| XTC Reel by Real: Andy Partridge: Apples & Oranges / Humanoid Boogie | |
| Last update: 8 October 2018 |
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1967's Summer of Love has probably been written about, in retrospect, by more people than were directly affected by the original – assuming that something more than simply buying “A Whiter Shade of Pale” as a single is required to count as affected. The revolutionary fervour of 1968, the myriad demonstrations & upheavals in a variety of cities & countries probably had more enduring legacy – even if the political gains seemed few at the time. Irrespective of how history either lionises or demonises the years in question, it's undeniable that both years were gifted with enduring soundtracks of epochal importance in pop & rock's great firmament as the first era of psychedelic music blossomed in the UK, USA & beyond.
Given his musical history, it is perhaps no surprise to discover that Andy Partridge has a special affection for the music of that era or to find that it was the English bands with whom he feels a particular affinity – one would have been more likely, albeit only marginally, to encounter Dantalion's Chariot on the radio in Swindon than say, The Charlatans (San Francisco variety) or Os Mutantes.
So when it came to making initial recordings in his newly upgraded studio at the end of 2017/start of 2018, it was to favoured tunes of half a century ago to which Mr. Partridge returned, specifically: Syd Barrett's Apples & Oranges (originally the A side of the third Pink Floyd single issued in November 1967) & Neil Innes' Humanoid Boogie (originally the Side Two opener from “The Doughnut In Granny's Greenhouse”, the second album by The Bonzo Dog Band released in November 1968). Andy was one of those few who bought & loved the Floyd single & its equally fab B side Paintbox – it was their first not to chart in the UK, while The Bonzos, having featured in Magical Mystery Tour, went on to a regular, much watched TV slot on “Do Not Adjust Your Set” which was broadcast in 1968/69, making the album a ‘must buy’ when it appeared.
Meanwhile in 2018, with the songs recorded & pleased with the result, the next question became how best to release them & a 4 track (both songs in Stereo & Mono, naturally) 10" vinyl EP format in a picture sleeve with neither song identified as an A side became the format of choice.
Additionally, the EP is being released as a limited edition of 1,396 copies. . . All copies of the EP come with a signed postcard. Limited to 2 per person.
Lyrics, Charts and More
Recording Information
All songs were recorded at Andy's home.
Instruments and vocals on all tracks by Andy Partridge.
Released on 28 June 2018 as a limited edition 10" vinyl EP in the U.K.
Also released as a CD EP on 27 July 2018 in the U.K.
Art
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