A good way to make a CD version of a great LP: Shrink it.
Phylo Brag | New York, NY | 06/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, this is really just your old LP version of XTC's English Settlement but much smaller and sounds much better than the previous CD releases of it. The sound and the cute little inserts of the *original* inserts with tiny writing (and a cute little booklet with japanese lyrics) are the only reasons to get this import. Most importantly: IF YOU DON'T HAVE THIS ALBUM ON CD, IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO GET THIS IMPORT. THE OTHER US RELEASE SOUNDS LIKE ... Least importantly: "Leisure" and "Fly on the Wall" are still really enjoyable songs and the album wouldn't work well without them. Anyway this import is like a classic Hitchcock film finally available in THX. Got me?"
Classic Xtc album has a bit of filler
Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 05/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although not the band's finest album, English Settlement has highlights that are among the strongest this band ever produced. The main flaw with ES (and I should state for the record that, despite its flaws, it's my favorite Xtc album)is too much filler. Fly on the Wall and Leisure have no business on this album. They would make fine b sides but can't match No Thugs in Our House or Snowman for sheer depth and creativity. This Japanese reissue has terrific sound (courstey of remastering engineer Ian Cooper)and reproduces the original album graphics perfectly (right down to the embossed cover). The inner sleeves are faithfully reproduced (including lyrics in English). This edition also includes a separate sheet with lyrics in both Japanese and English. This album marked the end of the rough and tumble sound of Xtc. The next album Mummer would go for texture over substance. While that album has its merits (including the acidic Funk Pop a Roll and pastoral Love on a Farm Boy's Wages), it was a bit of a let down after this edgy, satire laced classic."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1