The Manor studios were part of a 38 room mansion owned by then Virgin Records head Richard Branson, and were located just outside of Oxfordshire England. The grounds (which can be seen in part in the XTC at The Manor promotional video, chronicling the recording of the Black Sea album in a somewhat contrived manner) included an illuminated lake, a go-cart track and an outdoor swimming pool enclosed in a massive bubble. The Manor was said to be haunted by a ghost called "The Grey Lady." Whether or not the band encountered the specter is debatable, though some folks believe Andy had a sexual experience with her which he later put to music and called "Wrapped In Grey." (it's a freakin' joke) Two very notable recordings made here, other than the XTC albums, are Mike Oldfield's famed "Tubular Bells" (actually the first recording made at The Manor) and the Sex Pistols' "Never Mind the Bollocks."

The album was mixed at The Manor and at:

ADVISION LTD:
1 Montague Place, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1JE. Tel-01273 677375, Fax-01273 672597

The recording was produced and engineered by John Leckie, with takes worked by Alan Douglas and was released January 20, 1978 in the United Kingdom. White Music achieved top 20 status on the UK charts. (I'll be damned, the UK once knew good music)

The band was then comprised of:

Andy Partridge - on guitar and electric seal (vocals)
Colin Moulding - on bass (vocals)
Barry Andrews - on his organ
Terry Chambers - 'ittin the drums

1. Radios in Motion
2. X Wires
3. This is Pop
4. Do What You Do
5. Statue of Liberty
6. All Along the Watchtower
7. Atom Age
8. Set Myself on Fire
9. I'm Bugged
10. New Town Animal
11. Spinning Top
12. Neon Shuffle

In Andy's words (from the Nonsuch promotional item)