Chalkhills: The XTC Resource

Updated: 4 April 2021

Top Headlines

Andy Partridge: My Failed Songwriting Career
March 6, 2021: In Episode 28 of The ProgCast, Andy Partridge said he will be releasing 16 "or so" EPs over an unspecified period, containing demos of songs written for other artists, which he's calling My Failed Songwriting Career. Most of the artists requested songs in a certain style (for example, "McCartney", classic rock, folk, Christmas, etc.). Andy would write several songs for them to choose from, and they would pick one, often not the one he thought was the best, leaving him with an enormous backlog of worthy songs. The songs are not about himself, but written to order or, as he says, it's him "in fancy dress." Most of these demos were recorded very quickly, sometimes with the artist present, so he's spending time now "tarting them up" for release, but only the best (in his opinion) of the many demos that were recorded. [Thanks to Tom Demi]
Apple Venus Volume 1 5.1
January 23, 2021: Ape House writes, "Restoration of multi track tapes is underway for the XTC album APPLE VENUS (vol 1). As soon as the cleaning & rebuild finishes, the man with the expert touch, Steven Wilson, will be making a 5.1 & new stereo mix. Another great quality APE release to look forward to". Peckham roses all 'round.
Garden of Earthly Delights
March 15, 2020: Futureman Records released Garden of Earthly Delights - An XTC Celebration on March 6, 2020. All proceeds from the project will benefit The Wild Honey Foundation. The 2 CD set includes 32 tracks, the digital download includes an additional 17 tracks! Performers include Pop 4, The Corner Laughers, Paul Myers, The Anderson Council, Corin Ashley and Cliff Hillis, and many others. "Thanks to everyone involved, we think you're going to enjoy!"
Psychedelic Pswindon: Pso Much to Anpswer For
September 2, 2019: Psurroundabout Ride gathers all of The Dukes of Stratosphear's material on a CD/Blu-Ray pset, with both of the band's albums plus 2 extra tracks, remixed in pstereo and 5.1 psurround by Steven Wilson (approved by Andy Partridge). Originally produced by John Leckie (Swami Anand Nagara) and The Dukes, the set includes a CD with all tracks in stereo, plus a Blu-Ray containing all 19 songs in their original mixes in hi-res stereo, new mixes of 18 songs in hi-res stereo and 5.1 surround plus a final song up-mixed to surround using the Penteo audio system, and complete demos from both albums & instrumental versions of album songs in hi-res stereo. Pre-order now, the set will be released on 18 October 2019 (delayed due to manufacturing issues with the 200g vinyl).
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Ape House News

October 10, 2018: CLASSIC XTC VINYL RELEASES
September 29, 2017: BLACK SEA now in 5.1
March 8, 2017: POWERS RETURNED
December 3, 2016: XTC SHIRTS AU GO GO
October 17, 2016: SKYLARKING NOW IN 5.1

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Chalkhills is a web resource dedicated to XTC (the now defunct band). Peruse Chalkhills to find a wealth of information about XTC, their music and recordings, and much more.

Chalkhills was created by me, John Relph, and is infrequently updated (I try to have a life) so check back often. Chalkhills was the longest extant XTC mailing list, created in April 1989 as an offshoot of the venerable Love-Hounds list and killed off (in a bizarre kitchen accident, of course) in August 2014. Chalkhills is the longest extant XTC web site, first hacked together in May 1994, although FTP archives were first made available in April 1991.
“Shut your wretched pie trap, you ridiculous prick.”
© John Relph

Other News

February 27
Austin Emerson Lucas transcribed guitar chords for “Runaways”.
February 14
Ali Sueoka transcribed the guitar solo for “I'm Playing My Fano”. ¶ You might be interested in the Without the Beatles compilation featuring Colin's Hermits covering “I Am The Walrus”.
January 23
Ian Roberts reviewed Chips From The Chocolate Fireball and Apple Venus Volume 1.
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Recent Site Updates

April 4, 2021: Discography - Andy Partridge: My Failed Songwriting Career; Songs - “Jelly Baby”, “Lolly Let's Suck It And See”, “I'm The Kaiser”, “All Aboard for Bubble Land”, “Licky Licky Liquorice”
April 3, 2021: Covers - Sounds Incarcerated: "Your Gold Dress", Sounds Incarcerated: "Vanishing Girl"
March 28, 2021: Songs - XTC: "Standing In For Joe", XTC: "Cherry in Your Tree", Andy Partridge: "Visit to the Doctor", Andy Partridge: "Tin Toy Clockwork Train", Andy Partridge: "Candymine", “Cavegirl”; Discography - Andy Partridge: Cavegirl
February 14, 2021: Discography - Without the Beatles
February 5, 2021: Discography - The Dukes of Stratosphear: 25 O'Clock

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Twitter: apehouseXTC

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