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Go 2
Studio album by
Released6 October 1978
RecordedAugust–September 1978
StudioAbbey Road (London)
Genre
Length40:47
LabelVirgin
ProducerJohn Leckie
XTC chronology
White Music
(1978)
Go 2
(1978)
Drums and Wires
(1979)
Singles from Go 2
  1. "Are You Receiving Me?"
    Released: 27 October 1978

Go 2 is the second studio album by the English band XTC, released 6 October 1978 on Virgin Records. The United Kingdom version contained no singles, but the American and Canadian versions included the single "Are You Receiving Me?" released on 27 October 1978 along with a music video produced for the song.

It is the final album to feature keyboardist Barry Andrews, who went on to form Shriekback.

Background

[edit]

By August 1978, XTC were prepared to record their follow-up to White Music.[2] The band had contacted Brian Eno to produce after they learned that he was a fan, but he declined, telling them that they were good enough to produce themselves.[3] Virgin rejected Eno's advice, and the group instead returned to Abbey Road with producer John Leckie.[3] One of the album's tracks, "Battery Brides (Andy Paints Brian)", was written in tribute to Eno.[2]

Keyboardist Barry Andrews appeared at the sessions with several original songs, but frontman Andy Partridge did not feel they were right for the band. Andrews began taking bassist Colin Moulding and drummer Terry Chambers out for drinks without inviting Partridge, allegedly in an attempt to take over the group. After most of Andrews' songs were dropped from the final track list, the keyboardist told journalists that he thought the band would "explode pretty soon".[3]

An earlier version of "Are You Receiving Me?" was recorded during the Go 2 sessions and was later released on the 2005 boxed set Coat of Many Cupboards. Other outtakes from Go 2 include "Sargasso Bar", "Us Being Us", "Instant Tunes", "Looking for Footprints", "Things Fall to Bits" and "Strange Tales, Strange Tails".

Packaging

[edit]

The album's title was chosen in reference to the board game Go in order to continue the black-and-white colour scheme from White Music.[4] The "2" was added by Andrews.[5] Its cover was designed and executed by Hipgnosis, and the cover consists of an essay about how album covers are used to attract potential buyers of the album. On the first British pressings of the LP version of the Go 2 album, the track listing on the vinyl disc label mimicked the type style of the cover art. The label is crammed full of text. In some non-English speaking countries, the group shot that was featured on the album's inner sleeve in the UK was used instead as the album cover. The French 13-track album, including the bonus track "Are You Receiving Me?", was one of the releases that featured this sleeve. Yugoslavia was another country that issued this version of the sleeve.

The essay would change depending on the medium (vinyl or CD) and label (Virgin, Epic or Geffen) the album was released on. A separate essay was prepared for cassette editions in the UK.

Release and Go+

[edit]

Go 2 was released in October 1978 to positive reviews and a number 21 chart peak.[3] The initial 15,000 pressings of the album came with a bonus disc of five dub remixes entitled Go+.[3] In 1990, these tracks were included on the compilation Explode Together: The Dub Experiments 78-80.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStar[6]
Chicago TribuneStarStarHalf star[7]
Christgau's Record GuideB−[8]
Pitchfork6.9/10[9]
QStarStar[10]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStar[11]
SoundsStarStarStarStarStar[12]
Spin Alternative Record Guide7/10[13]

Like White Music, Go 2 was given praise in Sounds, Melody Maker, and the NME.[14] The Nottingham Evening Post wrote that "there's a wider range of experimentation, less instrumental clutter and a hatful of unpredictable twists," and noted that the hooklines are "just as tricksily devastating."[15]

Track listing

[edit]
Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Meccanik Dancing (Oh We Go!)"Andy Partridge2:36
2."Battery Brides (Andy Paints Brian)"Partridge4:37
3."Buzzcity Talking"Colin Moulding2:41
4."Crowded Room"Moulding2:53
5."The Rhythm"Moulding3:00
6."Red"Partridge3:02
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Beatown"Partridge4:37
2."Life Is Good in the Greenhouse"Partridge4:41
3."Jumping in Gomorrah"Partridge2:04
4."My Weapon"Barry Andrews2:20
5."Super-Tuff"Andrews4:27
6."I Am the Audience"Moulding3:48
2001 remastered CD bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."Are You Receiving Me?"Partridge3:06
  • CD issues prior to 2001 placed the bonus track between tracks 5 and 6 on side one of the album.

