The Dukes of Stratosphear
| The Dukes of Stratosphear | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Dukes |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Genres | Psychedelic pop,psychedelic rock |
| Years active |
|
| Labels | Virgin |
| Associated acts | XTC |
| Past members |
|
The Dukes of Stratosphear were an English rock band formed in 1984 by Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding, Dave Gregory, and Ian Gregory. Modeled after psychedelic pop groups from the 1960s, the Dukes were initially publicised by Virgin Records as a mysterious new act, but were actually an XTC spin-off band. The project amounted to the albums 25 O'Clock (1985) and Psonic Psunspot (1987). In the UK, the records outsold XTC's then-current albums The Big Express (1984) and Skylarking (1986).
The band released two records under this pseudonym, the mini-album 25 O'Clock (1985), and the full-length album Psonic Psunspot (1987). The two releases were compiled onto a single CD under the title Chips from the Chocolate Fireball: An Anthology, which was released simultaneously with the vinyl issue of Psonic Psunspot. The Dukes were also mentioned in the credits of XTC's 1986 album Skylarking, where they were thanked for the loan of their guitars.
In 1991, Andy Partridge produced two tracks, "It's Snowing Angels" and "Then She Appeared", intended to be released as a hoax flexidisc attached to the cover of Strange Things Are Happening magazine. Although credited to fictional bands "Big Chief Cigar Choc Champion" and "The Golden", these tracks were a continuation of the Dukes recorded oeuvre in all but name. The magazine folded before the single could be pressed, although "Then She Appeared" would later be reworked for the Nonsuch album. "It's Snowing Angels" was released in 1994 via John Flansburgh's Hello Recording Club, and both tracks were included on the Fuzzy Warbles anthology.
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