My Top 1000 Songs #873: Dear Madam Barnum

[I've been writing up my Top 1000 songs on a daily basis--you can see them all in descending order by hitting the All My Favorite Songs tag.]

With so many cherished XTC singles over the decades, a handful of which I've previously noted, I almost hate wasting a slot on a deep cut from one of their less-beloved LPs, 1992's Nonsuch. But I've always had a soft spot for "Dear Madam Barnum." It's one of the quirky act's more straightforward pop songs, a pretty basic descending riff throughout most of the number, but I find it especially endearing. Maybe it's the lyrics about a circus clown resigning in protest? "If I'm not the sole fool who pulls his trousers down, then dear Madam Barnum, I resign as clown." Fun stuff.

Rehearsing in the studio:

Live version from an XTC tribute band (Fossil Fools):

Here's a slowed-down, dream-pop-styled cover I dug up on the 'Tube:
...or how about a community choir version?
...or a bunch of old guys?


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