Behind the Curtain cover

Behind the Curtain

Wire · 1995

68 min · 31 tracks · art punk

A frenetic collage of brief, sharp bursts of sound that embody art punk's spirit of experimentation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • frenetic bursts of energy
  • quick hits for short attention
  • dynamic mix of intensity
  • playful experimentation with sounds
  • engaging in brief interludes

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer long, cohesive tracks
  • seek melodic, soothing experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Behind the Curtain' was released in 1995, Wire had already established themselves as a pioneering band in the post-punk scene with their influential debut album 'Pink Flag' (1977). This album marked a return after a hiatus and reflected their ongoing evolution, highlighting their signature blend of concise songwriting and avant-garde sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors
Gang of Four· The Fall· Television

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Mary Is a Dyke 1:08
  • 2 Too True 1:05
  • 3 Just Don’t Care 1:22
  • 4 TV 1:26
  • 5 New York City 1:12
  • 6 After Midnight 1:30
  • 7 Pink Flag 2:35
  • 8 Love Ain’t Polite 1:07
  • 9 Oh No Not So 1:37
  • 10 It’s the Motive 1:24
  • 11 Practice Makes Perfect 3:49
  • 12 Sand in My Joints 1:51
  • 13 Stalemate 2:17
  • 14 I Feel Mysterious Today 1:41
  • 15 Underwater Experiences 3:15
  • 16 Dot Dash 2:20
  • 17 Options R 1:51
  • 18 From the Nursery 2:53
  • 19 Finistaire 2:17
  • 20 No Romans 1:12
  • 21 Another the Letter 1:07
  • 22 40 Versions 3:19
  • 23 Blessed State 3:14
  • 24 A Touching Display 5:19
  • 25 Once Is Enough 2:39
  • 26 Stepping Off Too Quick 1:24
  • 27 Indirect Inquiries 3:20
  • 28 Map Ref 41° N 93° W 3:50
  • 29 A Question of Degree 2:58
  • 30 Two People in a Room 2:04
  • 31 Former Airline 1:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata