Homespun: The Apple Venus Volume One Home Demos

The material doesn't add to the studio version, but the liner notes are well worth having. Buy this is you're an XTC addict.

(...the cover currently displayed belongs to the "parent" album, Apple Venus. Homespun's cover is similar, but is an embroidery of the peacock feather.)I purchased both Apple Venus and Homespun the same day. It could be argued this is a little like buying two copies of the same album, but as has been stated elsewhere, Homespun's principle appeal is to people interested in the creative process of Mssrs. Partridge and Moulding.For my tastes, I actually prefer the production decisions (or lack thereof) made for Homespun -- but then I am predisposed to liking rougher, rawer music. I prefer polaroids to digital photographs, for that matter.There are tiny scraps of "raw acoustic demos" scattered here and there over the course of Homespun, but generally the songs are presented in fairly finished form. (The "single drop of water" that opens "River of Orchids" is missing, so every review of Homespun doesn't begin with some sort of reference to it!) Only a few songs are significantly different than how they appear on Apple Venus V.1.Either version is a great purchase. If you like things lusher and more pristine, get Apple Venus. If you like mapping the songcrafting process, you'll enjoy Homespun. If you really like XTC anyway, you should just get them both.

First thing's first, "Homespun" is an album of demos for "Apple Venus". If you don't have that record, look there first (although if you're new to XTC, "Skylarking" is the usual recommendation).So a collection of demos, what to expect? Essentially it's a track-by-track match for "Apple Venus". Sonically, you couldn't tell it's so much a set of demos except in a couple places ("Frivolous Tonight") because it sounds so complete, in fact to the point where some pieces sound virtually identical to their final takes-- even in places you wouldn't expect it like orchestral workouts "River of Orchids" and "Green Man".Is it interesting? Yeah, extremely, and in a lot of places it can be as good or better than the original ("Knights in Shining Karma"), but truth to be told, unless you're a diehard, you probably don't need to hear the work versions of this material. More casual fans definitely want to check out "Apple Venus", it's a fine record.

One of the biggest problems I have with XTC is that so few people realize that Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding are Britain's greatest gift to songwriting since Lennon and McCartney. But you see, you can't really tell people this without them reacting as if you just blasphemed God.That being stated, my reaction to those detractors who consider this release to be self indulgent would have to be something like, would you say something like that if The Beatles released a collection of rough demos of songs before being produced as polished albums? Imagine Abbey Road before the orchestral arrangements and segues were worked in.If anything, hearing the rough takes of these magnificent songs gives a deeper appreciation for each one, if you happen to adore the album as much as I do. Actually, before buying this version I was expecting a tad more rough edges; I wasn't aware that much of the "orchestral" arrangement on Apple Venus was sampled sound. So let the buyer beware ... this is not exactly the "unplugged" approach.Homespun could indeed be considered a for-fans-only release. Or maybe directed towards "limited edition" suckers like myself. I guess I just appreciate this album because it's sort of an invitation into the musical world of a songwriting team I happen to respect very highly, especially after such an admirable comeback effort as Apple Venus. I have already sung its praises in another review of that album. Hopefully THAT won't be considered too self-indulgent.

Yes, the arrangements are almost identical to the studio release. But in many cases the performances are superior. Vocals come through clearer; ideas are more obvious. It's a real testament to their musicianship/professionalism that the songs are so similar in demo and final form. Clearly, they are their own producers, rather than pretty faced fools who let others turn their songs into hits. Have some heart, pundits. They need the money. I read a long (and entertaining) interview where they described how much it cost to rent the orchestra for one day. It wiped out almost all the money they had. Yes, their own money. So if you wanna hear the second Apple Venus, quit yer yappin. This demo CD is for supporters and fans of musicians, rather than record companies.

I think a couple of people are missing the point... The reason this is out is (I heard) they didn't have the cash to finish AV Vol 2, so this would generate some cash AND be of interest to their core fans. Plus, the demos ~are~ a good insight to their creative process.... I ~love~ to see the rough drafts... If you're just waiting for Vol 2, why did you buy this in the first place?