Drums & Wires

I own most of the XTC catalog, and to be honest 'Drums & Wires' was not in my top 5 for the band. However, listening to the 5.1 mix by Steven Wilson of this work has changed my ranking considerably.One of the things I like about XTC along with other groups like Gentle Giant (another band remixed by Steven Wilson) is the artist's many layers of instruments, flourishes, and little bits of ear candy. What I find very interesting in hearing the 5.1 mix and comparing to my memory of numerous listens of the original stereo mix is that many of these layers get lost with only 2 speakers to present them. Basically I'm hearing little details in every song in 5.1 that provide much more appreciation of the arrangements and production.These songs, compared to XTC's more recent releases, originally came across to me as a bit punk/new-wave, while I lean more towards their quirky-pop material. But hearing the little details in 5.1, it's more like "punk with brilliant arrangements and players", which I find endearing.And I have to say, the sound is incredible--this may be one of Steven Wilson's finest 5.1 mixes (and I own most of Steven's catalog as well). Of course, it probably doesn't hurt that Hugh Padgham was engineer on the original tracks--I suspect Steven started out with some very high quality raw tracks.If you're any kind of fan of XTC, this one is definitely worth a listen.

This album is considered to the first true XTC album (by many XTC fans). With the inclusion of Dave Gregory, this album was a departure from the previous 2 albums (Go 2 and White Music). This album is a little less punky and more towards song crafting that XTC is noted for in their later albums. This is not to say that Go 2 and White Music are bad albums, which they are not but the style of music and song writing changes with this album.This version of Drums and Wires by the band XTC sounds amazing after Steven Wilson remixed in 5.1 surround. Not only do you get the new mix of the album in 5.1, but there is an instrumental version, a version in demo form and the original mix of the album as it was issue in 1979.Plus there are a number of other demos and videos, so there is a lot to love with the album and extras included on this CD/BLU-ray set. It is a must for any XTC fan and a hell of a lot cheaper than the Beatles Sgt. Pepper set that just came out. So add this to your collection and you will not be sorry.

If you have a high end sound system, you'll appreciate the quality and musicality of this CD!

I don't even have a surround sound system yet, but I've bought six Steven Wilson box sets (3 XTC, 3 Gentle Giant) in anticipation of setting one up someday, and in the meantime enjoying the stereo remixes. I have to say that the Drums & Wires remix is the best one yet, because I've never favored the album before as much as I do now. I had the original vinyl back in 1979 (and got to see them live as well!!!)--and always thought the album was somewhat scratchy sounding with some weak tunes that didn't grab me. But Steven Wilson's loving touch has brought these tracks alive for me--what used to sound noisy is now artful and rich, with a texture and delicacy that never was apparent before. The remixes have brought out the musicality of the tracks I used to skip over, and now I consider the album a worthy companion to Black Sea--one of my very favorite records ever.Just more evidence of this band's genius! Long live XTC!!!

The album is rather droll at some songs, but rather cool on others. XTC is definitely an acquired taste, even for someone into an eclectic array of music such as me. Takes a few listens, although some lyrics I find personally not to my taste. I think the lossless remixes by Steve Wilson are rather well done, although I can't comment on how the original sound qualiy was. Wish there was a little more presence in the LFE channel, and some more use of the surrounds, but I've heard much, much worse. This isn't bad, just not as good as others say IMO.3.5/5 of rmuic4/5 for sonic quality3/5 for value

The 5.1 surround remixes of this wonderful album are worth the wait. The songs practically leap from the speakers. Great job, Mr. Wilson! All sorts of fascinating bonus tracks, as well. You get an inside view of the making of this terrific LP. I highly recommend picking this up, while it's still available, if you're an XTC fan. This was my introduction to the band back when it was released , and has remained a personal favorite ever since.

If you like this album and have completist and/or audiophile tendencies, boy is this the package for you!Not only are there several different mixes in different configurations (even a 24/192kHz stereo mix(!), but both videos (in 24/96) and a slew of extras, including b-sides, associated "long versions" and even rehearsal/live recordings from the era!Most are in AT LEAST 24/96 (even the rare stuff; the rehearsal tapes are 24/48, I think).I think I can say that nothing is missing...Steven Wilson's mixes are, as usual, highlighting subtleties in instrumentation and vocals and emphasizing them in a tasteful manner that makes you feel as though you are experiencing the album for the 1st time!CAN'T WAIT for other releases in this series!!!

This is the second XTC reissue with a blu-ray audio surround sound remix, and based on the first two I can't wait to see what's next. The remix is excellent, not gimmicky at all but makes good use of the surround channels and brings a clarity to the recording I haven't heard before. Loads of extra tracks as well, though I haven't made it through all of those yet - I keep going back to Drums and Wires because it sounds so good. Detailed booklet with all sorts of info and track by track comments from Andy Partridge. This is a great release.

This album has long been regarded as a turning point for XTC, but this review is just about the new, 2014 edition boxed set with the bonus of a Blu Ray disc containing new mixes and the kind of definition/quality previously only available on SACD. The big difference from CD though, is the 2014 surround sound mix and playing this on my home cinema system it is a revelation. Bass is truly huge - deeper than the deepest reggae dub bass sound - and effects fly around you in the surround mix.The album was a fresh start for XTC when they lost their keyboard player, who had given a lot to their distinctive sound up to that point - and it then just became all about guitars. In order to fill out the sound (possibly to make up for lack of keyboards)there are multiple guitar tracks which in the stereo mix tend to merge and get lost - but in the surround sound, these are given their own space and you can hear them "dove-tailing". Similarly, the album has a lot of unpitched weird noises and effects that in flat stereo tend to merge with the guitars - but in the surround mix, fly around the space and stand out more .All the tracks on the original album get new, Dolby 5.1 mixes and additional bonus tracks also get surround - "Life Begins at the Hop", "Wait Till Your Boat Goes Down" etc. There are also instrumental mixes and then 6 sets of rehearsal tapes, whch are of curiosity value, but probably won't get listened to, that often. It's interesting to hear how rough the band sounded and then how that came to be honed into tracks that are quite complex, harmonically and rhythmically; with additional horn arrangements etc.There is also a nice colour booklet included with pictures and new notes written by all the band members about how they felt and with details of the recording sessions. There are a lot of interesting insights and quirky facts - like how they used the sound of Colin's electric shaver, almost playing in the key of G, on "Complicated Game" .The new CD mix is an update, but not that different. The real selling point of this new package is the surround sound and if you have a Blu Ray home cinema system and like the band, then this becomes an essential purchase - it really is a hugely different experience hearing these tracks with this added dimension. It's certainly a 5-star top recommendation for this feature. If you are just looking at the 2 channel CD, then maybe not so much value in this .

This classic XTC album benefits from a great new mix/remaster plus a blu-ray with lots of extra tracks, original mixes and videos.Making Plans for Nigel has never sounded better.Do check out the other XTC remasters, they are some of the best reissues out there.

The definitive double disc remastered version of this New Wave Classic with added demos, rarities, outtakes, studio sessions with 2 Music Videos of the Singles and a comprehensive booklet with liner notes by Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding themselves.A five star must buy for any fan of the band or the genre.Simple Outstanding, I can't wait for the other ten releases!

I bought it for my son and he loves it.

Great album given a new lease of life with the Steven Wilson remixes.Blu Ray version contains over 100 tracks including the original mixes, demos, rehearsals and a 5.1 mix