarnacao (guitar) and Rob Child (bass) talk about set lists, musicianship and last-minute line-up changes.

More about Scarecrow People

More about The Nature Strip

Scarecrow People play Scarecrow People

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

In this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, we dig deep into the centre of the songs of XTC with a celebration of some of the band's best middle eights – and there are a lot to choose from.

The musically minded XTC fans picking their favourites are:

• Crawford "Me and the Wind" Blair
• Kavus "Jason and the Argonauts" Torabi
• Sarah "I Can't Own Her" Palmer
• Laurie "I Wonder Why the Wonderfalls" Langan
• David "No Language in our Lungs" White
• Mark "Pale and Precious" Fisher

Supplying the new music is Gary O'Donnell.

More from Crawford Blair

More from Kavus Torabi

More from Sarah and Laurie from Fassine 

More from David White

More from Gary O'Donnell's The Forever Behaviours

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

And thanks to David White for the artwork.

What was it like being the eight-year-old asked to sing on XTC’s landmark album? Thirty-five years after recording Dear God, Jasmine Veillette looks back at the making of Skylarking with studio manager Ralph Legnini.

And, in a podcast exclusive, the two of them reveal their plans to re-record Dear God with the support of a crowdfunding campaign (details to follow).

Asking the questions in this month's episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast are Leslie Gooch and Mark Fisher. Supplying the new music is Craig Stevens.

Follow Jasmine Veillette 

Catch up with Ralph Legnini 

Listen to Not a Loan by Craig Stevens 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

In this month's episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, we reassess XTC's most frequently neglected album in the company of some of its biggest fans.

Mummer is the eleventh in a series of XTC classics to be issued on 200g vinyl. Joining in the celebrations are sound engineer Crawford Blair, who was briefly a member of the XTC cover band X-sTatiC, Sean McGhee, who is a singer, songwriter and Alison Moyet's musical director and Tim Bowness, who as well as being a musician, is co-host of The Album Years podcast with Steven Wilson and co-founder of Burning Shed, the online record shop. 

All this, plus new music from Chris Badley and Dave Marson aka Foolish Men.

Order the re-release of Mummer on 200g vinyl

Order Butterfly Mind by Tim Bowness

Listen to Round and Around by Foolish Men

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

In this month's episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, we're thinking about XTC music played live – in the past and the present.

Bass player Matt Hughes talks about joining EXTC and discovering the XTC catalogue, as he hits the road with Terry Chambers' band. Margaret Brown and Julie Matthews ask the questions. Julie also talks about the forthcoming XTC convention.

Meanwhile, John Heath recalls seeing XTC in 1979 and Kevin Chanel describes their very last gig in San Diego in 1982.

All this, plus new music from Garry Perkins.

Keep up to date with EXTC

Check out the XTC Convention 2022

Listen to What Do You Call That Noise? by Garry Perkins

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

It was 18 March 1982 at La Palace in Paris when Andy Partridge left the stage for the last time, overwhelmed by the pressures of relentless touring and Valium withdrawal.

Until that point, XTC were one of the hardest working live bands on the circuit and in this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, music journalists David Nolan and Mick Middles remember what it was like to see them. They are joined by Brenna Ehrlich, senior news editor at Rolling Stone magazine, and Mark Fisher.

• Music provided by David White: listen to Still Got It on Soundcloud
• Brenna Ehrlich's Killing Time available here
• More on David Nolan here
• More on Mick Middles here

Further reading in What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

On 12 February 1982, XTC's English Settlement was released. Forty years on, What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast reunites guitarist Dave Gregory and co-producer Hugh Padgham to look back at the recording of one of the greatest ever double albums. They talk about favourite songs, hanging out at the Manor and Andy Partridge's after-hours tomfoolery.

Asking the questions are Mark Fisher and Sue Charles. Musical interlude by Ed Stainsby.

Further reading in What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

What does the Bishop of Leeds think of All of a Sudden? What does Pat Kane of Hue and Cry make of Leisure? What can classicist Charlotte Higgins tell us about Jason and the Argonauts?

It's the 40th anniversary of XTC's English Settlement and, in the first of two special birthday episodes, What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast asks the experts to guide us through the album track by track.

Every guest is a specialist in the theme of each song – and every one of them responds with enthusiasm and insight. Essential listening!

