XTC ‎– Skylarking
Skylarking is the ninth studio album by the English rock band XTC, released 27 October 1986 on Virgin Records. Produced by American musician Todd Rundgren, it is a loose concept album about a nonspecific cycle, such as a day, a year, the seasons, or life. The title was chosen as a double entendre, referring to a type of bird (skylark), as well as the Royal Navy term "skylarking", which means "fooling around". It became one of XTC's best-known albums and is generally regarded as their finest work.

Like XTC's previous Dukes of Stratosphear side project, Skylarking was heavily influenced by the music of the 1960s. Most of its recording was at Rundgren's Utopia Sound Studio in Woodstock, New York. Rundgren played a large role in the album's sound design and drum programming, providing the band with orchestral arrangements and an assortment of gear. However, the sessions were fraught with tension, especially between Rundgren and bandleader Andy Partridge, and numerous disagreements arose over drum patterns, song selections, and other details. In 2010, it was discovered that a wiring error made during the mastering process caused the album to have a "thin" sound. The problem was corrected on subsequent remasters.

Upon release, Skylarking was met with indifference in the UK, rising in the album charts to number 90, while both of its lead singles "Grass" (backed with "Dear God") and "The Meeting Place" peaked at number 100. Early sales of the album were hampered by the omission of "Dear God" from the album's original pressings. In the US, the song became a college radio hit, causing US distributor Geffen Records to recall and repress Skylarking with the track included, and propelling the album to number 70. Following the song's growth in popularity, it was the subject of controversy in the US, inspiring many angry phone calls to radio stations and at least one bomb threat. Skylarking was later listed on "100 greatest albums of the 1980s" lists by Rolling Stone in 1989 and Pitchfork in 2002.


This is an ULTRA RARE ORIGINAL & OFFICIAL RELEASE 12'' VINYL LP, made in Greece.
Extremely hard to find on eBay.


Album Information
Label: Virgin
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Released: 1986
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock, New Wave

Tracklist
Side A
1. Summer's Cauldron
2. Grass
3. The Meeting Place
4. That's Really Super, Supergirl
5. Ballet For A Rainy Day
6. 1000 Umbrellas
7. Season Cycle

Side B
1. Earn Enough For Us
2. Big Day
3. Another Satellite
4. Mermaid Smiled
5. The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul
6. Dying
7. Sacrificial Bonfire

Condition
Record Grading: Near Mint (NM or M-)
Sleeve Grading: Mint (M)
Inner Sleeve Grading: Mint (M)


**THE ACTUAL ITEM PICTURED IS WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE**

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Please view the photos for further information about the vinyl and the condition of the case, the inlay and the vinyl itself.

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I combine shipping. Just let me know that you have multiple purchases and I will send you an adjusted invoice. You can ask for more details. For more than 2 CDs I can ship without the jewel cases so that you can save expenses (except sealed & Digipak CDs). Please ask for shipping cost prior to payment.

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