XTC – English Settlement

Stock Image 

Label: Virgin – V 2223B Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Textured Sleeve Country: Australia Released: 1982 Genre: Rock Style: New Wave, Pop Rock

Tracklist

Show Credits A1 Runaways Drums, Synthesizer [Drum Synthesiser] – Terry* Electric Guitar [Electric And Semi-acoustic Electric 12-string Guitar], Synthesizer [Mini Korg], Backing Vocals [(brass) Backing Vocals] – Andy* Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Fretless Bass, Synthesizer [Mini-Korg], Piano – Colin* Synthesizer [Prophet V] – Dave* 4:51 A2 Ball And Chain Backing Vocals [Vocal Support] – Hugh* Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Terry* Electric Guitar – Andy* Electric Guitar [Electric 12-string Guitar], Synthesizer [Mini-Korg], Backing Vocals – Dave* Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Fretless Bass – Colin* 4:28 A3 Senses Working Overtime Drums, Synthesizer [Drum Synthesiser] – Terry* Electric Guitar [Electric 12-string Guitar], Percussion – Dave* Fretless Bass, Backing Vocals – Colin* Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Andy* 4:45 A4 Jason And The Argonauts Bass [Fender Bass], Backing Vocals – Colin* Drums, Percussion – Terry* Electric Guitar [Electric 12-string Guitar] – Dave* Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar [Semi-acoustic Electric Guitar], Synthesizer [Prophet V], Synthesizer [Mini-Korg] – Andy* 6:03 A5 Snowman Drums, Synth [Drums Synth] – Terry* Electric Guitar [Semi-acoustic Electric 12-string Guitar], Piano, Percussion – Dave* Fretless Bass, Backing Vocals – Colin* Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar, Synthesizer [Mini-Korg], Synthesizer [Prophet V] – Andy* 4:26 B1 Melt The Guns Drums, Percussion – Terry* Electric Guitar [Electric 12-string Guitar] – Dave* Fretless Bass – Colin* Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Andy* 6:31 B2 No Thugs In Our House Bass [Fender Bass] – Colin* Drums – Terry* Electric Guitar, Synthesizer [Prophet V] – Dave* Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Andy* 5:16 B3 Yacht Dance Classical Guitar [Nylon-strung Spanish Guitar] – Dave* Drums, Percussion, Synthesizer [Drum Synthesiser] – Terry* Fretless Bass – Colin* Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Guitar [Amplified Acoustic Guitar], Angklung [Anklung] – Andy* 3:52 B4 English Roundabout Drums – Terry* Electric Guitar [Electric 12-string Guitar], Synthesizer [Prophet V] – Dave* Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar [Amplified Acoustic Guitar], Backing Vocals – Andy* Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Fretless Bass, Percussion – Colin* 3:50 B5 All Of A Sudden (It's Too Late) Drums, Percussion – Terry* Electric Guitar [Electric 12-string Guitar] – Dave* Fretless Bass, Backing Vocals – Colin* Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Andy* 5:18

Condition Description & Other Information No copies of this album are available in Australia... ZERO!! Background / History

English Settlement is the fifth studio album and first double album by the English rock band XTC, released 12 February 1982 on Virgin Records. It marked a turn towards the more pastoral pop songs that would dominate later XTC releases, with an emphasis on acoustic guitar, 12-string electric guitar and fretless bass. In some countries, the album was released as a single LP with five tracks deleted. The title refers to the Uffington White Horse depicted on the cover, to the "settlement" of viewpoints, and to the Englishness that the band felt they "settled" into the record.

XTC recorded the album at The Manor Studio in Oxfordshire with producer Hugh Padgham, the engineer of their previous two LPs. Compared to the band's previous releases, English Settlement showcased more complex and intricate arrangements, lengthier songs, lyrics that covered broader social issues, and a wider range of music styles. Principal songwriter Andy Partridge was fatigued by the gruelling touring regimen imposed by their label and management, and believed that pursuing a sound less suited for live performance would relieve the pressure to tour. Three singles were issued from the album: "Senses Working Overtime" (number 10), "Ball and Chain" (number 58) and "No Thugs in Our House" (no chart showing).

Condition Report
The Vinyl is described as Excellent+ and easily played to that today easily, below average background and no skips or stops. 2 or 3 spindle marks only. There are a reasonable number of extremely fine hairlines & sleeve marks to both sides of the record. The Vinyl has retained nearly all of its rich waxy lustre. The Cover is described as Excellent. There is some visible edge/spine & corner-wear. There are some fine cracks to spine & edges with associated wrinkles. There is some minor ring wear to front & verso. There are some colour losses to edges & spine. No seam splits.  The Inner Lyric Sleeve is described as Excellent with only a minor crease to report. Please see attached photos...