Featuring:

• Runaways: Sarah Smith, CEO, Link Living
• Ball and Chain: Noel Ponting, writer, Swindon Heritage 
• Senses Working Overtime: James Wannerton, president, UK Synaesthesia Association 
• Jason and the Argonauts: Charlotte Higgins, journalist and author, Greek Myths: A New Retelling 
• No Thugs in our House: Nigel Fielding, emeritus professor and author, The National Front 
• Yacht Dance: Helen Horsfall, Royal Forth Yacht Club 
• All of a Sudden: Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, and author of Finding Faith: Stories of music and life 
• Melt the Guns: The Gun Control Network 
• Leisure: Pat Kane, writer, musician and futurist,  author of The Play Ethic 
• It’s Nearly Africa: Carl Honoré, writer, broadcaster and TED speaker, author of In Praise of Slow 
• Knuckle Down: Lucy Robinson, professor in collaborative history and founding organiser of the Network for Subcultures, Popular Music and Social Change 
• Fly on the Wall: Shahrar Ali, Green Party spokesperson policing and domestic safety  
• Down in the Cockpit: Pat Thane, professor in contemporary British history and author of Sinners? Scroungers? Saints? Unmarried Motherhood in Twentieth-Century England 
• English Roundabout: Jane Milner-Barry, Swindon Borough councillor, opposition spokesperson for climate and transport, and parish councillor
• Snowman: Sue Charles, BBC Wales journalist, weather presenter and DJ  

Further reading in What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

What is the holy grail for the XTC completist? Is it the 7in Science Friction with picture sleeve? Or is it the 7in Wrapped in Grey that was never officially released? Or perhaps it's a one-of-a-kind poster from the days of Star Park.

In this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, dedicated collectors Darryl Bullock and Per Aronsson show each other their XTC treasures and discuss their most prized possessions. What is the rarest of them all?

Mark Fisher and Leslie Gooch get top collecting tips and Chez Preston gives the drink recommendation.

This episode is available in video and audio formats.

See more of Darryl Bullock's XTC collection here: https://www.instagram.com/my_xtc_collection

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls (nearly sold out) and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

In the 50th episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, we go back to the formative years of XTC in the company of Ian Doeser and Lee Moulding. As well as being front man with the Hamsters from Hell, Ian was in Swindon’s first punk band, the Aggravators, and has been sharing his memories of XTC and others in a book, A Big Fish in a Small Puddle. As well as being Ian’s drummer, Lee has a lifetime of memories growing up as a child of XTC.

Music courtesy of Beth Link.

A Big Fish in a Small Puddle available on Amazon 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Nick Heyward first saw XTC at the Croydon Greyhound in 1978, two days after the release of White Music. The Haircut 100 frontman has been a fan ever since.

Thomas Walsh has written with Andy Partridge and collaborated with Dave Gregory. He also appeared on Colin Moulding's Say It.

The two musicians talk about meeting their heroes, the collaborations that nearly happened and those that might happen yet...

Mark Fisher and Kevin Birt ask the questions. Florrie Thomas gives the drink recommendation.

Nick Heyward's website

Thomas Walsh and Pugwash

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls (nearly sold out) and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

After being delayed 18 months by the pandemic, Terry Chambers is finally out on the road, giving XTC classics the live airing they deserve with his new band EXTC. The drummer is our very special guest on this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast along with bandmate, frontman and all-round multitasker Steve Tilling.

We also hear from fans who caught the band's gig at the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth on 7 September 2021.

Drink recommendation from Karen Neill.

Mark Fisher's review of the gig is here

Follow EXTC on Facebook

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support on Patreon 

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

Picture: Lou Dommett Young

Headphones at the ready as audio-guru Steven Wilson talks to What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast about his stereo mixes and 5.1 surround versions of XTC classics.

Quizzed by three Marks – Fisher, Reed and Smotroff – the Porcupine Tree musician takes a deep dive into Drums and Wires, Black Sea, Skylarking, Oranges and Lemons and Nonsuch– not forgetting the Dukes of Stratosphear.

In a fascinating conversation, Wilson also reflects on his remixing work for Tears for Fears, Yes, King Crimson and Jethro Tull.

This episode's drink recommendation comes from Marianna Silva.

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

To mark the release of My Failed Songwriting Career Volume One, XTC's Andy Partridge talks about writing to order, the collaborations that work – and those that don't – and the perils of being a songwriter for hire.

As well as sharing insights into the four songs on the first EP, the XTC frontman gives a sneak preview of the four that follow on Volume Two.

Mark Fisher asks the questions and Rachel Treffry provides the drink recommendation.

My Failed Songwriting Career is available from shops including Burning Shed 

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com

If you’ve enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher 

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

To mark the release of The Hardest Battle (2 July 2021), the mighty Colin Moulding talks about being true to himself, avoiding cliches and fighting off being beige.

