Also known as The Dukes Labels Virgin Active until 2003 | Years active 1984–1987
2003
2008 Associated acts XTC Record label Virgin Records | |
 | ||
Past members Andy Partridge (Sir John Johns)
Colin Moulding (The Red Curtain)
Dave Gregory (Lord Cornelius Plum)
Ian Gregory (E.I.E.I. Owen) Origin Swindon, United Kingdom (1984) Genres Psychedelic pop, Psychedelic rock Similar Colin Moulding, Dave Gregory, Andy Partridge, XTC, Terry Chambers | ||
The dukes of stratosphear your gold dress
The Dukes of Stratosphear were an English rock band formed in 1984 by Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding, Dave Gregory, and Ian Gregory. Modeled after psychedelic pop groups from the 1960s, the Dukes were initially publicised by Virgin Records as a mysterious new act, but were actually an XTC spin-off band. The project amounted to the albums 25 O'Clock (1985) and Psonic Psunspot (1987). In the UK, the records outsold XTC's then-current albums The Big Express (1984) and Skylarking (1986).
Contents
- The dukes of stratosphear your gold dress
- The dukes of stratosphear xtc the affiliated
- History
- Members
- Discography
- Songs
- References
The dukes of stratosphear xtc the affiliated
History
The band released two records under this pseudonym, the mini-album 25 O'Clock (1985), and the full-length album Psonic Psunspot (1987). The two releases were compiled onto a single CD under the title Chips from the Chocolate Fireball: An Anthology, which was released simultaneously with the vinyl issue of Psonic Psunspot. The Dukes were also mentioned in the credits of XTC's 1986 album Skylarking, where they were thanked for the loan of their guitars.
In 1991, Andy Partridge produced two tracks, "It's Snowing Angels" and "Then She Appeared", intended to be released as a hoax flexidisc attached to the cover of Strange Things Are Happening magazine. Although credited to fictional bands "Big Chief Cigar Choc Champion" and "The Golden", these tracks were a continuation of the Dukes recorded oeuvre in all but name. The magazine folded before the single could be pressed, although "Then She Appeared" would later be reworked for the Nonsuch album. "It's Snowing Angels" was released in 1994 via John Flansburgh's Hello Recording Club, and both tracks were included on the Fuzzy Warbles anthology.
Several sequels were proposed but ultimately abandoned, including the mock rock opera The Great Royal Jelly Scandal, an animated feature film of 25 O'Clock, a 'prequel' album as "The Mersey Dukes", and a glam rock parody as "The Stratosphear Band". In 1992, XTC proposed a spiritual successor to the Dukes in the form of The Bubblegum Album, a compilation of mocked-up one-hit-wonder 1970s pop singles. The album was half completed but rejected by Virgin. This rejection was one of the main contributing factors to the seven-year feud between the band and Virgin. Several of these tracks were reworked and released on various XTC albums and compilations.
The 2002 XTC rarities compilation Coat of Many Cupboards, premiered a hitherto unheard 20-second section of narration recorded for Psonic Psunspot but not used. This does not appear on any other XTC/Dukes release.
The band briefly reformed in 2003, to record the track "Open a Can (Of Human Beans)" for the MS Society charity compilation album The Wish List. This track later reappeared on the Fuzzy Warbles anthology and the re-release of 25 O'Clock.
In 2008, Partridge recorded a promotional single for Eurostar as The Dukes - "Tin Toy Clockwork Train" - which was given away free at railway stations. This, and a rejected earlier attempt - "Black Jewelled Serpent of Sound" - were added to 25 O'Clock for its 2009 re-release.
On 20 April 2009, both records were released on CD for the first time in their own right - along with demo recordings, bonus tracks and brand new sleeve notes from the band. These editions are credited to "XTC as The Dukes of Stratosphear" and were released on Andy Partridge's Ape House record label (they are also the first XTC recordings to which Virgin Records have relinquished the rights).
Members
The pseudonymous personnel included:
Both 25 O'Clock and Psonic Psunspot were produced by John Leckie, credited as "Swami Anand Nagara," Leckie's sannyasin name, when he was a follower of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.
Discography
Songs
What In The World ?1985
Have You Seen Jackie ?1987
Shiny Cage1987