THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

603-XTC-Making Plans for Nigel.

1979-Number 17 single.

Best Bit-At 1.44. British Steel had to take drastic measures, they were worried that this song would put potential future employees off wanting to work for them.

XTC were formed in Swindon, Wiltshire, England in 1972 by Andy Partridge (guitar, and vocals,) and Colin Moulding (bass, and vocals,) they would both become the bands main songwriters. The duo were also joined in 1972 by Terry Chambers (drums,) and David Gregory (guitar,) who was the other band member to play on this song, joined in 1979. XTC were active until 2006, with there being 10 group members come and go.Between 1972-1974 they were known as ‘Star Park,’ before becoming ‘The Helium Kidz,’ from 1974-1975, before deciding on ‘XTC,’ which came about after Andy Partridge had heard the American comedian Jimmy Durante exclaim, ‘That’s it! I’m In ecstasy! while performing one of his routines. XTC released 12 studio Albums between 1978-2000, and achieved six UK top 40 singles.

‘Making Plans for Nigel’ was taken from the bands third studio Album ‘Drums and Wires’ from 1979, and was written by Colin Moulding. The song is about overpowering parents who think they know best for their child.The lyrics are told from the point of view of parents who are certain that their son Nigel is ‘happy in his work,’ affirming that his future in British Steel ‘is as good as sealed.’ As a response to the song, British Steel gathered four employees named Nigel to talk about job satisfaction, for the company’s trade publication ‘Steel News.’

‘Nigel is not outspoken, but he likes to speak, and loves to be spoken to.’