The XTC bassist and songwriter reveals the inspiration behind his first solo single since 1980's Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen to Mark Fisher, Sarah Palmer and Peter Mills, who ask:

·      Who are his favourite poets? 

·      What makes him cry? 

·      Analogue or digital? 

As well as The Hardest Battle, Colin remembers Say It, Bungalow, Boarded Up, Scatter Me and Dying, not to mention playing live with Terry Chambers.

Drink recommendation from Kate Catalina.

The Hardest Battle is available here 

The Monkees, Head and the 60s by Peter Mills is available here

Fassine featuring Sarah Palmer hang out here

Kate Catalina does stuff here

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

In this second deep dive into XTC's lyrical references, we talk about the flora and fauna of River of Orchids, the one-way traffic of English Roundabout and the coastal retreat of Bungalow.

In a lively and, above all, morally uplifting discussion, we swing from the suburban angst of New Town Animal to the assembly-hall nostalgia of Harvest Festival.

Comparing notes are Mark Fisher, Belinda Blanchard, Peter Mills, Sandy Leffew and Ami Parkerson.

The fabulous musical soundtrack comes courtesy of Sarah Palmer and Lotte Fisher, who also provides the episode illustration. Drink tips from Donna Rees. 

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

After enjoying a stateside hit with The Freshmen in 1997, Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe got the chance to write with his hero Andy Partridge. His band had already recorded a cover of Wake Up (and an unreleased Blue Beret) and now he'd fly to Swindon to co-write Blow You Away.

It's a story he tells in Go Further: More Literary Appreciations of Power Pop (Rare Bird Lit, 2021), an anthology of essays about everyone from Squeeze to Teenage Fanclub and the Ramones.

In this episode of What Do You Call That Noise?, Vander Ark joins co-editor Paul Myers and power-pop fan Melanie (@mixtape64) to talk about harmony, songwriting and their love of XTC. Mark Fisher is the host.

Find out more at:

• Brian Vander Ark
• The Record Store Day Podcast with Paul Myers 
• The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

With their allusions to town and country, chalkhills and steam trains, XTC have deep Swindon roots. But how well do their references travel? 

In the first of two episodes exploring XTC's Wiltshire worldview, we look at the influence of British nursery rhymes on songs ranging from Ladybird to We're All Light, Ballet for a Rainy Day and Brainiac's Daughter. 

Sharing their UK expertise are Belinda Blanchard and Peter Mills, while our American cousins Sandy Leffew and Ami Parkerson talk about British invasions and exotic accents. Mark Fisher is the host.

The fabulous musical soundtrack comes courtesy of Sarah Palmer and Lotte Fisher, who also provides the episode illustration.

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

"You think they're going to zig and they zag," says Ami Parkerson about XTC. In this multinational episode, our guest presenter introduces fellow fans Orit Friedland, Ondine PM, Ursula Marie and Leslie Randall to talk about Ladybird, Church of Women, Take This Town, The Last Balloon and The Mayor of Simpleton – not to mention The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets.

Elsewhere, Cathy Forster shares a top drinking tip, while young XTC fans Esther and Arthur talk about the wide range of XTC songs they love – with English-language voiceovers by Polly and Hamish, courtesy of Strange Town theatre 

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

Guest presenter Kevin Winser discovers XTC are as good to read about as they are to listen to as he chats to three of the authors who have put the band in print.

This episode features Chris Twomey, author of XTC: Chalkhills and Children, "the definitive biography", Todd Bernhardt, co-author with Andy Partridge of Complicated Game: Inside the Songs of XTC, and Mark Fisher, editor of Limelight, the 1980s fanzine, The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book.

Elsewhere, young XTC fans Esther and Arthur pick some of their favourite songs – with English-language voiceovers by Polly and Hamish, courtesy of Strange Town theatre.

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of XTC’s landmark album Apple Venus Volume I, producer Haydn Bendall talks to What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast about the fraught recording sessions that nonetheless resulted in such majestic songs as River of Orchids, Easter Theatre and Greenman.

“The songs were fabulous,” he says. “I loved the songs.”

Fellow producer Guy Sigsworth joins Mark Fisher to ask the questions.

• The Real Numbers 
• Haydn Bendall 
• Guy Sigsworth 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

More than 40 years after its release, Making Plans for Nigel is still haunting the imagination. In this episode, Tom Clarke, formerly of The Enemy, explains why he has brought Colin Moulding's character into the 21st century on The Chronicles of Nigel. He's joined by Laurie Nankivell who talks about the influence of XTC on Squid, whose song Houseplants namechecks Making Plans for Nigel.

