ALL WHITE NOW

Are XTC worth anything anymore? All I ever bought was Making Plans For Nigel when it charted back in 1978 as well as a second hand copy of their first LP White Music for about 50p. I still have the LP and am wondering if it’s worth money.

Keith Brown via email

Though the origins of the group reach back to 1972, it wasn’t until 1975 that the various musical parts went under the banner of XTC. The core was, of course, Andy Partridge (guitar/vocals) and Colin Moulding (bass/vocals) and the early classic line-up included Barry Andrews (keyboards) and Terry Chambers (drums). XTC were never punk but made more intelligent pop with the arty elements of Wire thrown in.

After seeing the band play live, John Peel offered them a session and when their four songs – She’s So Square, Crosswires, Radios In Motion and Science Friction – were broadcast in June 1977, the band were courted by a number of record labels. Virgin managed to secure their signatures and planned to issue their first single, Science Fiction/she’s So Square (VS 188), in October 1977 in a picture sleeve. Plans were abandoned in favour of a 12” version that meant that the few surviving copies of the 7” in a picture sleeve are worth £3000. Those not in picture sleeves are worth £150.

Their debut LP – White Music (V2095) – was issued in January 1978 and spent four weeks in the charts rising to the giddy heights of No 38. An original copy should have the handwritten Virgin Records, Vernon Yard, Portobello Road, London W11 address on the rear. First pressings also have a bespoke black die-cut inner sleeve with the Virgin Records address on it. Value? £30 in Mint. As for Making Plans For Nigel/bushman President/pulsing Pulsing, it came out in 1979 (VS 282). The edition to own is the initial pressing that came with a game card insert. It’s very scarce these days and can sell for up to £25. The single got to No 17 in the UK.