Should XTC be considered Prog Related?

I'm a pretty big fan of XTC....never thought of them as prog or even prog related but I can see why some might feel that way. And simply because Wilson is remixing them doesn't mean they are prog nor that he also thinks so. Has he said as much?

XTC were one of my favorite bands. They were quite complex but I never even thought of them as prog or even prog related (related via whom?). Glad Wilson's doing a number on Nonsuch - a bit more breathing space in the mix could do wonders for that album. It's a bit monotonous in a lot of spots.

Errm...Which one did you have in mind...?

moshkito wrote: Hi,   From "English Settlement" all the way to "Nonesuch", is where my tastes lie. I still think that "Big Express" is a progressive music masterpiece that should be listed in the top 100 of this board, but I'm not sure that "fans" here like to listen to something that is not, generally, repetitive at all, and whose heart is not just a box of paints!

The Big Express is actually one of my least favorites, and that's speaking as a longtime fan.  Too much banging around and noisy sea chanties for my tastes.  Skylarking, on the other hand, I think could make a legitimate run for the distinction of "great prog album". (in spite of my earlier post; now that I think about it, they're more proggy than I thought... but still, a hard sell for the site I'll admit).

Edited by HolyMoly - November 06 2014 at 19:34

HolyMoly wrote: moshkito wrote: Hi,   From "English Settlement" all the way to "Nonesuch", is where my tastes lie. I still think that "Big Express" is a progressive music masterpiece that should be listed in the top 100 of this board, but I'm not sure that "fans" here like to listen to something that is not, generally, repetitive at all, and whose heart is not just a box of paints! The Big Express is actually one of my least favorites, and that's speaking as a longtime fan.  Too much banging around and noisy sea chanties for my tastes.  Skylarking, on the other hand, I think could make a legitimate run for the distinction of "great prog album". (in spite of my earlier post; now that I think about it, they're more proggy than I thought... but still, a hard sell for the site I'll admit).

I think it's because Pedro believes that PA should be a progressive music site instead of a Prog Rock site. It'd be interesting for sure, but that also entails everyone around him agreeing with such an overhaul. 

HolyMoly wrote: XTC were one of my favorite bands. They were quite complex but I never even thought of them as prog or even prog related (related via whom?).

In PA's list of definitions for prog related, I 'll go with No. 7. 

^Yes. Realistically, I don't have a leg to stand on. So I'll hide behind No.7.

Their earlier albums were a bit more angular than the shiny pop of the later days.  More punkish than proggy; then they went more for a "big music" sound with drums overwhelming things, like on Wire and Drum and Black Sea.  The XTC that I like came next - more song based and acoustic than earlier stuff.

If Iron Maiden is considered prog-related, and XTC is not even considered prog-related, then I'm very confused with such a state of things. Some people may be metal fans or punk-rooted bands haters who block more ambitious post punk/new wave acts in their classification as prog. Kate Bush is on Prog Archives. Here today, I read that XTC doesn't deserve to be prog-related. But in my opinion, it should be classified as 'crossover prog'. Their music is almost as arty, innovative and complex as Talking Heads. Even if it is (in some albums) more pop-oriented, it's never below a level of sophistication comparable to Kate Bush. Let's be more tolerant, not sectarian !