We tried, we honestly tried to feature XTC as one of Discord & Rhyme’s earliest episodes, but technical issues derailed this podcasting train. Two years later, we’ve rebuilt our reserves of soul coal and dream steam, and Rich is ready to take John, Ben, and Dan aboard The Big Express, a relatively unknown but quintessential album from the Swindon trio. In 1984, the band was newly confined to the studio after eccentric frontman and lead songwriter Andy Partridge permanently swore off touring. Resultantly, the album finds him and bandmates Colin Moulding and Dave Gregory at their most kitchen-sink creative, as well as their most frustrating, which is a fundamental part of the proper XTC experience. So put your cleanest dirty shirt on, shake you donkey up, and get ready for some truly idiosyncratic songcraft. Cohosts: Rich Bunnell, Ben Marlin, John McFerrin, Dan Watkins  Complete show notes: https://discordpod.com/listen/052-xtc-the-big-express-1984 Support the podcast! https://www.patreon.com/discordpod