Mummer

All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Having fully settled into their retirement from touring, this was XTC's second album since leaving the stage for good. With none of the songs having developed in live performance, their studio inclinations were given full range to go where they might. MUMMER opens with the African rhythms of "Beating Of Hearts," with things then immediately turning intimate and pastoral as Colin Moulding's "Wonderland" drifts in like a falling leaf. Andy Partridge delivered a few novel takes on familiar themes of love and longing with "Love On a Farmboy's Wages" and "Great Fire." The album also closes with his "Funk Pop A Roll," which ironically starts a dance party right when it's time to leave.