Top tracks — play these first
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99.9 — Opening the album, this track exemplifies Wire's signature blend of urgency and experimentation, featuring intricate guitar work and a relentless tempo that sets the tone for the entire project.
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The Agfers of Kodack — This track stands out for its sharp lyrical content and driving rhythm, encapsulating Wire's knack for merging political themes with catchy hooks, making it an enduring favorite among fans.
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Pink Flag — A reimagining of their classic song, this version reflects both nostalgia and innovation, showcasing how Wire continues to reinterpret their legacy within contemporary contexts.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases inventive arrangements and lyrical depth, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a brisk tempo, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and textures.
- The lyrics often employ abstract imagery and sharp wit, reflecting a conceptual approach rather than straightforward storytelling.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 flow with varied pacing
- short bursts of frenetic energy
- challenging song structures throughout
- attention-demanding for focused listening
- engaging exploration of soundscapes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song formats
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued evolution in sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2005, The Scottish Play: 2004 marks Wire's return after a decade-long hiatus, following their influential album, 154. This project showcases their continued evolution in sound, blending complex musical arrangements with incisive social commentary while reaffirming their status as pioneers in the post-punk landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gang of Four· The Fall· Television
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 99.9 7:44
- 2 Germ Ship 1:39
- 3 Mr. Marx’s Table 4:29
- 4 1st Fast 1:32
- 5 Read & Burn 2:50
- 6 The Agfers of Kodack 4:04
- 7 Comet 2:43
- 8 In the Art of Stopping 3:43
- 9 Spent 4:20
- 10 I Don’t Understand 4:22
- 11 Strange 3:08
- 12 106 Beats That 1:27
- 13 Surgeon’s Girl 1:20
- 14 Pink Flag 9:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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