25 O'Clock cover

25 O'Clock

XTC · 1985

49 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · pop rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic pop and new wave whimsy that transports listeners to a surreal soundscape.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • kaleidoscopic soundscapes for exploration
  • dynamic shifts between whimsical tracks
  • short bursts of playful energy
  • surreal interludes that surprise

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of straightforward structure
  • prefer long, cohesive pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1985, '25 O'Clock' marked a creative high point for XTC, following their acclaimed album 'Mummer'. This record represents their foray into the 'Dukes of Stratosphear', a pseudonymous project that allowed them to explore influences from the 1960s psychedelic era while expanding their artistic boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors
They Might Be Giants· Squeeze· The B-52's

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 25 O’Clock 5:02
  • 2 Bike Ride to the Moon 2:23
  • 3 My Love Explodes 3:49
  • 4 What in the World??… 5:01
  • 5 Your Gold Dress 4:42
  • 6 The Mole From the Ministry 5:50
  • 7 25 O’Clock (demo) 2:26
  • 8 Bike Ride to the Moon (demo) 1:31
  • 9 My Love Explodes (demo) 1:54
  • 10 What in the World??… (demo) 3:41
  • 11 Nicely Nicely Jane (demo) 1:18
  • 12 Susan Revolving (demo) 1:24
  • 13 Black Jewelled Serpent of Sound (Radio Caroline edit) 2:17
  • 14 Open a Can of Human Beans 4:44
  • 15 Tin Toy Clockwork Train 3:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata