# [EP 389] XTC's Skylarking: The Story Behind A Pop Masterpiece - With Alfredo Marziano

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/booked-on-rock-3881248/ep-389-xtc-s-skylarking-the-story-behind-a-pop-masterpiece-with-alfredo-marziano.md
Podcast: [Booked On Rock](https://stenobird.com/podcast/booked-on-rock-3881248)
Published: 2026-06-15T18:34:52+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-389-xtc-s-skylarking-the-story-behind-a-pop-masterpiece-with-alfredo-marziano--72523475
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72523475/episode_389_alfredo_marziano.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3125

## Resource

XTC's 1986 album Skylarking is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of the decade, but its creation was anything but smooth. Author Alfredo Marziano joins me to discuss his book XTC: Skylarking – A Life in a Day: The Making of a Pop Classic. We explore the legendary creative clash between Andy Partridge and producer Todd Rundgren, the stories behind songs like "Dear God," "Grass," and "Earn Enough for Us," the album's controversial artwork, and how a record born from tension became a beloved masterpiece. Was Todd Rundgren the perfect producer for XTC? How did "Dear God" become one of the band's defining songs? And why does Skylarking continue to captivate listeners nearly 40 years after its release? Find out in this deep dive into one of rock's most celebrated albums. Purchase a copy of XTC: Skylarking. A Life in a Day: The Making of a Pop Classic (Milestones) Follow Alfredo Marziano on Facebook Visit the L.I.L.Y. Publishing website ---------- 🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass. Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock 🛒 Old Glory - Iconic music and sports fan merch 💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network BookedOnRock.com The Booked On Rock Store The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich: BLUESKY FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TIKTOK X Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

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