English Settlement

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article appears to contain a large number of buzzwords. Specific concerns can be found on the Talk page. Please improve this article if you can. (December 2009)

English Settlement
Studio album by XTC
Released	12 February 1982
Recorded	October–November 1981 at The Manor, Oxfordshire, England
Genre	Pop rock
Length	72:22
Label	Virgin Records
Producer	Hugh Padgham, XTC
Professional reviews
Allmusic link Ground and Sky link Pitchfork Media (10.0/10) link Q Robert Christgau (B+) link Rolling Stone
XTC chronology
Black Sea (1980) English Settlement (1982) Mummer (1983)
Singles from English Settlement
"Senses Working Overtime" Released: January 1982 "Ball and Chain" Released: February 1982 "No Thugs In Our House" Released: May 1982

English Settlement is an XTC album released on 12 February 1982. The album reached No. 5 on the UK album chart, No. 48 on the Billboard 200 album charts, No.1 on the Progressive Media Radio Album charts and No. 1 on the Progressive Media College / Non-Commercial Airplay U.S. Charts.

The cover design is based upon the Uffington White Horse.

Arguably XTC's defining album, English Settlement is a significant milestone of the band's ability as musicians and songwriters. The album's sound is highly unique and impossible to imitate. Through XTC's use of 12-string guitars, fretless bass and a plethora of textural percussion, the band captured a sonic style that falls somewhere between pastoral and atmospheric with worldly and mythical overtones. The lyrics also reflect the work of songwriters who see beyond the haze of everyday life with insights that are frightening ("Jason and the Argonauts"), philosophical ("All of a Sudden (It's Too Late)"), and impressionistic ("English Roundabout"). Some other common themes of the work include the preservation of buildings, world peace, youthful rebellion and the frustrations of love.

[edit] Album information

The album spawned three UK singles: "Senses Working Overtime" (released on 8 January 1982 and reaching No. 10 on the UK singles chart); "Ball And Chain" (released 26 February 1982 and reaching No. 58 on the UK singles chart); and "No Thugs in Our House" (released 14 May 1982).

The album was previewed with a live performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test program in January where they performed "Yacht Dance" (their only performance of the song) and "No Thugs In Our House". They also made a live appearance on The Oxford Road Show performing "Snowman", "Ball And Chain" and "Jason And The Argonauts". The song "English Roundabout" was inspired by a Swindon landmark known as The Magic Roundabout. This song is a rare example of popular music written in the unusual 5/4 time signature.

The band made promotional videos for "Senses Working Overtime, "No Thugs In Our House", "All Of A Sudden (It's Too Late)" and "Ball And Chain".

Only nine full shows were performed on the proposed 1982 English Settlement World Tour due to Partridge's collapsing at Le Palace in Paris, France on 18 March (during the first song in their set) and subsequent breakdown after their performance at The California Theatre, San Diego, California, U.S.A. on 3 April. This would prove to be XTC's last show as a touring band.

English Settlement is the last XTC album recorded while Terry Chambers was still a full member, although Chambers did appear on a few tracks of Mummer. The band's retirement from the road, caused by Partridge's nervous breakdown, meant that he could no longer make money as the band's drummer, only as a guest performer.

[edit] Audio previews

The album can be previewed in its entirety on the English Settlement Last.fm page.^[1]

[edit] Track listing

All songs written and composed by Andy Partridge, except where noted.

[edit] UK LP: V 2223

[edit] Initial U.S. track listing

A 1-LP version was initially released in the United States on Epic Records. Five songs were removed for this release.

[edit] Side 1

1. "Runaways" (Moulding)
2. "Ball and Chain" (Moulding)
3. "Senses Working Overtime"
4. "Jason and the Argonauts"
5. "Snowman"

[edit] Side 2

1. Melt the Guns
2. "No Thugs in Our House"
3. "It's Nearly Africa"
4. "English Roundabout" (Moulding)
5. "All of a Sudden (It's Too Late)"

[edit] 1-LP worldwide version

Released in much of the world in 1982.

[edit] Side 1

1. "Runaways" (Moulding)
2. "Ball and Chain" (Moulding)
3. "Senses Working Overtime"
4. "Jason and the Argonauts"
5. "Snowman"

[edit] Side 2

1. "Melt the Guns"
2. "No Thugs in Our House"
3. "Yacht Dance"
4. "English Roundabout" (Moulding)
5. "All of a Sudden (It's Too Late)"

[edit] Personnel

• Colin Moulding - lead vocals, backing vocals, fretless bass, Fender bass, mini-Korg, piano, percussion
• Andy Partridge - lead vocals, 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
• Terry Chambers - drums, drum synthesiser, percussion, backing vocals
• Hugh Padgham - backing vocals on "Ball and Chain"
• Hans de Vente - backing vocals on "It's Nearly Africa"

[edit] References

[edit] External links

[edit] Audio previews from English Settlement

• 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"