Go+

[edit]

Bonus EP included with initial LP pressings – later included on Explode Together: The Dub Experiments 78-80. Track notes adapted from XTC: Song Stories (1998), by XTC and Neville Farmer.[16]

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)NotesLength
1."Dance With Me, Germany"PartridgeDub version of "Meccanik Dancing (Oh We Go!)"3:17
2."Beat the Bible"PartridgeDub version of "Jumping in Gomorrah"2:06
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)NotesLength
1."A Dictionary of Modern Marriage"PartridgeDub version of "Battery Brides (Andy Paints Brian)"2:27
2."Clap Clap Clap"MouldingDub version of "I Am the Audience"2:17
3."We Kill the Beast"MouldingDub version of "The Rhythm"2:05

Personnel

[edit]

XTC

Additional personnel

  • John Leckie – production/engineering
  • Martin Rushent – associate production (uncredited)
  • Haydn Bendall – engineering assistance (Abbey Road unit)
  • Pete James – assistant engineer (Abbey Road unit)
  • Andy Llewelyn – engineering assistance (Matrix unit)
  • Jess Sutcliffe – engineering assistance (Matrix unit)
  • Dave Eagle – photography
  • Hipgnosis – cover artwork

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1978) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[17] 93
United Kingdom (Official Charts Company) 21

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Go 2 is the second studio album by the English rock band , released on 6 October 1978 by in the UK and 14 February 1979 by in the US. Recorded at Advanced Audio Rentals in , it features a mix of new wave, , and punk influences, with production by the band alongside . The album's artwork, designed by , depicts a "battery-powered" , reflecting themes of and media saturation in its lyrics. It reached number 45 on the and includes singles like "Are You Receiving?" and "Battery Path". Critically acclaimed for its experimental sound and witty songwriting, Go 2 has been reissued multiple times, including a 2010 deluxe edition, and is regarded as a in history.

Development and recording

Background

XTC was formed in 1972 in , , initially as Star Park by core members (guitar and vocals), (bass and vocals), and Terry Chambers (drums). The group renamed to the Helium Kidz in 1973, with keyboardist Barry Andrews joining in 1976. The band signed with in 1977 and released their debut album, , in January 1978, which peaked at number 38 on the and established their position in the burgeoning punk and new wave scene. The album's reception, including singles like "This Is Pop," highlighted their energetic, angular style influenced by the era's energy. Buoyed by White Music's modest commercial performance, XTC decided to follow up swiftly, just nine months later, with ambitions to push toward a more experimental sound that incorporated intricate arrangements and conceptual elements beyond their initial raw punk roots. The band contacted , an admirer of their work, to produce the sophomore effort, but he declined, stating that they were already proficient enough to handle production themselves due to their strong self-sufficiency. , who had engineered White Music, stepped in as producer instead. Go 2 was recorded over August and September 1978 at in , capturing the band's evolving dynamics during a transitional phase. This project proved to be Barry Andrews' last with , as internal creative tensions led to his departure shortly after completion; he subsequently co-founded the group in 1981. Amid these changes, 's sound began shifting from straightforward punk and new wave toward experimentation, reflecting broader influences from the progressive end of the British music landscape.

