XTC

XTC. English rock band formed in Swindon in 1972 and active until 2006. They gained popularity during the rise of punk and new wave in the 1970s, later playing in a variety of styles that ranged from angular guitar riffs to elaborately arranged pop. Because they did not really fit into the contemporary trends, they failed to maintain commercial success in the UK and US. They did however attract a considerable cult following and are recognised for their influence on Britpop. After 1982, they stopped concert touring and became a studio-based project. XTC's best-known album, "Skylarking" is generally regarded as their finest. They had a total of 18 records in the UK top 40 including the singles ; "Making Plans For Nigel" (1979) / "Sgt. Rock" (1980) and "Senses Working Overtime" (1982), as well as the albums ; Black Sea (1980) and English Settlement (1982). In the US, they are also known for the songs "Dear God" (1986) and "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" (1992) while "Mayor of Simpleton" (1989) was their highest charting US single.