Black Sea: Definitive Edition

This is definitely one to purchase for an XTC fan. The packaging, the mix, the product as a whole is a top notch.

This is a great example of a reissue worth every penny. XTC has done a marvelous job with their surround sound reissues, including both CD and Blue Ray mixes. I have other versions of Black Sea (imports, etc.), but this version has the best sound that makes you feel like you are in the studio itself. I was drawn in by Generals and Majors, and had to play Towers of London again and again because I was hearing things like never before. Colin Moulding does tend to have more original songs here, unlike future releases, so it is unique in that aspect. The liner notes from the band, and the photos included in the mini booklet make for a great reading experience. The packaging is on par for collecting and protecting your investment as well. Sincerely hoping that Big Express or Apple Venus receive this polish and shine!

Black Sea, released in in 1980, was the band's fourth studio album and - arguably - their very best. Their previous album, Drums and Wires (1979), had been their "breakout" album, when critics and music fans started taking notice of XTC as one of the preeminent post-punk/modern rock groups coming out of the UK during the era. Black Sea expands on their versatility and their musical prowess. Memorable, catchy power pop classics like "Respectable Street," "Generals and Majors" and "No Language in Our Lungs" are included on this absolutely awesome album. This issue is an excellent remaster: The sound is crisp and clear, the bass and treble and mid-ranges all layered perfectly. This particular issue includes a bonus blue-ray disc which - unfortunately for me - is wasted because I don't have blue-ray. But for those who do have Blue-Ray, it looks like it's loaded with good stuff! 10/10

This album is 10 out of 5 stars, let's get that clear. I've loved and revered Black Sea for 36 or 37 years; I've had it on vinyl (with the green paper wrap--still have it!), cassette, CD, including remastered and import mini-CD versions. I waited a long time for this particular Deluxe version, as it was released out of sequence, with many later albums getting released ahead of Black Sea.So here it is. Just as with other XTC Deluxe versions, one disc is wasted on Blu-ray audio, at least for me. Do that many people even have Blu-ray Audio? Or is that like DAT or 5.1 or that other digital system (can't recall the acronym)? People swear they sound great but I am not really in the market to spend hundreds on another, perhaps transient medium, and then to have to buy all new albums again. At age 60, I've been gutted many times having to update music and movie technology, not to mention all the remastered, remixed, Director's Cut, mono, wide-screen, HD, Blu-ray, and anniversary editions every 5 years. Know what I mean? Honestly nothing ever sounded better than Meet the Beatles on my cheap toy record player in 1964.So the CD--the only disc I will hear-has the 5.1 new remastered version and some extra tracks, like an interesting single version of Respectable Street that has some censor-proof lyrical substitutions. And that's it. The Blu-ray has the 5.1, the original version remixed, and tons of other **** on it. Boo-effin-hoo!While the 5.1 version sounds great on my non-5.1 system it's really overkill. I'm forced to have it in a format I don't have, even on the low-tech regular CD for cheap sonically-challenged low-brows like me. Thanks for rubbing it in my face. I'd rather have the ORIGINAL VERSION REMIXED, thank you very effin much. That's the version tech tards like me with regular CD players want to hear, right? No thoughtfulness from the record company or the boys from Swindon on that, mate...Let me tell you another reason why I hate this 5.1 version: it is not the same "document" as the original album, which I've heard HUNDREDS of times. The gaps between the songs are too long, and where there should be cross-fades, the tracks end and a new track starts. You can "hear the silence". I mean, what kind of feeble meddling is that? The lovely cross-fade between Rocket From a Bottle and No Language in Our Lungs? Gone. As are others. Unforgivable.I'm sure the gaps and cross-fades are intact on the Blu-ray disc original mix, but I can only imagine - - or buy a new system.Although the greatest XTC album, English Settlement (yeah Skylarking , Yada yadda) remains to get the "Deluxe treatment" I may just sit that one out in protest. The last remastered versions from a while back sound great, so why waste my money on a package that will try to tech-bully me, be thoughtless, and show me no respect?Other reissue series have been disappointing in some ways, but none so consistently and spectacularly as has that of XTC. Very sorry to say that, as this band is very dear to me. Wish that their fans mattered more than the tech format du jour. Respectable Street my ***!

This is an amazing CD/Blu-Ray. The band is XTC, one of the most under-listen band there is. Lead by Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding, they were poised to invade the US in the 80's, but with Andy Partridge's massive stage fright, they stopped touring. So only the faithful know they true value and their potential.This is a reissue of the 1980 - Black Sea. This album was the one that most people now from that period of the band's life. Lovingly crafted with catchy pop tunes and subtle somber songs, This re-issue has been lovingly remastered by Steven Wilson of the band Porcupine Tree. He alson remixed the album in 5.1 surround. But that's not all.. This set includes the same 5.1 surround mix, but as instrumental. Same songs, not vocals. Very cool.As with all of the recent re-issues (see Nonsuch, Drums and Wires, Skylarking and Oranges and Lemons), this set includes numerous outakes and early demo version of the album.If you are an XTC fan, this is a must have. If you are new to XTC, this is a great CD/Blu-ray disc to start with.A must have!

I hope Andy is reading these reviews because this is the best purchase for absolutely ages. I've always had Black Sea ,but this new mix is just so good and a pleasure to listen to. I have ordered all the rest of the new mixed albums and hopefully will have them by the end of the week. Many thanks to Mr Partridge from a Kiwi Downunder.

I will buy anything connected with XTC - they are still the best band post Beatles and would have been as big as them had they not been forced to cease touring early. I've got a number of versions of Black Sea including the original vinyl but my favourite is still English Settlement. Looking forward to that getting the surround sound treatment.

I can’t honestly say that this sounds in any way better than the 2001 remaster! Vocals sound further down in the mix. Can’t comment on surround sound which may be where the extra value lies. Will be returning.

A great album in good condition. Wonderful stuff from a hugely underrated and under-appreciated band. Let's face it we don't like clever, original talent in the U.K. It worries us!

Excellent recording from 1980 and a good album the only let down is the nasty card case give me an 11mm blu ray case any day thanks still worth getting if you want high resolution stereo and surround sound