The albums that define
art punk.
Our picks for where to start with art punk — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top art punk artists
Start with one of these.
The art punk essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Viagra Boys
Viagr Aboys
A frenetic blend of punk energy and sardonic wit, pushing boundaries with raw instrumentation and provocative themes.
Start here
Viagra Boys
Cave World
A chaotic blend of punk energy and sardonic humor, driven by frenetic rhythms and sharp lyrics.
Start here
Viagra Boys
Welfare Jazz
A frenetic blend of art punk and dance-punk brimming with sardonic wit and chaotic energy.
Start here
Viagra Boys
Street Worms
A raucous blend of punk energy and sardonic wit, capturing the absurdity of modern life.
Start here
Wire
Manscape
A surreal blend of art punk's abrasive edges with introspective lyrics and experimental soundscapes.
Start here
Wire
154
A jagged blend of post-punk rhythms and artful experimentation, capturing the essence of late '70s Britain.
Start here
Wire
Chairs Missing
A kaleidoscope of angular guitars, dissonant rhythms, and cryptic lyrics that redefine punk's boundaries.
Start here
Wire
Object 47
An eclectic blend of art punk and post-punk textures, intertwining introspective lyrics with sharp instrumentation.
Start here
Wire
Pink Flag
Pulsating rhythms and minimalist structures collide with sharp, incisive lyrics in a raw exploration of modernity.
Start here
Wire
The Black Session: Paris, 10 May 2011
A raw and dynamic live performance that encapsulates Wire's art punk ethos with precision and intensity.
Start here
Wire
Red Barked Tree
A shimmering blend of art punk and experimental rock, showcasing Wire's evolution while maintaining their signature edge.
Start here
Wire
A Bell Is a Cup
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with sharp, dissonant rhythms, creating an immersive art punk experience.
Start here
Wire
The Ideal Copy
A sonic exploration of abstract art punk, intertwining jagged rhythms with haunting melodies and cryptic lyrics.
Start here
Wire
The Drill
A kaleidoscopic blend of art punk energy and experimental pop sensibilities that challenges conventional song structures.
Start here
Butthole Surfers
Rembrandt Pussyhorse
A chaotic blend of abrasive noise and psychedelic experimentation that defies conventional song structure.
Start here
Butthole Surfers
Locust Abortion Technician
A chaotic blend of noise rock and surrealist imagery that challenges conventional musical boundaries.
Start here
Butthole Surfers
Independent Worm Saloon
A chaotic blend of punk energy and experimental noise, laced with dark humor and surreal imagery.
Start here
The Boomtown Rats
The Fine Art of Surfacing
A vibrant mix of punk energy and melodic pop, laced with sharp social commentary and infectious hooks.
Start here
The Boomtown Rats
Mondo Bongo
A vibrant fusion of art punk and new wave, propelled by catchy melodies and sharp social commentary.
Start here
The Boomtown Rats
V Deep
An eclectic fusion of new wave energy and punk attitude wrapped in catchy melodies and sharp social commentary.
Start here
Butthole Surfers
Weird Revolution
A chaotic blend of punk energy and experimental noise, punctuated by surreal lyrics and unexpected song structures.
Start here
Tom Verlaine
Tom Verlaine
A sonic exploration where intricate guitar work intertwines with introspective lyrics and experimental arrangements.
Start here
Rock Kills Kid
Are You Nervous?
A raw blend of art punk energy and introspective lyrics, creating an urgent and restless sonic landscape.
Start here
Richard Hell and the Voidoids
Blank Generation
A raw, urgent blend of punk energy and avant-garde lyricism that challenges the status quo.
Start here