XTC As The Dukes Of Stratosphear - Psonic Psunspot flac mp3 download

The Dukes return. A surprise hit XTC returned to the studio under their alias and produced another strong group of psychedelic classics. The reissue beats the 2001 remaster from Virgin (it was compressed, harsher sounding in comparison). Detail is nice but, more importantly, we have a nice dyanmic range where each instrument and the vocals get their due. While the demos aren't quite as essential here as they are on "25 O'Clock" (where we get a number of demos that didn't make ANY of the Dukes albums or XTC), the demo for "Vanishing Girl" is. Called "No One at Home" and with some dummy lyrics, a more relaxed pace and Colin's solo vocal, it's a gem and different enough to make it essential. The book has extensive notes from Andy, Colin with Gregsy (as the other two affectionately call guitarist Dave Gregory) giving a break down on the gear used to record the album. This is essential because it sounds better than the 2001 release with some nice EQ choices, the bonus tracks and the deluxe book. The CD slides in to a holder and the cover of the book is hardcover and we get a nice reproduction of the original vinyl cover (although now it says XTC as The Dukes.