(Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered)
Additional Info: Tracks Reviews
Classic XTC - the best (5 stars)
"English Settlement" is definitive XTC at their best. Be aware, however, that this earlier CD does not contain the song "Leisure" or "Down In The Cockpit" (which appear only on the reissue). Nonetheless, it does include some of the best XTC ever recorded and could almost be a "best of" collection. "It's Nearly Africa" is the song that hooked me on the group, and "Melt The Guns" sealed the deal. Other great songs are "No Thugs in Our House" and, of course, "Senses Working Overtime." This album (or the reissue) is a no-brainer for even the least-committed XTC fans. Another classic not to be missed is "Mummer," which includes two of the best XTC songs ever, "Deliver Us from the Elements" and "Human Alchemy." |  | | | XTC's finest hour. (5 stars)
"And I can see, hear, smell, touch, taste,
And I've got one, two, three, four, five,
Senses working overtime
Trying to take this all in
I've got one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to tell the difference
'tween the goods and grime
Turds and treasure
And there's one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to take this all in
I've got one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to taste the difference
'tween a lemon and a lime
Pain and the pleasure,
And the church bells softly chime."
English Settlement is quintessential XTC, and is considered a turning point in the band's career, from the irascible, high-pitched band it was, to the sublime, quirky, psychedelic-pop band it was to become. English Settlement was a 1980s existential anthem of the horrors of modern life. At the time of this album, XTC consisted of Colin Moulding (vocals, fretless bass, Fender bass, mini-Korg, piano, percussion), tortured-genius Andy Partridge (lead and backing vocals, electric guitar, semi-acoustic electric 12-string guitar, semi-acoustic electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mini-Korg, Prophet V, anklung, alto sax, percussion, frog), Dave Gregory (electric 12-string guitar, electric guitars, nylon-string Spanish guitar, semi-acoustic electric 12-string guitar, Prophet V, mini-Korg, backing vocals, percussion, piano), and Terry Chambers (drums, drum synthesiser, percussion, backing vocals). Released on February 12, 1982, the album resulted in three UK singles: "Senses Working Overtime" (the album's finest cut, in my opinion), "Ball And Chain," and "No Thugs in Our House." In promoting this album, XTC only performed nine shows on their 1982 English Settlement World Tour due to Partridge's on-stage mental breakdown at Le Palace in Paris, France on March 18, 1982.
Digitally remastered, this album/CD has never sounded better. Album tracks include:
1. Runaways (2001 Digital Remaster)
2. Ball And Chain (2001 Digital Remaster)
3. Senses Working Overtime (2001 Digital Remaster)
4. Jason And The Argonauts (2001 Digital Remaster)
5. No Thugs In Our House (2001 Digital Remaster)
6. Yacht Dance (2001 Digital Remaster)
7. All Of A Sudden (It's Too Late) (2001 Digital Remaster)
8. Melt The Guns (2001 Digital Remaster)
9. Leisure (2001 Digital Remaster)
10. It's Nearly Africa (2001 Digital Remaster)
11. Knuckle Down (2001 Digital Remaster)
12. Fly On The Wall (2001 Digital Remaster)
13. Down In The Cockpit (2001 Digital Remaster)
14. English Roundabout (2001 Digital Remaster)
15. Snowman (2001 Digital Remaster)
G. Merritt
| | | | XTC English Settlement (5 stars)
Great music, of a alternative group, in the 80's. Bought the album, for the song, "Jason and the Argonauts", although it had more songs I now remember. I'm really glad I got the CD, to return to a time, when alternative was true alternatve and just taking back a time thats not here, anymore | | | | a favorite (5 stars)
A favorite of mine for a long time. interesting lyrics, jumping rhythms, Listen to "no thugs" or "fly on the wall" - great sounds! | | | | English Settlement (5 stars)
The first time I heard this band "Senses Working Overtime" I was stunned! Way back in the 80's when I considered music to be dying on a knotted,shriveled vine (This is the album/band that pulled my head out of 70's denim)I listened and fell in love with this band. | | | |
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