@TheHappySpaceman
Yes, I can recommend a few. However, I’m not sure what you listened to so far, but they changed from album to album. There is no closely defined “XTC Sound” aside from their tendency to frequently use strange guitar chords, and the prominent (and sometimes melodic) bass parts. Andy’s vocals are hit or miss with people, Colin’s are more radio-friendly.
They toured from 1977 - April 3 1982. They were gigging with Talking Heads in the start of 1978, and with The Police in 1980.
You’re probably best starting with one or two unofficial live albums that
should be released; they have a good selection of songs from their 1979 - 1982 material.
1981 - April - 17, at Emerald City in New Jersey.
Great show, perhaps one of the best. They were getting
good here. 1977 - 1978 shows were young, 1979 - 1980 shows were “good” but not outstanding (generally.) This concert, though, stands out as perhaps being their best pre- English Settlement concert.
1982 - March - 8, at The Paradiso in Amsterdam.
Best recorded live show (that I’ve heard) from their cut short English Settlement tour in 1982. Not as energetic as the previous show, but that’s the nature of these songs.
These 2 links go to Archive.org. If you want to listen, you have to go under “Download Options/Flac” to hear.
If you want to hear the actual albums, here are my top recommendations:
Drums & Wires (1979) - 3rd Album. Post-Punk, “New Wave.” Some lyrics start getting dark here.
English Settlement (1982) - 5th Album. Has some societal criticisms.
Skylarking (1986) - 8th Album. This is generally a poppy, positive-sounding album. Not completely, though.
Nonsvch (1992) - 10th album. A slow one, but a worthy listen, IMHO.
I suggest you stay away from the 2001 remaster versions of XTC albums; they’re usually thought of as poor re-releases.
And TBH, the concerts I linked to might sound better than the albums in some ways. I don’t think “Real by Reel” sounds near as energetic in album, for example.
