If you're familiar with later XTC albums, such as "Skylarking" or "Oranges & Lemons", the noisy, punky sound of this debut album may be shocking.

This is one of two XTC albums featuring Barry Andrews, whose schizophrenic organ work brought a hockey rink like atmosphere to every damn song. It's high pitched, grating..only occasionally does it add to the song. Luckily, Andy crapped all over the songs he was writing (a couple appeared on their next album, "Go 2"), and he left the band. He was replaced by a second guitarist, Dave Gregory, and their music improved immensely. But now I'm getting ahead of myself.

Most of the songs fall into two categories: catchy, quirky, hyper pop songs ("Radios in Motion", "Statue of Liberty", "This is Pop", "Into the Atom Age", "Neon Shuffle, "New Town Animal"), and tense, herky jerky songs ("Crosswires", "I'm Bugged", "I'll Set Myself on Fire", "Spinning Top", and their manic rendition of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower").

The songs in the former category are all really good. The stuff in the latter category is hit or miss..mostly miss. So basically, a bunch of pop gems admist a bunch of forgettable stuff. It's certainly not bad, but not essential either. For XTC's best early album, stick with "Drums & Wires".

Best Songs: This is Pop, Radios in Motion, New Town Animal, Statue of Liberty.

XTC didn't start out with any remote idea of aspiring to the very stifling punk classicism of the day.The only relation
'White Music' has to punk is the simple three chord structures.
Otherwise tunes like the catchy "This Is Pop" and the offbeat,
quircky reggae of "All Along The Watchtower" have more relation to not only early British invasion music but to the more abstract musical experiments of American avante rockers.Neither is this in any way typical XTC-in years to come the band would
develope a sound much more melodic and sweet (neither of those
terms ever apply to this music) but the stuttering vocals and
Andy Partirdge's clever humor are more then enough to carry this album.From a guy whose more interested in funk and fusion normally I find this album worth a listen-'White Music' will
definately command your attention.And it's not too loud either!

This debut album has original impact. Furthermore, I think that it is important. I am hearing EMO in recent years and have noticed the influence of this album newly. The best sound is produced in the midst of punk rock prosperity of the second half of the 70s. (However, in the helium child of the past band, this sound was not established completely yet.) The music tune which performed the new field of art, the method of a song, the keyboard that increases quickly, and the load code. It links with YMO term Ryuichi Sakamoto. Furthermore, it was partially called techno punk rock. Feeling with geometric it is mixed. The evaluation to this self-album of Andy is poor. However, he does not forget this pleasant shock.

This is XTC's first album and it contains the band at their most nervy and manic. The band obviously had a lot of energy to burn and it shows through on this album. This is the first album I've purchased of theirs and it's so infectious that you can't put this album down. I'm Bugged is an obvious highlight as well as The Statue Of Liberty which would have got airplay only if the BBC didn't pick up on the " I sail the winds beneath your skirt " line. Which is unfortunate really as it really deserved more. It's unfortunate this band didn't do better but then.....that's what happens in life!

I remember buying this import LP and hearing it for the first time. It was very different than what was coming out in the USA, with exception to the great underground punk stuff. The songs show the bands whimsical spirit and their awesome talent. This is a very upbeat album, with exception to I'm Bugged, which drives a beat into your cranium. This music is not for everyone, but if you like to walk on the wild side this is for you! The EP adds alone make this a buy for any XTC Fan. Finally, hands down, best rendition of All Along the Watch Tower ever.