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XTC - English Settlement Audio CD

A fair review of the XTC "English Settlement" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all XTC reviews here, or go back to the XTC tabs.

Band: XTC Title: English Settlement Rating: Release Date: 2002-06-25 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Runaways 2: Ball and Chain 3: Senses Working Overtime 4: Jason and the Argonauts 5: No Thugs in Our House 6: Yacht Dance 7: All of a Sudden (It's Too Late) 8: Melt the Guns 9: Leisure 10: It's Nearly Africa 11: Knuckle Down 12: Fly on the Wall 13: Down in the Cockpit 14: English Roundabout 15: Snowman

The Definitive XTC Album
The band was clearly in transition on this one, which allows for a little bit of everything. English Settlement is XTC's best album, because it most accurately depicts their sound, which is a mixture of new wave, pop, reggae and a hint of punk. What I like most about this album is its consistent sound throughout. There isn't a track that sounds like it doesn't belong on the album, as is the case with so many bands out there. Colin Moulding's bass playing is superior on this one, and Andy Partridge's vocals are in top form. There are so many great songs, such as Senses Working Overtime, Ball and Chain, Jason and the Argonauts, All of a Sudden (It's too Late), It's Nearly Africa, English Roundabout and No Thugs in Our House. It all came together on this album, and it's fun to listen to. If you're just getting into this band, then this is the album that you'd want to start with. 10/10.

Ecstacy from XTC
It is the turning point between the hard-edged punk of the XTC albums that came before and the blissful wonderfulness that oozes out of the XTC albums that came after. Just like every other XTC album, "English Settlement" is incredible. Produced by Hugh Padgham of Genesis fame, XTC's sound comes through splendidly unlike Todd Rundgren's overbearing production of "Skylarking". Though not one of their most flashy albums, ES has all the elements of a great work; Great melodies, lyrics and arrangemnets and if you take the time to let it grab your senses, all of a sudden they will be working overtime.

a must have cd
It is one of the most perfectly crafted albums in existence. I bought this album when it first came out, and played it and played it and played it, and am still continuing to play it 20 odd years on. The arrangements are superb, the lyrics sublime and the musicianship to die for. Can't think of a bad track although my favourites are Yacht Dance, Snowman, English Roundabout, No Thugs In Our House, the list goes on. If there is one album people should listen to its this. XTC are one of the most highly underrated groups and underplayed groups of the generation, Andy Partridges lyrics are extraordinary and are still relevant today. A Must Have Album.

Classic XTC - the 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). "English Settlement" is definitive XTC at their best. 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.
"

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. "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 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


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You can see a complete list of all XTC discography, or go back to the XTC tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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