Songwriting and recording

The songwriting for Go 2 was led primarily by , who composed the majority of the album's tracks, including "Meccanik Dancing (Ode to the )," "Battery Brides (Andy Paints Brian)," and "Beatown." Bassist contributed several songs, such as "Buzzcity Talking," "Crowded Room," "The Rhythm," and "I Am the Audience," marking his growing role in the band's creative output. Barry Andrews also penned a few pieces, including outtakes "Super-Tuff" and "My Weapon," later released as bonus tracks on reissues, reflecting the collaborative yet tense dynamic among the members during this period. Recording sessions for Go 2 commenced in August 1978 at in , spanning roughly two months until completion in early October. The album was produced by , who had previously worked with the band on their debut single and , with engineering handled by Haydn Bendall, Pete James, and Andy Llewellyn at various stages. These sessions followed Brian Eno's polite decline to produce, shifting the project to Leckie's more hands-on approach. The production emphasized tight, inventive rhythms from drummer Terry Chambers and bassist Moulding, often captured in few takes due to the band's relative inexperience in the studio, resulting in minimal overdubs and a raw energy. Andrews' keyboard work introduced experimental elements, such as abstract synth patterns and unconventional textures, while incorporated early rhythmic innovations akin to drum machine precursors through layered percussion and electronic effects. Leckie utilized analog tape manipulation and reverb to enhance the album's angular , particularly evident in tracks like "Battery Brides," where gated effects and multitracked elements created a sense of mechanical precision.

Composition

Musical style

Go 2 is classified within the new wave and punk/new wave genres, incorporating elements of alternative/ through its sophisticated arrangements that blend punk energy with rhythmic complexity. The album's sound features noisy, jittery tracks that are danceable and poppy, drawing on punk influences while experimenting with structures, often following a verse-chorus-explode pattern. Key influences reflect the late-1970s new wave scene, with frequently compared to for their quirky, confrontational style marked by jagged pacing and repetitive motifs, representing a shift from raw punk toward angularity. Instrumental elements are central to this identity, including prominent keyboards from Barry Andrews that pierce the mix like a "hockey rink-style organ," driving by Terry Chambers providing a whoomping , and angular guitars from adding rhythmic tension. Production hallmarks emphasize herky-jerky rhythms, in select tracks, and hypnotic repetition, creating a sense of urgency and experimentation despite the album's rushed recording process. Compared to their debut , Go 2's rushed production yields a raw yet experimental tone, bridging punk's immediacy to post-punk's structural innovations.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of Go 2 predominantly feature the contributions of , whose witty and surreal style employs , abstract imagery, and elements to explore themes of alienation, fractured relationships, and everyday . In tracks like "I'm Bugged," Partridge draws on onomatopoeic sounds and insect-like metaphors inspired by visuals, creating a portrayal of irritation and disconnection that prioritizes phonetic fun over linear narrative. Similarly, "" confronts alienation through the lens of manipulated , with Partridge describing it as an "anger song" about resisting external control that divides people, using explosive, abstract visions to critique societal polarization. This surreal detachment extends to relationship dynamics in "Are You Receiving Me?," where over is rendered in nonsensical, call-and-response lyrics that mask personal guilt with ironic . Colin Moulding's songwriting on the album offers a , delivering more straightforward and personal themes rooted in observational . For instance, "Life Begins " captures the mundane excitement of youthful social rituals with direct phrasing and relatable vignettes, reflecting Moulding's preference for lyrics that align closely with melody to convey clear, biographical undertones. The songs' structures reinforce these lyrical approaches, featuring short, punchy formats—often under three minutes—with immediate hooks, fragmented verses, and rhythmic urgency that amplify the themes' ironic edge; some incorporate chant-like vocals or spoken interjections, as in the mechanical incantations of "Meccanik Dancing," which satirizes urban mating rituals in discotheques as robotic and detached. Collectively, Go 2 achieves conceptual unity as a commentary on modern existence, blending Partridge's absurd detachment with Moulding's grounded insights to highlight opposition and strategy in social navigation, much like the album's title evokes tactical maneuvering. The terse, hook-driven arrangements briefly enhance lyrical delivery by underscoring the detachment with propulsive energy.

Artwork and packaging

Cover art

The cover art for Go 2 was designed by the art collective , founded by and Aubrey Powell. The design features a minimalist, text-only layout on a white background with black , presenting a dense block of copy that satirically explains the purpose of album artwork as a tool to attract buyers. The bold "GO 2" title appears in large, black letters at the top, emphasizing the self-referential nature of the cover, which breaks the by directly addressing the viewer about its own commercial intent. This black-and-white color scheme carries symbolic weight, referencing the ancient Go—evoked in the album title—to imply the oppositional dynamic of black and white stones on the board, continuing the monochromatic theme from XTC's debut . The simple, typographic layout creates a stark, bold aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the album's intricate and experimental musical structures, such as the layered rhythms and unconventional song forms. Editions varied slightly by region, with the release on featuring the standard design and red/green labels, while the version on Virgin International included the same artwork but with different label logos and catalog numbering.

Booklet and inserts

The original vinyl edition of Go 2 included a gatefold insert as the principal supplementary printed material, expanding on the album's innovative concept. This insert featured a full-color photograph of the band members— on guitar and vocals, on bass and vocals, Terry Chambers on drums, and Barry Andrews on keyboards—positioned alongside additional black-and-white photographs that captured the group's dynamic during their 1978 sessions. One side of the insert continued the satirical text from the back cover, maintaining the typewritten font that defined the entire package and critiquing the manipulative role of visual design in consumer marketing. The other side incorporated a stylized map of , the band's hometown, overlaid with cryptic annotations and images to evoke themes of locality amid alienation. This layout reinforced the album's meta-commentary on and media influence, positioning the packaging as an extension of the record's conceptual framework rather than mere decoration. Produced by in collaboration with designer , the insert utilized standard 1970s glossy cardstock for durability and visual impact, printed in to align with the label's emphasis on tactile, collectible formats. While the original release omitted printed —focusing instead on visual and textual provocation—subsequent CD reissues, such as the 1991 Geffen edition, added booklets with rendered in a similar typewriter-style font, alongside band photos and . A 2023 Ape House vinyl reissue replicated the original sleeve and insert design as a limited edition 2-disc set including the Go+ EP.

Release and formats

Initial release and promotion

Go 2 was released on 6 October 1978 by in the and by Virgin International in the and . The album was issued primarily as a vinyl LP, with the initial UK pressing limited to 15,000 copies, each bundled with the Go+ EP containing dub remixes of select tracks. This strategy aimed to enhance value for early buyers and highlight the band's exploratory approach to production. Promotion for the album eschewed traditional singles releases, focusing instead on live performances and media exposure to build momentum within the emerging new wave scene. XTC supported the launch with a tour in late , performing tracks from Go 2 alongside material from their debut, which helped solidify their reputation for energetic, angular live shows. In the , Virgin International issued the single "Are You Receiving?" on 27 October to capitalize on growing interest, accompanied by a promotional . Marketing efforts emphasized the album's experimental elements through band interviews, where members like discussed their shift toward more intricate rhythms and unconventional structures compared to . Radio play targeted new wave-oriented stations, particularly in the , where the single and album cuts gained airtime on college and alternative formats, aiding crossover appeal. The strategy contributed to immediate commercial traction, with Go 2 peaking at number 21 on the UK Albums Chart during its three-week run starting 28 October 1978.

Singles

The only single directly associated with Go 2 was "Are You Receiving Me?", released on 29 September 1978 in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Australia as a non-album track ahead of the LP's launch. Backed with the non-album B-side "Instant Tunes", it was issued primarily in 7-inch vinyl format (Virgin VS 231 in the UK), including white-label promotional copies featuring an alternate mix. The single achieved modest success, peaking at number 86 on the UK Singles Chart, its quirky new wave energy providing an early preview of the album's experimental style but failing to break into higher positions. No singles were extracted from the main tracks of Go 2 in the UK, a deliberate strategy by and to position the band within the landscape of the late 1970s, emphasizing cohesive listening over radio-friendly excerpts. In the United States and , "Are You Receiving Me?" appeared as a bonus track on the album itself (as side A, track 6), rather than a standalone single, which helped boost initial exposure during the LP's North American rollout on 6 1978 without achieving notable chart performance. This approach garnered some radio play and critical notice but resulted in limited commercial impact, underscoring the band's emerging cult status over mainstream breakthrough.

