XTC - Drums And Wires (Steven Wilson Mix) (Vinyl)

Presenting Steven Wilson’s celebrated mix of Drums And Wires, XTC’s classic third album, on vinyl for the first time and as a new CD+Blu-ray edition. 

One of the gems of the post-punk era, replete with the sort of musical diversity that would have been unimaginable two years earlier, Swindon’s finest, XTC, produced an early classic album with their third release, the Steve Lillywhite produced Drums and Wires. Andy Partridge recalls it as an optimistic time for the band. Dave Gregory’s arrival on guitar (replacing organist Barry Andrews who left following the release of Go2) marked a shift in style with the group now configured as a twin guitar/bass/drums line-up. Despite an endless touring schedule much time was spent honing new material.

Both Partridge & Colin Moulding were growing in confidence as songwriters – this album did much to further their reputation for peerless post-punk pop tunes. But it was also Steve Lillywhite & engineer Hugh Padgham’s ability to give appropriate studio support & recording expertise to the more expansive pieces such as “Roads Girdle The Globe” & “Complicated Game” that helped to bring a new level of maturity to the overall feel of the release.

Issued at the start of September, Drums and Wires entered the UK Albums Chart where it remained for a total of seven weeks, accompanied by another first for the band, a Top 20 UK (& international) hit single in album lead track “Making Plans for Nigel”. The optimism of the recording sessions had proved justified. For anyone fortunate enough to be new to the album, yes, pop music really was this good at one point in time. It was even reasonably popular.

“Steven has again worked his magic and offered a new perspective of our ground-breaking 1979 album, expanding the audio picture through 360° and revealing details previously overlooked. The whole album shimmers with a sonic gloss that's brought it to the 21st century with no loss of historic integrity; the songs are as strong today as they were 46 years ago. Immerse yourself, but be prepared for the closing maelstrom that is 'Complicated Game'...you may never recover.” – Dave Gregory

Black Vinyl LP features the 2014 album mix of the original album (with minor 2025 revisions).

• CD: features the 2014 album mix of the original album (with minor 2025 revisions), singles and additional tracks mixed by Steven Wilson
• Blu-ray: Full album & additional tracks mixed in Dolby Atmos
• Blu-ray: Full album in DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround Sound (2014 mix with minor 2025 revisions)
• Blu-ray: Full album, additional tracks & instrumentals in LPCM 24/96 stereo (2014 mix with minor 2025 revisions).
• Blu-ray: Full album - original master and bonus tracks in LPCM 24/96 Stereo
• A vast amount of additional material including all available demo, rehearsal & pre album sessions recordings
• Presented in replica mini-vinyl style packaging with booklet including photos & album lyrics
• All 2025 & 2014 material mixed & produced by Steven Wilson.

LP Tracklist:
Side One
1 Making Plans For Nigel
2 Helicopter
3 Day In Day Out
4 When You’re Near Me I Have Difficulty
5 Ten Feet Tall
6 Roads Girdle the Globe
Side Two
7 Real By Reel
8 Millions
9 That Is The Way
10 Outside World
11 Scissor Man
12 Complicated Game