Meaning: The quote by Andy Partridge, a musician known for his work with the band XTC, captures the essence of the emotional and visceral response that a listener experiences when encountering a good piece of music. Partridge's words speak to the instinctual and almost inexplicable feeling that a great album can evoke in a person. In this quote, he uses the metaphor of a "tingle" to describe the physical and emotional sensation that occurs when a listener connects with a particularly compelling LP (long-playing record).

When Partridge mentions "if it's a good LP," he is referring to the quality and impact of the music contained within the album. A good LP, in this context, is one that resonates deeply with the listener, eliciting a strong and positive response. This could be due to the songwriting, the performance, the production, or a combination of these and other factors. The "tingle" that Partridge describes is the physical and emotional reaction that occurs when a listener encounters music that truly moves them. It's the sensation that compels a person to immediately want to listen to the album again, regardless of their initial reaction upon first hearing it.

The phrase "no matter what your initial reaction was" acknowledges that sometimes a great album may not immediately grab the listener. It's a recognition that the impact of music can be complex and multifaceted, and that a person's initial response to an album may not fully capture its true worth. The "tingle" serves as a barometer of a deeper, more profound connection with the music that transcends any initial doubts or reservations.

Conversely, when Partridge states "if you don't get that tingle, you'd better take it straight down to the record exchange," he is suggesting that if a listener fails to experience that visceral, compelling reaction to an album, they should consider parting ways with it. The "record exchange" in this context refers to a place where one can trade in or sell unwanted records. Partridge's advice implies that if a listener doesn't feel that unexplainable "tingle" when listening to an album, it may not be worth holding onto. This is a reflection of the deeply personal and subjective nature of musical taste and the importance of connecting with music on a profound level.

Overall, Partridge's quote speaks to the powerful and often ineffable impact that music can have on individuals. It captures the way in which a truly remarkable album can elicit a physical and emotional response that defies easy explanation. The concept of the "tingle" serves as a reminder of the transformative and deeply personal nature of musical experiences, and the quote encourages listeners to trust their instincts and seek out music that resonates with them on a profound level.