The Big Express

by XTC

Overview

XTC took full advantage of their studio-bound status with The Big Express, creating their most painstakingly detailed, multi-layered, sonically dynamic album to date. The more upbeat material and brighter sound recall some of the band's earlier moments, but most of all, The Big Express signals a turning point for the band, setting the blueprint for their later approach -- a combination of studio perfection matched with impeccable songcraft that results in a thoroughly consistent and enjoyable album beginning to end. Skylarking, the album that followed, gets much more glory, and certainly its impact was greater (this one was virtually ignored), but really, The Big Express covers much of the same territory and is just as strong an album in many ways. [Three songs were added to the middle of the CD reissue -- "Red Brick Dream," "Washaway," and "Blue Overall" -- but they fit seamlessly into the complete picture.] ~ Chris Woodstra

Product Details

Release Date:	09/29/2023
Label:	Ape House Ltd.
UPC:	0633367795526
Rank:	15402

Album Credits

Performance Credits

XTC   Primary Artist
David Gregory   Piano,Mellotron,Synthesizer,Guitar (Electric)
Stuart Gordon   Viola,Violin
Steve Saunders   Euphonium
Annie Huchrak   Choir/Chorus
Peter Phipps   Drums
Colin Moulding   Guitar (Bass),Vocals
Andy Partridge   Drums,Vocals,Harmonica,Guitar (Electric)

Technical Credits

Glenn Tommey   Engineer
XTC   Mixing,Producer
Matt Barry   Assistant Engineer
Gavin Cochrane   Photography
Ken Ansell   Design
Andrew Partridge   Composer
Ben Turner   Digital Mastering
Phil Thornalley   Mixing
Colin Moulding   Composer
David Lord   Mixing,Engineer,Producer,Vocal Arrangement
Andy Partridge   Design,Composer