XTC are an English new wave band whose career lasted 20 years. Although they have rarely troubled the charts, many of their albums have been critically accaimed, and they have a sizeable and keen fanbase.
Founded by Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding in 1972, the band took many forms and styles before releasing their debut album in 1978. Their third album, Drums and Wires (1979), was the first to receive enthusiastic reviews, and contained their first Top 20 chart single: "Making Plans For Nigel" reached the giddy heights of No.17. "Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me)" peaked at No.16 the following year, and 1982 album English Settlement was another big favourite with critics. It even contained a Top 10 single: "Senses Working Overtime". Their best album is often thought to be 1986's Skylarking, which contained their biggest American hit yet: "Dear God" reached No.37 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Skylarking is sometimes said to be one of the best British albums of the decade. Its success led to slightly improved sales and chart positions, but they never achieved such critical success again.
In 2006, Partridge revealed that Moulding had no interest in recording new music, seemingly putting an end to the long life of XTC.
