GMVW # 8: "Top of the Pops"

Gem Music Video of the Week #8: Top of the Pops

Song:  Senses Working Overtime by XTC

(Songwriter: Andy Partridge)

February 28, 2008

My good buddy Kurt and I have shared a laugh for many years at the expense of the clientele at the Plough and Stars in Cambridge MA (where, by the way, you have to walk across the stage to go to the bathroom, which gets tricky during a set).  Our thought is that if you are having one of those 'boy am I ugly' days, head to the Plough and Stars, where you will instantly feel like a million bucks.  There are times when a glance around this club makes you feel like you are in the bar scene of the first Star Wars movie. 

Ahhh, but most folks who frequent live music haunts like the Plough and Stars (i.e. the Tam, the old Channel, the old E.M. Lowes in Lowell, CBGB's, Nightstage, the Middle East, The Rat, etc.) know where their priorities are.  Whenever I go to one of these joints, I enjoy the occasion when I can break from the crew for a while and connect with the regulars, particularly the loners. 

Often, you find wisdom in these circles, and more often than not, conversations sway to music. 

Which leads to the Gem Music Video of the Week.  Rock Music is pretty near impossible to rank, but when you break it down to one of its sub-categories, say Pop, it gets a bit easier.  Many big-time magazines have tried to rank Pop songs, but it's from these night club ramblings and listening to late-night DJs (who are slotted in these 3rd shifts usually because their substance far outweighs their style) and their call-in listeners that I've gotten the inside scoop.  Granted their opinions are far from unanimous, or even of a majority.  However Gem Music Video of the Week, "Senses Working Overtime" has clearly percolated it's way to the top.

Who am I to argue? Somehow XTC, a middle-of-the-road band, was able to capture lightning in a bottle when they wrote this song.  It's a darn fun song to listen to. 

So, the question then becomes, can it be beat?  Well, as Dave hilariously pointed out to me in an earlier Gem Music Video of the Week, the song could clearly use "More Cowbell!!" (type these 2 words in you tube to find the multi-hit reference if you don't know).

Enjoy the song (below) and the weekend.... Pete

"And I can see, hear, smell, touch, taste

 And I've got 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...."

Gem Music Video: Senses Working Overtime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyX75NpibdU

- Pete

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About the Video: 1982, appears to be the original video.  A couple of insets lead it off.  A live clip, although it appears to be in studio

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Best Feedback: Fred

Outstanding.  You never were a "POP" guy, which makes this Gem choice all the more interesting.  I have become very POPPY with the music kel and Lil listen to, but will never forget my roots.