Mummer

Recorded at The Manor, Oxfordshire, England, and Genetic Studios, in 1982.

The Manor studios were part of a 38 room mansion owned by then Virgin Records head Richard Branson, and were located just outside of Oxfordshire England. The grounds (which can be seen in part in the XTC at The Manor promotional video, chronicling the recording of the Black Sea album in a somewhat contrived manner) included an illuminated lake, a go-cart track and an outdoor swimming pool enclosed in a massive bubble. The Manor was said to be haunted by a ghost called "The Grey Lady." Whether or not the band encountered the specter is debatable, though some folks believe Andy had a sexual experience with her which he later put to music and called "Wrapped In Grey." (it's a freakin' joke) Two very notable recordings made here, other than the XTC albums, are Mike Oldfield's famed "Tubular Bells" (actually the first recording made at The Manor) and the Sex Pistols' "Never Mind the Bollocks."

Mixed by Steve Nye & XTC at:

AIR STUDIOS

Click on image above to go to the Air Studios website.

Combining world-renowned technical expertise and the personal vision of one of music's best-known figures, George Martin's AIR Studios is a unique and inspirational recording environment.

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AIR was established in 1969 and has occupied its present space since 1992 - the beautiful Lyndhurst Hall in Hampstead, London. Originally a church and missionary school, it has been transformed into a state-of-the-art recording complex with matchless facilities for film scoring, rock and pop, classical and orchestral work, post-production and live events.

With 24-hour support from highly qualified and friendly technical staff, AIR draws the finest musicians and performers from across the globe.

Air Studios
Lyndhurst Hall, Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead, London NW3 5NG. Tel-0207 794 0660, Fax-0207 794 8518

The album was re-mixed by Alex Sadkin, Phil Thornalley & XTC at:

RAK Studios

Click on image above to go to the RAK Studios website.

RAK Recording Studios were created in 1976 by legendary record producer Mickie Most who sympathetically converted an imposing Victorian schoolhouse and church hall into a state-of-the-art recording studio complex with full residential facilities. Accommodation can be provided for up to ten people with full catering facilities on site. Any more than ten guests can be accommodated in local hotels at favorable rates.

RAK Recording Studios are situated just north of Regents Park in one of London's most prized neighborhoods, with the restaurants, pubs, and shops of St.Johns Wood, but a stone's throw away, as well as quick and easy access to London's West End with its theatres, museums, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

Facilities include 3 ground level recording studios all with natural daylight - so it never feels like midnight at midday. Studio 1 and Studio 2 have API desks (the only fully functional, working API desks in Great Britain, and Studio 3 has an SSL desk, thus fusing traditional and contemporary technology within an inspiring and creative environment.

For many years the recording studios were the production facility of the hugely successful RAK record label. Today, RAK Recording Studios is used by some of the most outstanding artists in the music business. The staff are relaxed and professional, and totally committed to the realization of your project's full potential. (from the RAK studios website)

And further recording and mixing went on at Odyssey Studios, in London. The album was produced by Bob Sargeant and engineered by Mark Dearnley. The album was first released in the UK in August of 1983 and climbed to number 51 on their album chart.

The band was then comprised of:

Andy Partridge - guitar, vocals and such With Peter Phipps / drums
Colin Moulding - bass, vocals and such
Dave Gregory - guitars, keys, vocals and such Steve Nye / mini-korg on "Wonderland", mellotron on "Elements"
Terry Chambers - drums (only on "Wonderland" & "Beating of Hearts"... then Terry quits the band)

Additional players:

Pete Phipps - drums, Gavin Wright and Nigel Warren-Green / strings on "Great Fire"

In Andy's words (from the Nonsuch promotional item)

The album featured these classic XTC tracks:

1. Beating of Hearts
2. Wonderland
3. Love on a Farmboy's Wages
4. Great Fire
5. Deliver Us From the Elements
6. Human Alchemy
7. Ladybird
8. In Loving Memory of a Name
9. Me and the Wind
10. Funk Pop a Roll