Mummer (album)


Mummer is the sixth studio album by the English band XTC, released on 30 August 1983. It reached No. 51 on the UK album chart and No. 145 on the U.S. Billboard album charts. The album title refers to a Mummers play. A working title considered for the album was Fruit Fallen From God's Garden.
It spawned three UK singles; "Great Fire", "Wonderland" and "Love on a Farmboy's Wages". This was the final album that drummer Terry Chambers appeared on with XTC, as he quit the group during the recording sessions, frustrated with the band's decision to becoming a solely studio-based act. He was replaced by Peter Phipps. Andy Partridge later said "Until early 1982, our work was like black-and-white TV. Mummer was the first in full colour -- bright sky blue."

Background

The album was delayed many months by Virgin Records. It was originally supposed to be released by Epic Records on 26 May 1983 in the U.S.A., but the label thought it was too acoustic and pastoral for American audiences. It was finally issued in the U.S. by Geffen Records in February 1984. "Wonderland" was the only single issued by Geffen from the album.
The only promotional public appearance made by the band for this album was in late 1983 when they appeared on the BBC-TV show Pebble Mill At One where they lip-synced to "Love on a Farmboy's Wages". A promotional video was made for the "Wonderland" single. Five more videos were also made in July 1983 for the television documentary program Play At Home.

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Andy Partridge, except where noted.

Personnel

XTC
Additional personnel
Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.
Technical