XTC – Black Sea (Vinyl LP, 1980, Virgin VR-1-1000, Presswell Pressing, Townhouse London Mastering)

Why This Record Matters
Black Sea is XTC’s fourth studio album, produced by Steve Lillywhite and engineered by Hugh Padgham. It includes “Generals And Majors,” “Towers Of London,” “Respectable Street,” and “Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me).” The album captures the band’s transition from its early new-wave sound toward the increasingly elaborate studio work that characterized its subsequent records.

Collector Note
This 1980 U.S. Virgin/RSO VR-1-1000 edition is a Presswell pressing, identified by the “18” plant code on the labels. The supplied deadwax carries TOWNHOUSE LONDON stamps on both sides, identifying mastering at The Town House, and this copy includes its original inner sleeve.

Availability
Single copy available—once it's gone, it's gone.

Condition & Details
Media: VG
Sleeve: VG
Strong VG player copy.
Original inner sleeve included.

Technical Details
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Label: Virgin – VR-1-1000 / RSO – 2394 291
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Alternative Rock, New Wave

Matrix / Runout
Side A: VR-1-1000-AS-PWI ST-VA-804557-B
Side B: ST-VA-804557-B VR-1-1000-BS-PWI
Sides A & B: TOWNHOUSE LONDON

Tracklist
Side A
A1 Respectable Street – 3:37
A2 Generals And Majors – 4:04
A3 Living Through Another Cuba – 4:45
A4 Love At First Sight – 3:06
A5 Rocket From A Bottle – 3:30
A6 No Language In Our Lungs – 4:52

Side B
B1 Towers Of London – 5:24
B2 Paper And Iron (Notes And Coins) – 4:14
B3 Burning With Optimism's Flames – 4:15
B4 Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me) – 3:56
B5 Travels In Nihilon – 6:56

Shipping & Handling
Ultrasonically cleaned using a Degritter Mark II prior to shipping.
Stored in protective inner and outer sleeves.
Shipped with vinyl protection and cardboard reinforcement.
Packed securely for safe delivery.

About Maple City Music
Maple City Music is a veteran-owned record store in Vermont focused on honest grading, fair pricing, and high-quality media. Every item is carefully inspected, cleaned, and prepared so it arrives exactly as described.