colin moulding

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of XTC’s landmark album Apple Venus Volume I, producer Haydn Bendall talks to What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast about the fraught recording sessions that nonetheless resulted in such majestic songs as River of Orchids, Easter Theatre and Greenman.

“The songs were fabulous,” he says. “I loved the songs.”

Fellow producer Guy Sigsworth joins Mark Fisher to ask the questions.

• The Real Numbers 
• Haydn Bendall 
• Guy Sigsworth 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Peter Pumpkinhead proclaims that "Any kind of love is alright" and gets nailed to a chunk of wood for saying so. What does that tell us about XTC's attitude to love and human relationships? In particular, how welcoming does this heterosexual band seem to those who aren't heterosexual themselves?

This episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast looks at XTC from an LGBTQI+ perspective. Guest host Darryl Bullock is joined by Keeley Moss, Tim Kendrick and Soizic De St John Rosse to talk about everything from The Loving to Towers of London.

Music by Tim Pike and Slowrush.

Darryl Bullock 

Keeley 

2025 XTC Fans Festival, Friday 20–Sunday 22 June 2025 

Slowrush

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Oh we do like to be beside the B-sides. In this month’s episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, Mia Rankin, Ashley LeCron, Crawford Blair and Mark Fisher pick their favourite non-album songs , ranging from She's So Square to The World Is Full of Angry Young Men.

Music provided by Jeff Nicholson.

The episode was inspired by Mia’s ranking of all XTC B-sides on her Dead Letter Offices substack

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

On 20 January 1978, XTC released their debut album with its defiant cry of This Is Pop! In the first of a two-part conversation for What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, five fans, journalists and photographers recall what it was like to witness XTC explode onto the scene with White Music.

Tony Mitchell, editorial staffer on Sounds, followed XTC to Hamburg, Amsterdam and Japan. Photographer Jill Furmanovsky was on the same trip to Hamburg in 1978 and subsequent publicity sessions. Beverley Glick, who wrote for Sounds under the name of Betty Page, joined XTC in New York in 1980. Paul Burgess and Andy Poulton were at school at Headlands in Swindon, where the caretaker was Colin Moulding's dad.

Music by Jon Bicknell.

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Jon Bicknell

Drums and Wires UK

That Sfumato Effect

Paul Burgess

This Is Hardcore

Jill Furmanovsky

Website

Rock Archive

Swindon Works: XTC 1978 Hanging Around books 

Beverley Glick

Website

Tony Mitchell

Website

Andy Poulton

Website 

Sounds Clips 

Twitter 

Illustration: Ashley LeCron

In October 2020, we handed over What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast to a bunch of fans in their 20s. Time has passed and we're ready to hear from an even newer generation of XTC fans who are as wise and articulate as the last. 

In a lively conversation, Ashley LeCron, Lexie Ward, Lee Saunders and Lewis Wilkinson share their enthusiasm not only for XTC but also the bands that led them to discover XTC.

And because it's that time of year, they are in party spirit.

They've even put together a companion playlist.

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Picture © Lou Dommett Young

What was it like to be on the road with one of the hardest working bands of the late 70s and early 80s? We find out from four veterans of XTC's touring years: drummer Terry Chambers, journalist Allan Jones and roadies Pete Dewhirst and Steve Warren. 

Many thanks to Mike Smith and Steve Manning and the other XTC Convention organisers for making it all possible.

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

Picture © Lou Dommett Young

One of the many highlights of the 2022 XTC Convention in Swindon was an in-depth interview with producer John Leckie. Talking to co-organiser Darryl Bullock, he recalled his formative studio experience working with former members of the Beatles and the excitement of going into the studio with XTC for their first two albums. 

After that came the sonic experiments of Go+ and Take Away/The Lure of Salvage and, of course, 25 O’Clock and Psonic Psunspot for the Dukes of Stratosphear.

Many thanks to Darryl for conducting the interview and sound engineer Paul Bullimore who made the audio possible – not just for this but the whole weekend.

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from www.xtclimelight.com 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

As they prepare for one last run around the block, the members of Fossil Fools, the UK's longest running tribute to XTC, talk about their origins, their famous fans and their appearance at the XTC Convention 2022.

Under Mark Fisher's intense questioning about their final set list, Terry Arnett (drums), Ed Percival (guitar), Dan Farmer (keyboard) and Matt Bell (bass) stay tight-lipped.

• XTC Convention, Friday 16–Sunday 18 September 2022
• The Water Rats, Gray's Inn Road, London, 29 October 2022 
• The Vic, Swindon, 25 November 2022 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

It takes seven musicians to reproduce the sound of XTC when the fantastic Scarecrow People take to the stage. In this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, we talk to three of them about keeping the XTC flame alive in Australia. 

As they prepare for their next gig at Camelot Lounge, Marrickville on 29 October 2022, Les Rankin (guitar), John Encarnacao (guitar) and Rob Child (bass) talk about set lists, musicianship and last-minute line-up changes.

More about Scarecrow People

More about The Nature Strip

Scarecrow People play Scarecrow People

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

In this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, we dig deep into the centre of the songs of XTC with a celebration of some of the band's best middle eights – and there are a lot to choose from.

The musically minded XTC fans picking their favourites are:

• Crawford "Me and the Wind" Blair
• Kavus "Jason and the Argonauts" Torabi
• Sarah "I Can't Own Her" Palmer
• Laurie "I Wonder Why the Wonderfalls" Langan
• David "No Language in our Lungs" White
• Mark "Pale and Precious" Fisher

Supplying the new music is Gary O'Donnell.

More from Crawford Blair

More from Kavus Torabi

More from Sarah and Laurie from Fassine 

More from David White

More from Gary O'Donnell's The Forever Behaviours

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

And thanks to David White for the artwork.

What was it like being the eight-year-old asked to sing on XTC’s landmark album? Thirty-five years after recording Dear God, Jasmine Veillette looks back at the making of Skylarking with studio manager Ralph Legnini.

And, in a podcast exclusive, the two of them reveal their plans to re-record Dear God with the support of a crowdfunding campaign (details to follow).

Asking the questions in this month's episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast are Leslie Gooch and Mark Fisher. Supplying the new music is Craig Stevens.

Follow Jasmine Veillette 

Catch up with Ralph Legnini 

Listen to Not a Loan by Craig Stevens 

What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

It was 18 March 1982 at La Palace in Paris when Andy Partridge left the stage for the last time, overwhelmed by the pressures of relentless touring and Valium withdrawal.

Until that point, XTC were one of the hardest working live bands on the circuit and in this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, music journalists David Nolan and Mick Middles remember what it was like to see them. They are joined by Brenna Ehrlich, senior news editor at Rolling Stone magazine, and Mark Fisher.

• Music provided by David White: listen to Still Got It on Soundcloud
• Brenna Ehrlich's Killing Time available here
• More on David Nolan here
• More on Mick Middles here

Further reading in What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book 

If you’ve enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who’ve done the same.

On 12 February 1982, XTC's English Settlement was released. Forty years on, What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast reunites guitarist Dave Gregory and co-producer Hugh Padgham to look back at the recording of one of the greatest ever double albums. They talk about favourite songs, hanging out at the Manor and Andy Partridge's after-hours tomfoolery.

Asking the questions are Mark Fisher and Sue Charles. Musical interlude by Ed Stainsby.

Further reading in What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

What is the holy grail for the XTC completist? Is it the 7in Science Friction with picture sleeve? Or is it the 7in Wrapped in Grey that was never officially released? Or perhaps it's a one-of-a-kind poster from the days of Star Park.

In this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, dedicated collectors Darryl Bullock and Per Aronsson show each other their XTC treasures and discuss their most prized possessions. What is the rarest of them all?

Mark Fisher and Leslie Gooch get top collecting tips and Chez Preston gives the drink recommendation.

This episode is available in video and audio formats.

