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.

Why this album works

The album is notable for its critical reception, showcasing Wire's continued relevance in the alternative music landscape. It solidified their status as innovators within the art punk genre, influencing subsequent artists and movements while being lauded for its experimental approach.
Best for
frenetic bursts of energy quick hits for short attention dynamic mix of intensity
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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Mary Is a Dyke Standout 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 Standout 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 Standout 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