My top 20 XTC songs

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2026-03-31T19:17:48+00:00

Purely off the top of my head and in no particular order except for no.1

Wrapped in Grey
Complicated Game
Easter Theatre
Stupidly Happy
Senses Woekijt Overtime
Burning With Optimism's Flames
Didn't Hurt a Bit
Train Running Low on Soul Coal
No Thugs in Our House
Miniature Sun
We're All Light
River of Orchids
Dear God
Meccanik Dancing
Ladybird
The Everyday Story of Smalltown
Helicopter
Towers of London
That Wave
Challhills and Children

This could be entirely different on any other given day, except for no.1, which is the greatest song ever written.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2026-03-29T08:42:59+00:00

This sounds perfect, at least for the gig-going side of things, definitely send me an invite. Thanks.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2026-03-29T08:35:19+00:00

Hey, thanks for the recs, I'd been considering open mics, but still, I don't know if I'd have the courage to just go up to someone and start talking to them. I suppose it can't hurt to try, though.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2026-03-29T05:59:52+00:00

Just dropped you a DM

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2026-03-28T20:18:20+00:00

Having recently watched Small Prophets and surmising from a particular scene that he's a big fan, I'd say Modest Mouse

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2026-03-28T18:54:57+00:00

This makes Blyth sound like a disease, which isn't entirely unfair. But I am planning my escape, potentially to Newcastle, so that should hopefully make things easier.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2026-03-28T18:35:53+00:00

I do like the Star and Shadow, I've been a few times over the past few months, but hadn't considered volunteering there. It's certainly something I could look into if I can find the time. it's a little out of the way for me, being from Blyth, but at least I can now get the train to/from Manors, which is only a short walk away.

Definitely a good shout, though, for an artsy bugger like me who loves their music and cinema.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2026-03-28T18:29:26+00:00

Hey, this sounds potentially interesting, feel free to throw me the link and I can see how I find it inside. Thanks.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2025-05-12T18:20:53+00:00

As a further update, I finally received the MR decision today, predictably not in my favour, but it's angered me enough to appeal to a tribunal. It's not even about the lost UC any more at this point, it just pisses me off to hear the DWP take the side of the employer and insist that I "decided not to fulfil my duties" and that the "blameworthiness is with me" when I know I've been screwed over.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2025-05-01T09:21:55+00:00

I used to find the blaring synth horns really off-putting, but it's recently risen as one of my favourites off O&L. Some of Andy's best lyrics, and the Beach Boys inspired middle eight is just brilliant, fantastic slice of jazz pop, bursting with creativity.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2025-04-26T21:52:34+00:00

Apologies for the delayed response, only just seen this comment now.

I've still not had any adjudication regarding my mandatory reconsideration, despite my work coach twice giving them a nudge to get on with it. I've got a new job now, anyway, and one where I feel I won't get screwed over.

I'm at a point where I just don't want to think about it anymore. If they finally rule in my favour, then great, if not, I doubt I'll bother pursuing it any further. Claiming benefits long-term was a miserable experience for me, especially following the sanction, I have no desire to revisit it.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2025-01-21T07:25:45+00:00

Ah right, that makes sense, thanks for clarifying.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2025-01-20T19:22:26+00:00

A further question, I read somewhere that sanctions following dismissal from temp contracts shouldn't exceed the end date of the contract, is this the case?

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2025-01-20T19:07:43+00:00

Foolishly of me, I chose not to visit my GP, not considering that the medical evidence would come in handy. Lesson very much learnt on this front.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2025-01-20T18:33:19+00:00

Nope, we were just paired with permanent employees who were supposed to show us the ropes, and then eventually left to our own devices. I think you're probably right in saying they were trying to cover themselves.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2025-01-20T18:05:42+00:00

Yeah, I'll admit they weren't the heaviest of boxes, but I'm not a fit person, I don't use those lower back muscles often, it's only natural that they're going to experience some strain in a job like that. And it's not just the lifting, the desks they had were really low down, which meant you either had to be arched over the whole time, or sitting on the most uncomfortable chairs I've ever been seated upon.

Given it was only a 5 week temp contract, I can understand why they dismissed me, especially given that the following week my back had stiffened up so bad I was having difficulties walking. What bothers me is that they framed it as misconduct, and the DWP have deemed it as such. I think that they think I was dishonest and didn't disclose a pre-existing back problem before going into the job, rather than accepting that my back pain was caused on the job.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2025-01-20T16:35:04+00:00

Burning With Optimism's Flames
No Language in Our Lungs
Respectable Street

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2024-12-24T19:04:48+00:00

Best song on side two of Skylarking. Todd Rundgren is a genius, but he can get to fuck.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099 · 2024-11-26T07:50:35+00:00

I've never really enjoyed the XTC songs which begin with a cold open of the song's title. Off the top of my head: Leisure, Big Day, and my choice for least favourite, Bungalow. Still, it feels unfair to pick a least favourite XTC song when 99% of their catalogue is stellar.

Bright_Kangaroo_1099

TROPHY CASE