1985–1990: The A List cover

1985–1990: The A List

Wire

74 min · 16 tracks · art punk

A frenetic blend of art punk and experimental soundscapes, brimming with angular guitars and inventive rhythms.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • frenetic bursts of energy
  • headphone detail hunting
  • late-night exploration of sound

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking straightforward structures
  • prefer predictable song formats

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1990, '1985–1990: The A List' is a compilation album that captures Wire's evolution as they transitioned from their early punk roots to a more avant-garde sound. This period followed their acclaimed 'A Bell Is a Cup' and marked a time when the band was exploring various musical styles while maintaining their distinctive edge.
Stylistic neighbors
Gang of Four· The Fall· Television

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Ahead 5:00
  • 2 Kidney Bingos 4:09
  • 3 A Serious of Snakes 4:44
  • 4 Eardrum Buzz 4:14
  • 5 Drill 5:03
  • 6 Ambitious 4:11
  • 7 In Vivo 3:25
  • 8 The Finest Drops 4:56
  • 9 Madman’s Honey 4:29
  • 10 Over Theirs 5:27
  • 11 Silk Skin Paws 4:51
  • 12 The Queen of Ur & The King of Um 4:01
  • 13 Torch It! 7:25
  • 14 Advantage in Height 3:04
  • 15 Point of Collapse 3:24
  • 16 Feed Me 5:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata