Search - Various Artists :: Testimonial Dinner: Songs of Xtc

Better than I expected

Michael J Edelman | Huntington Woods, MI USA | 02/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Most songs by quirky rock/pop composer-performers don't survive being covered; If they do, it's often only by slavishly copying the original note for note. But Partridge and Moulding's songs are so strong that they often do very well in other hands. Some of the songs on this collection don't survive the individualistic treatment; the first three cuts on this album are pretty forgettable. But some are gems. Reuben Blades changes "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul" from XTC's Rundgren-produced spy movie theme into a steamy Latin tune. TMBG's"25 o'Clock" is as much fun as the original. Sarah McLachlan's "Dear God" is as good in its own way as the original. And "The Good Things" by Terry and the Lovemen is probably unique in the history of recorded music- a band covering itself!If you're an XTC fan you'll need this album to complete your collection, of course. If you're not already a fan, buy the XTC originals, but buy this one just for McLachlan's cut."

A Testimonial Snack

Mr. S. St Thomas | UK | 03/26/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"If you're new to XTC, and like other artists better (maybe some that are on this CD) then maybe this is the one for you.
For me, this was a little disappointing. I think too many of the artists stuck too close to the original and didn't try injecting anything of themselves into the songs. But that is the problem with XTC songs, they are so indelibly stamped with XTCishness, it's hard to imagine them being covered.
Granted, there are many singers who can carry off an XTC song better than Moulding or Partridge, but when you've heard the sheer quality of their work, you can't imagine anyone else singing them really.
I am a fan of Sarah MacLachlan, but to be honest, I found her rendition of the song a little bit boring. The songs lyrics can be sung out with either venom or sadness, it seems she did neither, which is surprising because she can be quite melancholy and wistful on her own tracks. She didn't seem to take this anywhere.
Ruben Blades version of "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul" is absolutely stunning, and dare I say it, as good as the original. He made this song his own, and he sounded like he cared. It gives this CD authenticity, and is the only track worth it apart from the following . .
The Verve Pipe's "Wake Up" and Terry & The Lovemen's "The Good Things". Verve Pipe because they made the song their own without losing what makes the song recognisable as an XTC song, they put enough of themselves in without forgetting that the song is great with or without them.
And "The Good Things" because it's XTC, and it's one of the best things Colin Moulding has written in the XTC canon. He may write less than Partridge, but he absolutely comes up with very observant, life catching songs without being pretentious. The rest of the songs are a mixed batch -- the strongest being They Might Be Giants "25 O'Clock", which matches the original in sound and texture, but beefes up the solo section a bit, making it a bit snappier and less psychedelic.
And those are the only ones I remember from this disc worth mentioning. Just an opinion."

Fine for its particular audience

Alf Kremer | 08/28/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The 'Testimonial dinner' set of covers is smart, well produced, and interesting to people who know the XTC material already. Except Ruben Blades's brilliant rework, most people will find that the artists' original recordings of their own music is fulfilling and that XTC did a sporting job at recording their own work. That is, XTC didn't need the testimonial.Nonetheless, it's sound listening. The common complaint is that neither Partridge nor Colin Moulding have the voice to carry their songs. If that's so, you will like this varied album."