Life Begins at the Hop
Encyclopedia
"Life Begins at the Hop" is a single by XTC
released in 1979. Their fifth single, it was the first indication of a change in their late-seventies sound from urgent post-punk
to power pop
. As their sound changed, so too did their line-up as keyboardist Barry Andrews
was replaced by second guitarist Dave Gregory prior to its recording. The song title references the 1950s' rock 'n' roll classic "At The Hop
"; indeed, the song itself carries a strong early rock 'n' roll influence.
The song is a celebration of "youth club culture". "The hop" of the title refers to popular gatherings sanctioned by local youth clubs as attempts to maintain some measure of control over the types of influences underage attendees would be exposed to in a supervised social environment.
It is also significant for being bassist Colin Moulding
's first A-side composition for the group. Though the single just missed the Top Fifty, it established his prominence within the group.
"Homo Safari", the B-side, was the first in Partridge's "Homo Safari Series", a six-part series of ambient
, impressionistic instrumentals.
XTC
XTC were a New Wave band from Swindon, England, active between 1976 and 2005. The band enjoyed some chart success, including the UK and Canadian hits "Making Plans for Nigel" and "Senses Working Overtime" , but are perhaps even better known for their long-standing critical success.- Early years:...
released in 1979. Their fifth single, it was the first indication of a change in their late-seventies sound from urgent post-punk
Post-punk
Post-punk is a rock music movement with its roots in the late 1970s, following on the heels of the initial punk rock explosion of the mid-1970s. The genre retains its roots in the punk movement but is more introverted, complex and experimental...
to power pop
Power pop
Power pop is a popular musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American pop and rock music. It typically incorporates a combination of musical devices such as strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs. Instrumental solos are...
. As their sound changed, so too did their line-up as keyboardist Barry Andrews
Barry Andrews (musician)
Barry Andrews is a vocalist and keyboardist. He is a former member of the bands XTC and League of Gentlemen with Robert Fripp, and was co-founder of Shriekback. He has collaborated with Brian Eno on several projects, most recently guesting on keyboards for the 2005 album Another Day On Earth...
was replaced by second guitarist Dave Gregory prior to its recording. The song title references the 1950s' rock 'n' roll classic "At The Hop
At the Hop
"At the Hop" is a hit rock 'n' roll song written by Arthur Singer, John Medora and David White and originally released by Danny & the Juniors. The song was released in the fall of 1957, and reached number one on the US charts on January 6, 1958, thus becoming one of the top-selling singles of 1958...
"; indeed, the song itself carries a strong early rock 'n' roll influence.
The song is a celebration of "youth club culture". "The hop" of the title refers to popular gatherings sanctioned by local youth clubs as attempts to maintain some measure of control over the types of influences underage attendees would be exposed to in a supervised social environment.
It is also significant for being bassist Colin Moulding
Colin Moulding
Colin Ivor Moulding is a bassist, songwriter and vocalist. He is a founding member of the band XTC. Though less prolific than bandmate Andy Partridge, Moulding wrote many of the group's most popular songs, including their first three UK hit singles: "Life Begins At The Hop", "Making Plans For...
's first A-side composition for the group. Though the single just missed the Top Fifty, it established his prominence within the group.
"Homo Safari", the B-side, was the first in Partridge's "Homo Safari Series", a six-part series of ambient
Ambient music
Ambient music is a musical genre that focuses largely on the timbral characteristics of sounds, often organized or performed to evoke an "atmospheric", "visual" or "unobtrusive" quality.- History :...
, impressionistic instrumentals.
Track listing
- "Life Begins at the Hop" (Colin MouldingColin MouldingColin Ivor Moulding is a bassist, songwriter and vocalist. He is a founding member of the band XTC. Though less prolific than bandmate Andy Partridge, Moulding wrote many of the group's most popular songs, including their first three UK hit singles: "Life Begins At The Hop", "Making Plans For...
) – 3:46 - "No.1 Homo Safari" (Andy PartridgeAndy PartridgeAndrew John "Andy" Partridge is an English singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He has been known as Sir John Johns and Melchior and rose to fame as a founding member, guitarist and chief songwriter of the pop/new wave band, XTC. He lives in Swindon, Wiltshire, where he was raised.Partridge also...
) – 2:14