Released on 27 October 1986, "Skylarking" was the 8th., studio album by the English rock band XTC. Produced by US musician Todd Rundgren, under a loose concept album about a nonspecific cycle, such as a day, a year, the seasons, or a life. The title refered 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 often regarded as one of their finest albums. The album spawned the singles "Grass", "Dear God" & The Melting Place."
Like XTC's Dukes of Stratosphear side project, Skylarking was heavily influenced by the psychedelic music of the 1960s. Most of the album was recorded at Rundgren's Utopia Sound Studio in Woodstock, New York, with some work undertaken in San Francisco at the Tubes' studio; Tubes drummer Prairie Prince also drummed on the album. Rundgren played a large role in the album's sound design and drum programming, providing the band with orchestral arrangements and an assortment of equipment. 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.
Upon release, Skylarking was met with indifference in the UK, peaking in the album charts at number 90, while both of its lead singles "Grass" (backed with "Dear God") and "The Meeting Place" peaked at number 100. In the US, "Dear God" 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 country, inspiring many angry phone calls to radio stations and at least one bomb threat. "Dear God" proved to be the most successful, receiving heavy rotation on MTV and earning a nomination for Best Direction, Concept, and Innovation at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
The album’s themes revolve around the cycles of life. It features fourteen tracks of refined, timeless pop, incorporating orchestral arrangements, a horn section, and keyboards, alongside the standard guitar, bass, and drums. The result is a highly sophisticated pop record that set them apart from everything else. Partridge and Moulding handled the songwriting, recording 20 tracks that were eventually whittled down to the 14 that made the final cut.
Among the tracks initially left off was "Dear God"—which, as previously mentioned, ended up as a B-side to the single "Grass." It proved to be so popular—arguably even more so than "Grass" itself—that, in the end, it was "Mermaid Smiled" that was left off the album instead. "Dear God" tackles the act of questioning God, as well as the reasons for suffering in the world and the apparent lack of divine intervention. The song was very well-received, though it also sparked controversy in the United States; one religious fanatic even threatened to blow up a radio station with a bazooka if they continued to play it—yet this did nothing to hinder the song's success.
The album's style can be broken down into several facets: there is a psychedelic phase—evident in tracks like "Big Day," "The Meeting Place," and "Earn Enough for Us"—that draws heavily from the style of The Beatles circa 1967. Other tracks, such as "Sacrificial Bonfire," are more refined and feature orchestral arrangements; some, like "Grass," are deeply sensitive; while others—such as "Season Cycle" or "That’s Really Super, Supergirl" (which could easily have served as a single)—are more melodic and catchy.
The album stands as a fine example of sonic perfection that has endured over the years; it continues to captivate and impress, which is why it has seen several reissues. Following the correction of an audio error, a revised version—on both LP and CD, featuring the original cover art—was released around 2016. The album performed well and earned critical respect—a reputation that has only grown over time, regardless of shifting trends and musical styles.
Skylarking Track List:
1. Summer's Cauldron
2. Grass
3. The Meeting Place
4. That's Really Super, Super Girl
5. Ballet For Rainy Day
6. 1000 Umbrellas
7. Season Cycle
8. Earn ENough For Us
9. Big day
10. Another Satellite
11. Mermaid Smiled
12. The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul
13. Dying
14. Sacrificial Bonfire
15. Dear God
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