Top tracks — play these first
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In the Art of Stopping — Opening with a driving rhythm and jagged guitar lines, this track encapsulates the album's blend of urgency and introspection. Its lyrical exploration of pausing in a fast-paced world sets the thematic tone for the record.
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Read and Burn — This track stands out for its frenetic energy and pointed lyrics that critique modern life, making it a quintessential example of Wire's sharp wit and commentary. The rapid tempo mirrors the urgency of its themes, reinforcing the band's punk roots.
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99.9 — Closing the album with an expansive seven-minute exploration, this track showcases Wire's ability to stretch musical boundaries while maintaining cohesion. Its layered instrumentation builds an atmosphere that contrasts with the album's shorter, punchier tracks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production while maintaining a distinct sound within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'In the Art of Stopping' that sets a brisk pace, which is maintained through the first half.
- Tracks like 'Mr Marx's Table' and 'Being Watched' feature angular guitar riffs and tight arrangements, emphasizing brevity in song structure.
- The latter half introduces more varied tempos, with 'You Can't Leave Now' slowing down significantly before the closing track.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, blending vocals with instrumental sections to create a layered sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- steady pacing with gradual climax
- focused listening for detailed nuances
- thought-provoking themes throughout tracks
- short tracks for quick engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Wire's evolution and innovative approach, solidifying their legacy.
- Career context
- By the time 'Send' was released in 2003, Wire had already established themselves as pioneers of the post-punk movement with a legacy spanning over three decades. This album came after their previous effort, 'The Ideal Copy', and marked a phase where they were exploring a more melodic and structured sound while still retaining their experimental roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gang of Four· The Fall· Television
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 In the Art of Stopping 3:34
- 2 Mr Marx's Table 3:02
- 3 Being Watched 2:57
- 4 Comet 3:17
- 5 The Agfers of Kodack 3:11
- 6 Nice Streets Above 3:45
- 7 Spent 4:43
- 8 Read and Burn 2:34
- 9 You Can't Leave Now 3:41
- 10 Half Eaten 1:58
- 11 99.9 7:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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