XTC “White Music” released on this date, January 20th, 1978. XTC’s debut album White Music is post-punk, new wave, a bit spazzy and dissonant but still catchy. I’ll admit to not listening much to XTC as my only real exposure prior has been to the single “Dear God,” which I am heartily sick of. (Though I do really like “Senses Working Overtime.”)

White Music, however, is fun and whip-smart. “This is Pop” cheekily proclaims that yes, this is pop despite the sometimes challenging musical discord. XTC transforms Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower”  into a jumpy, punky groove (with harmonica!). “Atom Age” bubbles gleefully along to a chirpy organ over lyrics poking fun at modernity’s progress:

I’m heading into the atom age
My contemporary house is all the rage
My wife’s getting lazy going gadget crazy
Wants a pallette shaped coffee table and a matching settee
I’m heading into the atom age
My kids have gone obscene want to marry at fourteen
Want a pallette shaped coffee table and a matching settee

I’m heading into the atom age
I flick on the video to soothe me
It’s better colour than the real thing!
I relax to a three d porno movie
Hey does anyone remember what ever happened to string?
I’m heading into the atom age