Search - XTC :: Lemons & Oranges

Great fire!

Julian Freeman | Brighton, East Sussex United Kingdom | 06/18/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the great XTC albums. multi-layered, multi-tracked and with more than a few high-flying, memorable tracks. In its remastered form it offers incredible insights: quite a different animal from its original-release format. There is so much for the listener here, and so much is utterly denied by the utter failure of Virgin to provide a half-decent package. If you want to read the lkyrics - and they are worth reading, as usual - this reissue may not be for you. In terms of real value you can't beat it, but for initiates it won't be of much help. What to do? Dunno. But definitely complain.In musical terms, this is one of the band's best, capabl;e of sustained thrashing on stereos at home or on the road (I received mine a few days ago and it has been played incessantly). All the classic tracks are here, and not a bonus one inseerted: just the way it should be - no messing. Timeless music for all those in awe of the Chalkhill Estate. Go for it boys, and may the force be ever with you, regardless of your present status. It is a fine, fine waxing. Julian Freeman"

Top dog

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 07/08/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While not their best album Oranges and Lemons starts off with a killer one-two punch. Although it is a tad inconsistent (a bit of filler scattered throughout), O&L does have a number of songs that rank as the finest written and performed by Partys, Mouldy & Gregsy.The packaging on the limited edition Japanese import is the best of the lot; this edition duplicates the vinyl packaging and includes a lyric sheet written in Japanese and English. The jewel box edition is another matter entirely; it is actually inferior to the original edition in terms of packaging.Ian Cooper has done a marvelous job of remastering O&L. I didn't think anyone could improve on the MFSL gold disc released a number of years ago (it was a huge improvement on the original edition issued by Geffen in the US and Virgin elsewhere). The sound is cleaner with better definition and rediscovered detail (such as the extra percussion on King For A Day. It was always there but not as clear or shaply reproduced as here). Well worth purchasing for the improved sound, O&L is still a rough gem that has many great moments."