This episode also features Alex Parkinson introducing Making Pints for Nigel, a beer by Alphabet Brewing. And we hear from young drummer Lucas making an excellent attempt at the Terry Chambers pattern for Making Plans for Nigel. 

Mark Fisher and Laura Wade ask the questions.

More about Making Pints for Nigel

More about Squid

More about Tom Clarke and The Chronicles of Nigel

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

The festive fun continues with the second Yuletide episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast. The conversation continues as Andy Partridge and Chris Butler take us through some of their favourite seasonal songs. 

Amid the sleigh bells and trumpets, you can hear about a Captain Beefheart song that never was, the secret of the Zippy zither and John Leckie's outrageous story about being in the studio with Phil Spector.

Questions from Mark Fisher, Mark Reed and David White.

Listen along to the accompanying Spotify playlist: A Merry XTCmas 

Catch up with Chris Butler

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

Prepare for a feast of seasonal excess with the first of two festive episodes of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast. 

First up is Martin Newell talking about Christmas in Suburbia and his fantastic Flowers in December EP. 

Then comes Chris Butler of the Waitresses talking about Christmas Wrapping to Andy Partridge who names the XTC song it influenced.

This episode also features a Christmas song from Robert Lawlor and a visit from Rainer Fielder and his children Arthur and Esther. Questions from Mark Fisher, Mark Reed and David White.

Listen along to the accompanying Spotify playlist: A Merry XTCmas

 Visit Martin Newell's website

Catch up with Chris Butler

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

Between 2002 and 2005, X-sTatiC performed 61 XTC songs in the course of eight gigs. Along the way, they picked up famous fans and paved the path for the Fuzzy Warblers and now Fossil Fools. 

Now, for the first time in over ten years, Dan Barrow (guitar), Ed Percival (bass), Adrian Ogden (drums) and Mick Casey (guitar) come together to talk about being unofficial XTC ambassadors as they remember the songs that challenged them and the ones that raised the roof.

More about the band at X-sTatiC and Facebook

This episode also showcases young XTC fans Lucas and Elsie sharing their talents in the Playground.

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

All the guests in this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast are in their 20s. None was even born when Nonsuch was released. Yet all talk with passion and insight about XTC's enduring legacy. 

So what does XTC mean to a young generation of music lovers?

From England, Scotland, Wales and the US, Margaret Brown, Myles Parsons, Huw Thomas, Rachel Treffry and Laura Wade come together to talk about music, art, creativity and the biggest question of all: how to pronounce the word Nihilon.

Listen here to their playlist of music they are enjoying right now: Spotify 

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast brings together fans and musicians alike to celebrate the enduring music of XTC. Every month, we take a fresh look at the band, from the singles to the albums, from the visuals to the personalities. It is witty, surprising and fun.

In this podcast trailer, host Mark Fisher gives a flavour of the episodes as well as introducing The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book, both available at https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

In this special edition of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, recorded live as part of the online XTC Convention on 19 September 2020, author Mark Fisher talks to leading stand-up comedians about their love of XTC. He also gets them to join in some games and make up some nonsense – or do they?

On the panel are: 

·      Joanna Neary, who once performed a pastiche XTC song called Human Farm

·      Stewart Lee, who once met Andy Partridge before a gig in Swindon 

·      Paul Putner, who befriended XTC after compiling a tape of their TV appearances

·      Kevin Eldon, whose love of XTC rivals his quiz-winning obsession with the Beatles

·      Andy Miller, a writer, editor and long-time Limelight reader whose books include 33 1/3: The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society

Thanks to Mike, Steve, Julie, Darryl, Rachel and Joe and DJ Ivan for making the XTC Convention go with such a swing. Look out for more convention plans on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2657989814274246/

The comedians also make an appearance in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls, which you can buy along with What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book at https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

"I still think XTC are one of the best bands ever," says Hugh Padgham – and he should know: he's worked with everyone from David Bowie to Brian Wilson, Kate Bush and The Police. Having enjoyed his earliest successes as sound engineer on Drums and Wires and Black Sea, and co-producer on English Settlement, he says XTC continue to hold a special place in his heart.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Black Sea on 12 September 2020, Padgham joins guitarist Dave Gregory for a special 90-minute edition of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast. They talk about the clanking anvils of Towers of London, the one-note solo of Love at First Sight and the slow-build tension of No Language in Our Lungs. "We were always thinking progressively and pushing ourselves," says Gregory.

Questions about this landmark album come from Mark Fisher, David White and Mark Reed, with additional commentary from David Yazbek. 

