Label: Virgin – 202 836 / 202 836‑270 / 202 836‑320 / 202 836 / 96 844
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo
Country: Germany
Released: 1980 (reissue series)
Genre: Rock, Pop
Style: Post‑Punk, New Wave, Art Rock
Black Sea is one of XTC’s finest albums: sharp, inventive, and bursting with ideas. Today the band is strangely overlooked, but in the post‑punk years they were among the most original and forward‑thinking groups in the UK. Their mix of angular guitars, clever songwriting, and eccentric arrangements laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into Britpop: melodic, witty, distinctly English guitar music. Bands like Blur, Supergrass, and even early Radiohead owe more to XTC than they often admit.
This German Virgin reissue is part of the early European pressings, known for their crisp, dynamic sound. The mastering suits the album perfectly: tight drums, bright guitars, and Andy Partridge’s expressive vocals cutting through the mix.
The record includes classics like “Generals and Majors,” “Respectable Street,” “Living Through Another Cuba,” and “Towers of London.” It’s XTC at their peak: politically sharp, musically adventurous, and full of that quirky intelligence that made them stand out from the entire post‑punk crowd.
A brilliant, underrated album from a band that helped shape the future of British guitar music.
An item from my private collection.
Condition: Cover: Very Good / Media: Very Good ++
Extras: Original printed inner sleeve included
📦 Shipping (B‑Post):
1–4 LPs – 9 Fr
5 LPs or more – gratis
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