XTC Black Sea Vinyl LP Virgin 1st Press VR-1-1000 Green Bag Respectable Street

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XTC Black Sea Vinyl LP - Virgin VA 13147 / VR-1-1000 VG+ First Pressing with Green Bag (1980) with Respectable Street, Generals and Majors, Sgt. Rock, Towers of London
Condition: VG+ Vinyl and VG+ Cover. Vinyl was play-tested on both sides and plays really well throughout. Cover is fully intact and green bag has no tears or writing. Includes original inner sleeve with lyrics.
Catalog #'s: VA 13147 (on the cover) and Virgin America – VR-1-1000 (on the labels) Matrix / Runout - Side A TOWNHOUSE LONDON (stamped): VR-1-1000 AS PW1 ST-VA - 804557-B  Matrix / Runout  -Side B TOWNHOUSE LONDON (stamped): ST-VA - 804558-B VR-1-1000 BS PW1(PR)P
Black Sea is the fourth studio album by XTC, released in 1980 on Virgin Records. It is the follow-up to Drums and Wires, building upon its focus on guitars and expansive-sounding drums, but with more economical arrangements written with the band's concert performances in mind, avoiding overdubs unless they could be performed live.
Like Drums and Wires, Black Sea was recorded at Virgin's Town House studio in London with producer Steve Lillywhite and engineer Hugh Padgham. It was originally titled Work Under Pressure in reference to XTC's grueling touring and recording regimen. After their manager complained, frontman Andy Partridge devised Black Sea as a reference to his emotional state while composing the album. From 1980 to 1981, the band supported the album on tour as the opening act for the Police. His fatigue worsened and XTC ceased touring indefinitely by 1982.
Black Sea was critically acclaimed and remains XTC's second-highest charting British album, placing at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart, as well as their most successful US album, peaking at number 41 on the Billboard 200. It spawned three UK top 40 singles: "Generals and Majors" (number 32), "Towers of London" (number 31), and "Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)" (number 16). Another single, "Respectable Street", was banned from BBC radio due to its references to abortion and a "Sony Entertainment Centre".
Tracklist
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
B1 Towers Of London 5:24 B2 Paper And Iron (Notes And Coins) 4:14 B3 Burning With Optimism's Flame 4:15 B4 Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me) 3:56 B5 Travels In Nihilon 6:56
XTC Andy Partridge – vocals, guitar, synth, Yamaha 02R digital mixer Colin Moulding – vocals, Epiphone Newport bass Dave Gregory – guitars, synth, piano, vox humana Terry Chambers – Tama drums, Tama Snyper drum synthesiser, free form vocals
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Shipping: Calculated domestic shipping via Media Mail or Priority Mail. Will ship internationally at FLAT RATES.  Records mailed in a proper cardboard LP mailer. All records cleaned prior to shipment.
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Return Policy: I do accept returns for up to 30 days. Please let me know if you have questions about this item or any others I have for sale before you bid or purchase.  If you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact me immediately and I will do whatever I can to resolve. This may be a replacement, a credit, or a full or partial refund depending on the circumstances.
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I use the Goldmine Grading System, and play-test all records. I note any differences between vinyl and cover, and make note of any inserts, special sleeves, or potential defects.

MINT (M) - Absolutely perfect in every way. Most often this is a still sealed record, records that have been opened are rarely if ever marked as Mint.

NEAR MINT (NM) - A good description is that it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time. In other words, it?s nearly perfect, with no visible defects. 

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) - Except for a couple minor things, this could be Near Mint. Most collectors will be happy with a VG+ record, especially if on the high end (VG++). VG+ records may show slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Covers should have only minor wear. 

VERY GOOD (VG) - VG records are among the biggest bargains, and for many, will be worth the money. They can lack the original gloss, may have surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages. But the noise will not overpower the music. VG covers will have signs of handling, and may have minor splits. 

GOOD PLUS (G+) - Good+ does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, but it has significant surface noise and groove wear. Cover may have significant ring wear, noticeable writing, or obvious damage.

GOOD (G) - Record may have some skipping, but is otherwise listenable. I generally avoid selling Good (G) rated records unless they are highly collectible or desirable, in order to enjoy until something better comes along. Cover has major wear or seam splits that need repair, or heavy writing like radio station call letters to prevent theft.

Feel free to contact me with any specific questions.