Go+ EP

The Go+ EP is a 12-inch, 45 RPM vinyl record containing five dub-style remixes of tracks from XTC's second album, Go 2. Produced by , it was released on October 13, 1978, and bundled free with the first 15,000 copies of the Go 2 LP (catalogue V 2108) in the . The EP's instrumental remixes deconstruct and extend the originals through echo, reverb, and rhythmic manipulation, reflecting the band's early experimentation with dub techniques to expand their production palette. This approach highlighted XTC's versatility beyond punk and new wave, aiming to attract dub enthusiasts while previewing future studio explorations. The tracks, all written by band members or , are as follows:
  • "Dance With Me, " (3:29), a dub of "Meccanik Dancing (Oh We Go!)"
  • "Beat the Bible" (2:16), a dub of "Jumping in Gomorrah ()"
  • "A of Modern Marriage" (2:36), a dub of "Battery Brides (Andy Paints Brian)"
  • "Clap Clap Clap" (2:25), a dub of "I Am the Audience"
  • "We Kill the Beast" (2:17), a dub of "The Rhythm Mix"
The EP was later made available individually in the and included in select reissues of Go 2, such as the 2023 Ape House vinyl edition, as well as the 1990 compilation Explode Together: The Dub Experiments 78-80.

Track listing

Standard album

The standard edition of Go 2 features 12 tracks divided across two sides on the original vinyl LP (Virgin V 2108), with a total runtime of approximately 41 minutes. All songs were written by band members , , or Barry Andrews, reflecting their collaborative songwriting contributions at the time.

Side one

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Meccanik Dancing (Oh We Go!)"2:36
2."Battery Brides (Andy Paints Brian)"4:37
3."Buzzcity Talking"Moulding2:41
4."Crowded Room"Moulding2:55
5."The Rhythm"Moulding3:08
6."Red"3:02

Side two

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Beatown"4:35
2."Life Is Good in the Greenhouse"4:42
3."Jumping in Gomorrah"2:04
4."My Weapon"Andrews2:22
5."Super-Tuff"Andrews4:25
6."I Am the Audience"Moulding3:50

Go+ tracks

The Go+ EP consists of five dub remixes of tracks from the standard Go 2 album, offering experimental, stripped-down interpretations that emphasize rhythm and echo effects. Produced by , these versions transform the original songs into minimalist dub excursions, each lasting between 2 and 3 minutes. The track listing is as follows:
No.TitleDurationOriginal track from Go 2Writer(s)
1 With Me, 3:29Meccanik Dancing (Oh We Go!)
2Beat the Bible2:16Jumping in Gomorrah
3A Dictionary of Modern Marriage2:36Battery Brides (Andy Paints Brian)
4Clap Clap Clap2:25I Am the Audience
5We Kill the Beast2:17The Rhythm
The EP's total runtime is approximately 13 minutes, providing a concise companion to the album's more structured compositions.

Personnel

Band members

The lineup for XTC's Go 2 (1978) consisted of the band's core members during their early new wave phase.
  • Andy Partridge provided lead vocals and played guitars.
  • Colin Moulding contributed vocals and .
  • Barry Andrews handled keyboards, marking his final album with the band before departing shortly after its release.
  • Terry Chambers performed on drums.
This configuration predated the arrival of guitarist Dave Gregory, who joined for their subsequent album (1979).

Production and technical

The production of Go 2 was led by , who served as the primary and for the album. Assistant engineers included Haydn Bendall, Pete James, Andy Llewelyn, and Jess Sutcliffe, with the sessions taking place at in during August and September 1978. Martin Rushent provided additional production on the track "". The album's distinctive sleeve design, featuring a meta-essay on record cover marketing, was created by the design collective . The project was overseen by , the label responsible for its release.

Reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in October 1978, Go 2 garnered positive reception in the UK music press, where it was hailed as a bold progression from XTC's debut White Music. Sounds awarded the album a perfect 5/5 rating, lauding its punchy rhythms and inventive songcraft. Melody Maker highlighted the record's relentless energy and tight ensemble playing, noting how the band's angular style captured the spirit with renewed vigor. commended XTC's experimental edge, particularly Andy Partridge's witty lyrics and the album's unconventional structures, comparing Partridge's approach to art rock pioneers like for its satirical bite and rhythmic complexity. In the United States, reviews were more mixed, with some critics appreciating the innovation while others found the album's challenging rhythms and herky-jerky dynamics off-putting for mainstream audiences. Trouser Press described the songs as excoriating conformism through "kaleidoscopic imagery," with music that alternated between "herky-jerky and menacing" grooves, ultimately deeming it highly entertaining despite its difficulty. Overall, Go 2 was viewed as a divisive step forward, solidifying XTC's reputation for quirky, intellectual new wave but alienating listeners expecting straightforward punk energy.

Retrospective assessments

In retrospective assessments, Go 2 has been reevaluated as a pivotal, if uneven, entry in XTC's , often praised for its experimental edge within the new wave genre despite initial criticisms of inconsistency. AllMusic's review highlights the album's quirky, high-energy rhythms and melodic shifts from the debut , though it notes the songwriting as comparatively weaker, awarding it three out of five stars. Similarly, graded the album a B− in his Consumer Guide, critiquing its uneven execution while acknowledging the band's ambitious punk-pop fusion. Post-2000 reviews have positioned Go 2 as an underrated new wave gem, emphasizing its cult appeal through tracks like "Meccanik Dancing (Oh We Go!)" and "Are You Receiving Me?" that showcase the band's playful, angular songcraft. Pitchfork's 2002 assessment of the remastered reissue gave it 6.9 out of 10, describing it as XTC's weakest full-length but one that captures their early punk-pop hybrid with inconsistent yet intriguing energy, particularly in its rushed production and keyboardist Barry Andrews' contributions before his departure. User-driven aggregates reflect this mixed but appreciative reevaluation, with users averaging 3.2 out of 5 based on over 2,200 ratings, often citing its adventurous, cohesive progression from the debut despite some underdeveloped ideas. The 2023 vinyl reissue by Ape House has further bolstered its modern standing, with audiophile praise for the enhanced sound quality on 200-gram pressing, rendering it richer, tighter, and more dynamic than prior editions while bundling the rare Go+ dub EP. Overall, these assessments frame Go 2 as a transitional favorite, valued for its rhythmic quirks and new wave innovation amid acknowledged flaws.

Commercial performance and legacy

Chart performance

Upon its release in October 1978, Go 2 entered the and peaked at number 21. The album spent a total of three weeks on the chart, reflecting its limited commercial traction amid the emerging new wave scene. In , Go 2 reached number 93 on the chart. The album did not enter major charts such as the 200. Similarly, "Are You Receiving Me?" failed to chart in the UK or , though it peaked at number 86 in . This brief chart presence underscored the band's niche appeal in the landscape at the time.

Reissues and influence

In 1984, released a vinyl reissue of Go 2 , pressed on standard weight vinyl and distributed through their catalog to capitalize on the band's growing international profile. A major reissue arrived in 2023 from Ape House and , offering a limited-edition 200-gram heavyweight vinyl pressing cut from new masters by at LOUD Mastering and approved by XTC's ; this marked the album's first vinyl edition in over four decades and included the rare Go+ dub remix EP on a second disc. While no dedicated 2025 reissue of Go 2 has been announced, the album forms part of XTC's broader catalog remastering initiative under Ape House, which has seen high-fidelity updates to early works like the 2025 edition of Drums and Wires featuring Dolby Atmos and 5.1 mixes by Steven Wilson. Go 2 exerted influence on the post-punk and new wave scenes through its angular rhythms and experimental structures, earning praise for featuring one of the era's tightest rhythm sections—comparable to those of contemporaries like Talking Heads—and inspiring bands that blended punk energy with pop sophistication. The album's legacy is tied to the departure of keyboardist Barry Andrews shortly after its release, a move prompted by creative tensions with that streamlined XTC's lineup and sound, positioning Go 2 as a pivotal bridge to the band's more polished, mature phase beginning with . It continues to appear in retrospectives on the 1970s music scene, highlighting XTC's role in evolving punk into artful new wave amid the Swindon post-industrial backdrop.

References

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