Waxworks: Some Singles 1977–1982

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Waxworks: Some Singles 1977-1982
Compilation album by
ReleasedNovember 1982
Recorded1977-1981
GenrePop rock
Length44:29
LabelVirgin
Producer
XTC other chronology
Take Away/The Lure of Salvage
(1980)
Waxworks: Some Singles 1977-1982
(1982)
Beeswax: Some B-Sides 1977–1982
(1982)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]

Waxworks: Some Singles 1977–1982 is the first compilation album by English rock band XTC, released in November 1982 by Virgin Records.[2] Though it followed closely on the heels of the successful English Settlement album and its lead-off single "Senses Working Overtime", it failed to crack the Top 40 perhaps signalling their commercial decline in Britain. All twelve tracks appear on the first disc of 1996's Fossil Fuel: The XTC Singles 1977-1992. It was initially released shrinkwrapped with the Beeswax: Some B-Sides 1977-1982 included as a "free bonus album".[1]

Critical reception[edit]

In a retrospective review for AllMusic, Chris Woodstra wrote that though Waxworks: Some Singles 1977–1982 has been replaced by more comprehensive XTC compilation albums later on, it "remains the classic compilation of the band's first, pre-studio-bound period."[1]

Track listing[edit]

All tracks are written by Andy Partridge, except where noted

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Original releaseLength
1."Science Friction" Non-album single; 3D EP, 19773:12
2."Statue of Liberty" White Music, 19782:24
3."This Is Pop?" (single version) Non-album single, 1978; album version from White Music2:39
4."Are You Receiving Me?" Non-album single, 19783:03
5."Life Begins at the Hop"Colin MouldingNon-album single, 19793:45
6."Making Plans for Nigel"MouldingDrums and Wires, 19793:53
7."Wait Till Your Boat Goes Down" Non-album single, 19804:34
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Original releaseLength
8."Generals and Majors"MouldingBlack Sea, 19803:42
9."Towers of London" Black Sea4:38
10."Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)" Black Sea3:36
11."Senses Working Overtime" English Settlement, 19824:33
12."Ball and Chain"MouldingEnglish Settlement4:30
Notes
  • Track 3 originally from White Music. It was rerecorded for the single release.
  • Single versions/edits are used throughout (as opposed to the versions appearing on the respective albums).

Personnel[edit]

XTC
Technical

Charts[edit]

Chart (1980) Peak
position
UK Albums Chart[3] 54

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Waxworks: Some Singles 1977–1982 at AllMusic
  2. ^ "XTC Reel by Real: XTC: Waxworks / Beeswax / The Compact XTC". chalkhills.org. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  3. ^ "XTC". Official Charts. Retrieved 15 August 2022.