1985–1990: The A List
74 min · 16 tracks · art punk
A frenetic blend of angular guitars and rhythmic experimentation, showcasing the avant-garde edge of late '80s art punk.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ahead Start here — opens the sequence and establishes the album's palette
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Eardrum Buzz — This track encapsulates Wire's blend of catchy hooks and dissonant soundscapes, representing their unique approach to art punk. Its infectious energy and experimental structure highlight the band's ability to balance accessibility with avant-garde sensibilities.
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Madman’s Honey — With its hypnotic rhythms and surreal lyrics, this song exemplifies Wire's exploration of darker themes within their music. The juxtaposition of melodic elements with unsettling undertones showcases the band's distinctive style during this era.
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Drill — Its relentless tempo and sharp instrumentation represent a significant moment in Wire's career where they embraced an aggressive yet intricate sound. This track stands out as a testament to their innovative spirit and artistic evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Wire's evolution with experimental structures but lacks strong cohesion as a compilation.
What we noticed
- Many tracks utilize unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats.
- The instrumentation prominently includes angular guitar riffs and experimental percussion, creating a dissonant yet engaging sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
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
- seeking straightforward structures
- prefer predictable song formats
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Reintroduced Wire to a new generation after a hiatus, highlighting their evolution.
- Career context
- Released in 1990, '1985–1990: The A List' marks Wire's return after a five-year hiatus following their album 'The Ideal Copy'. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from their early post-punk roots into more experimental territory, solidifying their status as influential figures in both the art punk and alternative rock scenes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gang of Four· The Fall· Television
Tracklist
- 1 Ahead Start here 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
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