Those of you who know me, know that one of my favorite bands of all time is XTC.
On this day 39 years ago, "English Settlement" was released. This was a landmark album for XTC, as the entered a new era of their sound. From a frenetic pop punk band in their early days, to a powerful rock sound throughout the Black Sea Album, the band created subtly and exciting new textures of music while still being XTC, making this release, probably my favorite of all XTC albums. One of the bands most well known songs "Senses Working Overtime" is on this album.
English Settlement was also a bittersweet release as this marks the end of XTC's touring career. Andy Partridge's severe stage fright anxiety brought the American tour to an abrupt end after their San Diego show at the California Theater. The band would never tour again and many say the lack of touring is what kept XTC (a phenomenal live band), from being as hugely popular as The Police- who's members were big fans of XTC.
Below are a few selections from this essential album for all alt collections.