Wasp Star (Apple Venus Volume 2)

Wasp Star (Apple Venus Volume 2) is the fourteenth studio album by the English rock band XTC, released in 2000. It is the second part of the Apple Venus project, a companion piece to the band's 1999 album Apple Venus Volume 1. While Volume 1 was characterized by its lush orchestral arrangements and art-pop leanings, Wasp Star embraces a more guitar-driven and psychedelic sound.

The album was written primarily by Andy Partridge, with contributions from Colin Moulding. It was recorded at Chipping Norton Recording Studios in Oxfordshire, England, and produced by Nick Davis. Lyrically, Wasp Star explores themes of suburban life, social commentary, and personal relationships, often with Partridge's characteristic wit and cynicism.

Some notable tracks on the album include "Playground," "I'm the Man Who Murdered Love," "We're All Light," "Standing in for Joe," and "The Wheel and the Maypole." The album received generally positive reviews upon its release, with critics praising its energetic sound and songwriting quality. Although not a major commercial success, Wasp Star is considered by many XTC fans to be one of their stronger later-period albums.