Just testing the depth here. Would there be any interest/mileage in a BEST OF THE WARBLES? Maybe a double CD? Would this be a waste of space,are you happier to wade through all the discs. Wouldn't want to spend the moolah if nobody thought it worth while. Should the new APE just put up FLAC quality versions of all the tracks for folks to cherry pick?
Then,if the answer was yes to the CDs, what on earth would the best of the Warbles be?

Yes, from me! I think it would be good going commercial and also concentrate on tracks that not has been done by XTC. How about this tracklisting?


1.Dame Fortune
2. Goosey Goosey
3. Wonder Annual
4. I´m Unbecome
5. The Bland Leading The Bland
6. I Gave My Suitcase Away
7. All I Dream Of Is A Friend
8. I Don't Want To Be Here (Aids Benefit Version)
9. Young Marrieds
10. Lightheaded
11. Goodbye Humanosaurus
12. The Art Song (Something Good With Your Life)
13. Where Is Your Heart?
14. I Can’T Tell What Truth Is Anymore
15. Tiny Circus Of Life
16. End Of The Pier
17. It's Snowing Angels
18. 2 Rainbeau Melt
19. I Defy You Gravity
20. My Land Is Burning
21. Visit To The Doctor
22. Rocket

Hidden extra track:

That Wag

And..
Prince of Orange
Wonderfalls
Bumper Cars

too subjective.

So much in there it's hard for me to focus. Summer Hot As This has always been a favourite of mine. Love the demos of Ballet For A Rainy Day and Omnibus. Strongly echo above suggestions of Prince Of Orange and End Of The Pier. Ocean's Daughter is very strong.

I would be seriously in favour of a Best of The Fuzzies-type collection... but the criteria for track selection have to be right.

For my money, cassette demos, outtakes, alternative versions of already-released tracks and the like, belong in the big Fuzzy box. It's the 'new' songs - ie, ones that are unique to FW (ie, rejected songs for collaborations and tv shows, discarded tracks - please don't ask me for titles - dunno how many there are - you do the meth) that I would be very happy to see gathered together. I would definitely buy such an artefact (mainly because I'll probably never get myself organised to select the relevant tracks from the FW discs), but I also think that a collection like this could have some serious commercial potential.

We all know that there is a wealth of XTC/Partsy lovers out there, but not all of them will have been inclined to buy a 10 disc box set (or parts thereof - surely it's all or nothing?) - ie, too much dosh, and/or they don't want to buy songs they already own, radio jingles, 'experiments', etc. BUT these part-time Partsy-lovers would be well up for some condensed FW action - maybe their first dabble in AP stuff since Wasp Star (or earlier).

It would be kind of cool if there was a 'new', non-FW track included (surely there must be one lurking out there - unlock the MP3 cupboard mother!). But as long as Sonic Boom's on there, it can't fail (how did that track not get onto Nonsuch - it's insanity gone mad!).

I've said my piece, I'll say no more.

It's been mentioned a few times before over the years and I think it's a good idea. And I agree with foggy above - keep it to non XTC / Dukes songs (though I'd quite like to include the demo for Summer's Cauldron somewhere) and something new for folks to enjoy/complain about.
I also think it would be good to do a cut down very limited vinyl release of some sort - 8 to 12 tracks over a double 10" might be nice.

As to specific tracks... as long as Rocket is on there I'll be happy.

Yes, something new would be good also. Maybe a couple of the not yet released Bubbelgum-tracks and "Rip Van Ruben"?

Would this be something separate to the rumored "Bric-a-Brak Breakfast" companion disc to the Rag-n-Bone release?

I have to be honest. I do not think a physical release of only repackaged FW tracks would sell well unless it's very value priced.

And I say keep the "new" old stuff (Always Winter/ Rip Van Reuben) for the Rag and Bone/ Bric-a-Brac combo. If you really want to put out a Fuzzy's Best CD I'd think it's something you'd market to people buying that set as a "If you're interested in this, also try this best of" enticement.

Or, if you really can't come up with enough material for a full sized Bric-a-Brak Breakfast disc, pad the hell out of it with FW tracks.

If we're talking a purely "Best of Fuzzy" set I do think a digital download version would be best, especially if you can get it on good platforms like iTunes and Amazon.

I agree with foghorn. Just the stuff we've never had previously. I'd buy that.

Hello again - hope all are well.

I think I put this thought down elsewhere in the forum but if a best of the fuzzies is going to happen, then it should physically be on the only format not available i.e. vinyl.

The mp3's are up on the site and the CD's are available so it would need something unique to sell it. Making the FLAC files available is a great idea Andy but still not sure who the market is for this to be honest.

I think Andrew's idea of a double 10 inch is a brilliant one and I agree with the sentiments voiced above - especially Spastic's thought of a FW best of for download on iTunes etc.

For tracklisting, blimey where to start.

We've all got our faves but I agree that the non XTC / Dukes should take priority for the reasons that Foggie has already said - there is more than enough great material to capture lapsed followers and newbies alike.