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Illustrator and graphic designer Andrew Swainson has been collaborating with Andy Partridge for over 20 years. As well as working on XTC and Dukes of Stratosphear re-releases, such as Skylarking and The Complete and Utter Dukes, he helped create the distinctive look of records including:

• Powers, Partridge's tribute to abstract electronic artist Richard M Power, made to look like an early 60s paperback book
• Warm Robot by Jen Olive, with its sci-fi fold-out sleeve
• Gonwards, by Peter Blegvad and Andy Partridge, complete with Mexican-style loteria card game
• Orpheus: The Lowdown, another Blegvad/Partridge collaboration, with its haunting X-ray imagery
• Fuzzy Warbles, the gorgeous compendium of unreleased XTC rarities 

In this episode, Swainson joins XTC fans Mark Fisher, Sarah Crookall, Laura Wade, David White and Peter Mills – not to mention a brief visit by Andy Partridge – to talk about his mesmerising designs.

More about Andrew Swainson at https://www.andrewswainson.com/

Remember to subscribe to What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast on your favourite podcast app – and please support future episodes by donating at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Treat yourself to The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book, both available at https://www.xtclimelight.com

Guitarist and keyboard player Dave Gregory talks about his contribution to the sound of XTC. In conversation with musician Hugh Nankivell, he reflects on the smell of guitars, playing an idolised instrument on Skylarking and the joy of making music with Colin Moulding and Andy Partridge. Recorded at home in Swindon in March 2018, the interview appears in full in What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

In this month’s episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast we hear from Jason Repantis who works as a manager at the Universal Music Group archives. It was his job to dig out the original tapes of The Big Express for the recent Steven Wilson 5.1 Atmos remix – as well as to locate the original recordings of the 3D EP which has just been released in limited-edition vinyl. Jon Jacques and Mark Fisher ask the questions.

We also join Todd Bernhardt to pay tribute to Wes Long, creator of the Optimism’s Flames website, who died much too soon on 6 December 2023.

Music comes courtesy  of Michael Casey.

Optimism’s Flames website

Wes Long obituary

3D EP at Burning Shed

The Big Express remix at Burning Shed: 

Something Left Worth Saving by Michael Casey and Junglefish

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Jordan Cooper of Don't Let's Start: A Podcast About They Might Be Giants joins Mark Fisher, Mark Reed and David White to talk about the connections between XTC, TMBG and Adam and the Ants. In a freewheeling conversation, they explore the head versus the heart, intellect versus instinct, and content versus form. Along the way, Andy Partridge drops by to share his opinions about Adam and the Ants and They Might Be Giants and remembers how XTC caught the eye of John Peel.

Thanks to the good people at Sodajerker for the KT Tunstall extract (listen to the full podcast here: https://www.sodajerker.com/episode-160-kt-tunstall/)

Support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher and read about XTC in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available at www.xtclimelight.com

To cheer us up during the Covid-19 lockdown, Andy Partridge pays a call to What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast with the promise that Everything'll Be Alright. He talks to author Mark Fisher with characteristic wit and candour about the power of XTC as a live band, the chords for Roads Girdle the Globe and how Yacht Dance was nearly a song about bees. Essential listening for every XTC fan, this episode will leave you Burning With Optimism's Flames. Please support at Patreon and check out Mark Fisher's books, The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book.

Author Andrew M Stafford talks about Breathing the Same Air, his memoir of his time with XTC during the making of The Big Express at Crescent Studios in Bath. Belinda Blanchard, who had her own brush with XTC when she starred in the video for Dear God, previews her performance at the XTC Convention 2020. Mark Fisher, Mark Reed and David White join in the chat – and Andy Partridge supplies the jingles. Support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Giving a first listen to Garden of Earthly Delights: An XTC Celebration (Futureman Records), XTC fans Mark Fisher, David White and Mark Reed talk about: 

• Don't Lose Your Temper covered by Derrick Anderson
• Your Dictionary covered by Mark McCrite
• Life Begins at the Hop covered by the Kickstand Band
• Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her covered by Casper Fandango & His Tiny Sick Tears
• Runaways covered by I Think Like Midnight
• We're All Light covered by Anton Barbeau
• Battery Brides covered by Cinderpop
• My Bird Performs covered by Myrtle Park's Fishing Club 

Special guest Colin Moulding from XTC adds his thoughts about cover bands, My Bird Performs and X-Wires as covered by the Pop Up Book.

Futureman label boss Keith Klingensmith talks about putting the album together here: http://xtcbumperbookoffunforboysandgirls.blogspot.com/

The show is created by Mark Fisher, editor of The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book – details here: https://www.xtclimelight.com