Are You Receiving Me?
XTC · Coat Of Many Cupboards [2002]
You are deceiving me I know, see, I know
When we're out walking
Your mouth ain't where it's supposed to do the talking
When we're in kissing
Your lips are missing, are they out on loan to someone else?
Are you listening?
I put it in a letter, what could be better?
I put it in a note, one night, I wrote
I put it in a telegram, just like the son of Sam
Babe, there's something missing
Your TV's just hissing
Are You Receiving Me?
Released on the 2002 compilation album Coat Of Many Cupboards, "Are You Receiving Me?" by XTC stands as a poignant reflection on the band's enduring relevance and the complexities of modern communication. Written and performed by Andy Partridge, the track captures the anxiety of being unheard in an increasingly noisy world, a theme that resonates deeply with the band's history of blending new wave aesthetics with introspective lyricism. While XTC achieved significant commercial success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, this recording serves as a later testament to their ability to address contemporary issues through their signature melodic sensibility. The song's placement on a curated collection highlights its status as a staple within their discography, offering listeners a glimpse into Partridge's continued exploration of social isolation and the search for genuine connection, themes that have remained central to the group's artistic identity throughout their career.