Tuesday, June 26, 2007

The Dukes of Stratosphear - Chips from the Chocolate Fireball (1987)


This is some of the most authentic sounding (if not the most) attempts at recapturing the sound of the psychedelic era. Created as a side project by the British band XTC, the Dukes of Stratosphear aimed to parody and pay tribute to the 60s psychedelic sound. XTC initially denied affiliation with the Dukes and even adopted pseudonyms to mask their identities. Andy Partridge was Sir John Johns, Colin Moulding was the Red Curtain, David Gregory was Lord Cornelius Plum, and Gregory's brother Ian joined the Dukes as Ian E.I.E.I. Owen. Their sound is very well conceived both compositionally and texturally, combining great songs with excellent psychedelic instrumentation and effects. Chips from the Chocolate Fireball is an anthology combining the Dukes' EP from 1985 called 25 O'Clock and their LP from 1987 called Psonic Psunspot. Personally, I find the material from 25 O'Clock to be superior than Psonic Psunspot but don't get me wrong, it's all good.

"Bike Ride To The Moon"



Music video for "The Mole from the Ministry"

Go here for an informative site on the Dukes of Stratosphear.

Download Chips from the Chocolate Fireball

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is one of my favorite albums ever.

Anonymous said...

Thanks.

I love this blog. You keep the balance of psychedelia of pop without straying into the unlikeable/unlistenable.

Peter

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Anonymous said...

Extractions from the Chocolate Fireball (left/center/right extractions)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Y5EP088H

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