See more of Darryl Bullock's XTC collection here: https://www.instagram.com/my_xtc_collection

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls (nearly sold out) and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

Nick Heyward first saw XTC at the Croydon Greyhound in 1978, two days after the release of White Music. The Haircut 100 frontman has been a fan ever since.

Thomas Walsh has written with Andy Partridge and collaborated with Dave Gregory. He also appeared on Colin Moulding's Say It.

The two musicians talk about meeting their heroes, the collaborations that nearly happened and those that might happen yet...

Mark Fisher and Kevin Birt ask the questions. Florrie Thomas gives the drink recommendation.

Nick Heyward's website

Thomas Walsh and Pugwash

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls (nearly sold out) and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

After being delayed 18 months by the pandemic, Terry Chambers is finally out on the road, giving XTC classics the live airing they deserve with his new band EXTC. The drummer is our very special guest on this episode of What Do You Call That Noise? The XTC Podcast along with bandmate, frontman and all-round multitasker Steve Tilling.

We also hear from fans who caught the band's gig at the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth on 7 September 2021.

Drink recommendation from Karen Neill.

Mark Fisher's review of the gig is here

Follow EXTC on Facebook

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support on Patreon 

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

Picture: Lou Dommett Young

To mark the release of The Hardest Battle (2 July 2021), the mighty Colin Moulding talks about being true to himself, avoiding cliches and fighting off being beige.

The XTC bassist and songwriter reveals the inspiration behind his first solo single since 1980's Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen to Mark Fisher, Sarah Palmer and Peter Mills, who ask:

·      Who are his favourite poets? 

·      What makes him cry? 

·      Analogue or digital? 

As well as The Hardest Battle, Colin remembers Say It, Bungalow, Boarded Up, Scatter Me and Dying, not to mention playing live with Terry Chambers.

Drink recommendation from Kate Catalina.

The Hardest Battle is available here 

The Monkees, Head and the 60s by Peter Mills is available here

Fassine featuring Sarah Palmer hang out here

Kate Catalina does stuff here

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

In this second deep dive into XTC's lyrical references, we talk about the flora and fauna of River of Orchids, the one-way traffic of English Roundabout and the coastal retreat of Bungalow.

In a lively and, above all, morally uplifting discussion, we swing from the suburban angst of New Town Animal to the assembly-hall nostalgia of Harvest Festival.

Comparing notes are Mark Fisher, Belinda Blanchard, Peter Mills, Sandy Leffew and Ami Parkerson.

The fabulous musical soundtrack comes courtesy of Sarah Palmer and Lotte Fisher, who also provides the episode illustration. Drink tips from Donna Rees. 

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

With their allusions to town and country, chalkhills and steam trains, XTC have deep Swindon roots. But how well do their references travel? 

In the first of two episodes exploring XTC's Wiltshire worldview, we look at the influence of British nursery rhymes on songs ranging from Ladybird to We're All Light, Ballet for a Rainy Day and Brainiac's Daughter. 

Sharing their UK expertise are Belinda Blanchard and Peter Mills, while our American cousins Sandy Leffew and Ami Parkerson talk about British invasions and exotic accents. Mark Fisher is the host.

The fabulous musical soundtrack comes courtesy of Sarah Palmer and Lotte Fisher, who also provides the episode illustration.

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.

Guest presenter Kevin Winser discovers XTC are as good to read about as they are to listen to as he chats to three of the authors who have put the band in print.

This episode features Chris Twomey, author of XTC: Chalkhills and Children, "the definitive biography", Todd Bernhardt, co-author with Andy Partridge of Complicated Game: Inside the Songs of XTC, and Mark Fisher, editor of Limelight, the 1980s fanzine, The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book.

Elsewhere, young XTC fans Esther and Arthur pick some of their favourite songs – with English-language voiceovers by Polly and Hamish, courtesy of Strange Town theatre.

Further reading in The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls and What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book available from https://www.xtclimelight.com 

If you've enjoyed the XTC Podcast, please show your support at https://www.patreon.com/markfisher

Thanks to the Pink Things, Humble Daisies and Knights in Shining Karma who've done the same.