Wasp Star (Apple Venus, Pt. 2)
by XTC
  • Record Label: TVT
  • Release Date: May 23, 2000
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12

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  1. TravisC.
    May 22, 2002
    8
    While more pedestrian by XTC's standards, it's still a stand out among the current crop of clone-rockers dominating the sales charts and radio stations nowadays. The absence of long time lead guitarist and overall utility man Dave Gregory stands out on a few tracks, most notably on "Stupidly Happy" and "We're All Light", however the brilliance of Andy Partridge and Colin While more pedestrian by XTC's standards, it's still a stand out among the current crop of clone-rockers dominating the sales charts and radio stations nowadays. The absence of long time lead guitarist and overall utility man Dave Gregory stands out on a few tracks, most notably on "Stupidly Happy" and "We're All Light", however the brilliance of Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding helps shape another album full of top calibre songwriting. As usual, there are numerous stand out tracks, but "My Brown Guitar" probably ranks among XTC's all-time best.… Expand
  2. HappyM.
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    One of XTC's best!
  3. WillyP
    Dec 20, 2005
    10
    Partridge is the rare artist whose songwriting abilities continue to grow into middle age.
  4. JimRobson
    Dec 17, 2001
    10
    One of the ORIGINAL trendsetter bands from the '70's who have continued thru to this very day as an example of HOW to write clever, witty, exceptionally precise yet the loose groovers they would like to remain. They continue to inspire my very own songwriting styles. I flips me lid to 'em. -Jim Robson.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best Album of 2000
79
#79 Most Discussed Album of 2000
79
#79 Most Shared Album of 2000

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Magnet
    40
    The balance of the album is crammed to capacity with placeholders for more fully developed ideas.
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  2. Wall of Sound
    81
    Wasp Star adheres to the bouncy melodicism and skewed humor that's been XTC's stock in trade for 25 years.
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  3. Pitchfork
    80
    It's a great bunch of songs, and it solidifies the notion that XTC are back from the wilderness and ready to rock the show.
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