Fuzzy Warbles Volume 2

They Say...

Review by Brian Downing, All Music Guide

Although XTC the band performs on several numbers on this second volume of Fuzzy Warbles, it is essentially an Andy Partridge solo record like the other three in the series. Volume 2 is similar in content and scope to the Beatles' Anthology set, with polished demos and unreleased originals sitting side by side, except the Beatles would have never shelved something as infectious as "I Don't Want to Be Here." Partridge shows himself to be the heir apparent to the Beatles and the Kinks in the Great Uncompiled Children's Album stakes, with "Everything'll Be Alright," another James and the Giant Peach outtake that seems much more fitting than the Randy Newman songs that eventually comprised the soundtrack. Also included are a couple of psychedelic spoof tunes that were supposed to be unearthed "lost" numbers from unknown '60s bands that were slotted to appear on a flexidisc in Strange Things Are Happening. The magazine folded before this occurred, but listeners are left with two songs that could fit snugly on the British Nuggets compilation. The most anticipated track at hand, "Ship Trapped in the Ice," might be the catchiest song ever written about being caught in a major-label recording contract. The only misstep is the "Chain of Command" demo -- a good early XTC song, but too herky-jerky compared to the pop gems surrounding it. You cannot avoid frustrating randomness in style and placement in such a collection, but Partridge's "scraps" are better than other bands' entire recorded output. XTC/Partridge fans should find enough memorable moments here to justify the hefty import price tag, with the hope that this is just an appetizer, and not the final course, from the oft-delayed genius from Swindon.