Right - off the soapbox - have fun.

Liam.

At first I thought it would be best to have FLAC files available for those who want to cherry pick their favourite warbles - but I can see that there may a demand for a best of disc (or discs) for those who didn't get the collectors set, especially if the collectors set won't be available in the future. I recall back when the Warbles were being issued there were some who just wanted a "best of".

I agree with the others that the best of should just have the songs that never made it to a proper recording.

I like the idea that others have brought up that if there is a best of CD or two that maybe something new or different be added. I remember on the old Idea site in the news section that there was talk of some newer XTC songs - I remember some of the titles like Whispered Hymn and Oh My Britannia. If these are Andy demos, how about maybe adding them?

I don't know Andy if you would have the time or the inclination, but how about the idea of maybe re-demoing some of the "fuzzier" warbles to your current demo quality standards? The song "Everything" immediately springs to mind, one of my favourite songs that you have ever done both lyrically and musically, that would be even more wonderous if it had the sonic quality using your current shed set up. Just a thought anyway...

I have the complete Fuzzy Warbles set so I would only buy a cd copy of a 'best of the warbles' if there was something new or unreleased on it.

Vinyl is not my thing and I always feel sad when I hear about a 'download only' release (maybe it's an age thing, but to me it's not complete without something physical).
I will buy a download if it's the only option (like with the EP's of Lighterthief and Jen Olive) but I still long for the physical release.

I think a "Best of" would work well for you Andy (and APE) if there were your pix of the best and then "now with 2 more brand new tracks from Andy P" ... this way you're creating a must buy for those who already have the Fuzzy series, enticing those who can't afford the whole series but want to know what all the hub-bub is about to buy, and lastly getting new tracks out there thus proving that you're still bubbling, gurgling and popping with cool idears. I'd pay for this!

I suppose you are trying to tap into two market sectors.

1. people who werent preared to buy the comp-lete fuzzy sollection but would buy a best of. is this a big market - us fanboys bought the whole set so is there enough fanboy lights who would buy this in volume. MMM not sure. I do think the people on this forum are least qualified to answer though!

2. People who are music fans ( but maye not xtcfans) who would be tempted to buy a " class peice of music" but not a multi volume set like warbles. This market surely exists - I know I have bought sets by bands I kinda like but dont love. However it would need some tempting known songs to draw them in - eg A Dear God/Farnboy type lead in. If its too obscure to the ordinary Joe then it might get passed up.

If the fixed costs arent too high its worth a punt. Best way to sell it would be a tour. maybe not a concert venue tourbut some sort of radio/TV chat, talk demo. to promote some PR in the press that whets peoples appetite.

So when exactly did we all become accountants and marketing experts?


Where is the love?

We can't help it - it's our demographic.

i think andy wants to spread love and make money

It's the internet... everyone's an expert!

Well, I claim no expertise in anything, but I thought we were asked for opinions. As such, if I didn't love all things Andy and Xtc I wouldn't offer my oh-so-humble thoughts. I trust most of us are in this category. We love!

all things is a bit of a slavish devotion. And releasing a "best of with 2 more brand new tracks from Andy P ... creating a must buy for those who already have the Fuzzys," is a bit cynical in my opinion. And "oh so humble thoughts" come in many shapes and sizes and long may that remain.

And yes we love. We really do.

Gee whiz Dona, guess I should be much more careful with my posts. Sorry to have stopped by.

If the question is whether there's still an untapped FW market out there, sounds like no one here can answer you.

Might be a cheaper way to find out:

Try to scare up FW sales via an "Apple Bites"-type promo — nice giveaway for the APE resurrection, and you and your minions (us, pretty much) could pimp it all over the Internet.

I look forward to release of more goodies for which you've not yet been paid.

Not at all. Don't be silly. Let it flow. It's all good.

Must admit that when I suggested the inclusion of a couple of 'new' tracks, I was being a little scurrilous. It's not a very ethical ploy, and seems to be employed by almost everyone these days (even those who used to rail against the cynical marketing tactics of the music business). Maybe existing owners of the FW box could send their copies of FW back to APE to have the 'new' tracks surgically grafted on? Either way, I'm a sucker for things APEy and definitely wouldn't be able to resist a gathering together of all the previously unreleased tracks, all in a nice new package.

Decision time, A&R department!

I presume there isn't a Best of Fuzzies yet, but I'd sure buy one if it contained the 'new' songs, most of which Pelle listed, though I would include more from Vol 6 such as Difficult Age, Prince of Orange and In My Hand (great song even if not written by AP).
How about by next Christmas? With a Fuzzy Warbler T-shirt, maybe?

Will organise I think.Maybe time for a 'best of the Warbles".

Hooray! Will it be out in time for Christmas? And is there time for an APE Christmas single 2011? These questions need to be asked! (though not necessarily answered)

My best of I could only pare down to a 10 volume set

Working late tonight I've been listening to a shuffle of the lot! My lost password popped into my head doing so.... Thank Randomness!!