Fossil Fuel: The XTC Singles 1977-1992 (1996)

About this title: Fossil Fuel: The XTC Singles 1977-1992 is a splendid double-disc set that runs through every one of the group's 31 A-sides, from the nervy "Science Friction" to the lush, sighing "Wrapped in Grey." Between those two songs, XTC's craftsmanship grows remarkably fast -- based on the edgy pop of their new wave singles "Statue of Liberty," "This Is Pop," "Are You Receiving Me?," and "Life Begins at the Hop," it's hard to believe that they would later write the subtle, near-pastoral Beatles, Kinks, and Beach Boys pastiches of "Love on a Farmboy's Wages," "Great Fire," and "Grass." And those songs ... read more

Tracks:

1. Science Friction [Partridge]
2. Statue of Liberty [Partridge]
3. This Is Pop? [Partridge]
4. Are You Receiving Me? [Partridge]
5. Life Begins at the Hop [Moulding]
6. Making Plans for Nigel [Moulding]
7. Ten Feet Tall [Moulding]
8. Wait Till Your Boat Goes Down [Partridge]
9. Generals and Majors [Moulding]
10. Towers of London [Partridge]
11. Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me) [Partridge]
12. Love at First Sight [Moulding]
13. Respectable Street [Partridge]
14. Senses Working Overtime [Partridge]
15. Ball and Chain [Moulding]
16. No Thugs in Our House [Partridge]
17. Great Fire [Partridge]
18. Wonderland [Moulding]
19. Love on a Farmboy's Wages [Partridge]
20. All You Pretty Girls [Partridge]
21. This World Over [Partridge]
22. Wake Up [Moulding]
23. Grass [Moulding]
24. The Meeting Place [Moulding]
25. Dear God [Partridge]
26. The Mayor of Simpleton [Partridge]
27. King for a Day [Moulding]
28. The Loving [Partridge]
29. The Disappointed [Partridge]
30. The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead [Partridge]
31. Wrapped in Grey [Partridge]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.