XTC - English Settlement (1982)

Artist:  XTC
Title:  English Settlement
Release:  1982
Format:  LP
Label:  Virgin Records
Catalog#  204446

“English Settlement” is the fifth studio album by the English band XTC,
Arguably XTC's defining album, “English Settlement” is a significant milestone of the band's ability as musicians and songwriters. Some prevalent lyrical themes include the preservation of buildings, world peace, youthful rebellion, and the frustrations of love.
Andy Partridge's discovery of the 12-string guitar set the tone for “English Settlement”, an album that moved away from the pop gloss of “Black Sea” in favor of lighter, though still rhythmically heavy, acoustic numbers with more complex and intricate instrumentation. There are plenty of pop gems "Senses Working Overtime" stands as one of their finest songs -- but the main focus seems to be the more expansive sound; most of the songs are drawn out to near-epic length, ultimately taking some of the impact of the songs away. Despite several terrific tracks, “English Settlement” seems more a transitional album than anything else, although the textural sound of the album is quite remarkable, indicating the direction they would take in their post-touring incarnation.
The album spawned three UK singles: "Senses Working Overtime", "Ball And Chain" and "No Thugs in Our House".


Side One
1.  Runaways  (4:33)  
2.  Ball And Chain  (4:30)  
3.  Senses Working Overtime  (4:50)  
4.  Jason And The Argonauts  (6:05)  
5.  Snowman  (5:12) 

Side Two
1.  Melt The Guns  (6:31)  
2.  No Thugs In Our House  (5:09)  
3.  Yacht Dance  (3:54)  
4.  English Roundabout  (3:48)  
5.  All Of A Sudden (It's Too Late)  (5:19)

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