Mummer | ||||
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Studio album by XTC | ||||
Released | 30 August 1983 | |||
Recorded | September–December 1982 at The Manor, Oxfordshire, and Genetic Studios, Berkshire, England | |||
Genre | New wave, pop rock | |||
Length | 41:43 (original release) 66:44 (CD reissue) |
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Label | Virgin | |||
Producer |
Steve Nye, XTC Bob Sargeant |
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XTC chronology | ||||
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Singles from Mummer | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | |
Chicago Tribune | |
Encyclopedia of Popular Music | |
Q | |
Rolling Stone | |
The Rolling Stone Album Guide | |
Smash Hits | 9/10 |
The Village Voice | B− |
Mummer is the sixth studio album by the English band XTC, released on 30 August 1983. It reached No. 51 on the UK album chart and No. 145 on the U.S. Billboard album charts. The album title refers to a Mummers play.
It spawned three UK singles; "Great Fire" (released 22 April 1983), "Wonderland" (released 24 June 1983) and "Love on a Farmboy's Wages" (released 19 September 1983 and reached No. 50 on the UK singles chart).
The album was delayed many months by Virgin Records. It was originally supposed to be released by Epic Records on 26 May 1983 in the U.S.A. (it was assigned a catalog number: BFE 38516), but the label thought it was too acoustic and pastoral for American audiences. It was finally issued in the U.S. by Geffen Records (who subsequently issued all of XTC's Virgin releases) in February 1984. "Wonderland" was the only single issued by Geffen from the album.
The only promotional public appearance made by the band for this album was in late 1983 when they appeared on the BBC-TV show Pebble Mill At One where they lip-synced to "Love on a Farmboy's Wages". A promotional video was made for the "Wonderland" single. Five more videos were also made in July 1983 for the television documentary program Play At Home.
This was the final album that drummer Terry Chambers appeared on with XTC, as he quit the group during the recording sessions. He was replaced by Peter Phipps.
All songs written and composed by Andy Partridge, except where noted.
with:
Album sleeve photography by Gavin Cochrane.