XTC — Black Sea

Label: Virgin Records Canada  |  Catalog: VL-2203  |  Side A Matrix: VL2203-A SNB DM-2  |  Format: 12" Vinyl LP, Black  |  Pressing: Made in Canada

About the Artist

XTC formed in Swindon, England in 1972 and evolved from a scrappy pub-rock outfit into one of the most inventive and intellectually ambitious bands of the post-punk era. Led by the songwriting partnership of Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding, XTC blended angular guitar riffs, intricate arrangements, and sharp, literate lyrics into a sound that defied easy categorization. After retiring from live performance in 1982, the band channelled all their energy into the studio, producing a remarkable run of albums that grew increasingly sophisticated and influential.

About the Album

Black Sea, released in September 1980, marked a pivotal moment in XTC's career — a harder, more aggressive record than its predecessor Drums and Wires, yet brimming with melodic invention and sardonic wit. Produced by Steve Lillywhite (who also helmed landmark records by U2 and Peter Gabriel), the album is defined by its dense, compressed sound: thundering drums, choppy guitars, and Partridge's and Moulding's voices locked in urgent, almost breathless delivery. It reached #16 on the UK Albums Chart and is widely regarded as one of the finest post-punk records ever made.

Track Highlights

• "Generals and Majors" — The album's lead single, a propulsive anti-militarist anthem with an irresistibly hooky chorus.
• "Living Through Another Cuba" — Cold War paranoia set to a frantic, almost panicked groove.
• "Love at First Sight" — A deceptively bright pop song with a wry, unsentimental edge.
• "Rocket from a Bottle" — Moulding's contribution: a tightly coiled rocker with a nautical undercurrent.
• "No Language in Our Lungs" — A philosophical meditation on the limits of expression, closing Side A on an unexpectedly tender note.

Condition

Record: Very Good (VG) — Cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer and stored in a new inner plastic sleeve. Minor surface scuffs visible under light. Played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips; minor pops and crackles noted, consistent with grade.

Jacket: Good (G) — Intact and presentable with normal shelf and handling wear. Original inner sleeve included.

A landmark of post-punk — angular, urgent, and endlessly rewarding. This Canadian pressing of Black Sea is a fine addition to any serious vinyl collection.