Name: Document & Eyewitness 1979-1980
Brand: Wire

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

CD-PFW-021

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

CDx2

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Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2014-08-26

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Redeye

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

5055869506267

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Total Cap

2 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Wire

Genre US

Label US

Cargo

Wire is an English rock band formed in London in October 1976. They were originally associated with the punk rock scene and later became central to the development of post-punk. Inspired by the UK punk scene, Wire expanded the sonic boundaries of not just punk, but rock music in general. With their richly detailed and atmospheric sound, often obscure lyrical themes, and Situationist political stance, they are considered a definitive art punk or post-punk ensemble. Throughout their career, Wire experimented with song arrangements and gained a reputation for their innovative approach.

Critic Stewart Mason described Wire as one of the more important rock groups of the 1970s and 1980s. Their first three albums showcased their ability to push the boundaries of both punk and rock music. From their early raucous punk style on "[Album1]," they evolved into a more complex sound with increased use of guitar effects and synthesizers on "[Album2]" and "[Album3]." This steady development demonstrated their musical growth.

In 2004, founding member Gilbert left the band; however, in 2010 [NewMember] joined them. Wire's influential presence continues to shape the music industry as they remain dedicated to pushing artistic boundaries.

New Wave / Post Punk

For those unfamiliar with Document and Eyewitness, it really doesn't do it justice to describe it simply as a collection of live recordings from three turn-of-the-80s Wire gigs. What makes it more than that is the unorthodox nature of the main performance and the way it was presented on record. The centrepiece of the original vinyl release was a recording of the final gig of Wire's 70s phase. Wire's set was composed of largely new (and often under-rehearsed) work,accompanied by a series of artistic actions and interventions. The evening was memorable for the unusually hostile reaction from sections of the audience, which has perhaps elevated it beyond a simple passing moment. If the crowd was expecting a standard gig, the level of outrage, expressed in vociferous abuse suggested that the band's intentions were lost on those in attendance, who were instead confounded by the apparent artistic pretensions on display. The approach was to couple selected live tracks with a spoken commentary on the proceedings by long-term Wire fans Adrian Garston and Russell Mills. Hence the title, Document and Eyewitness. For the album, the Electric Ballroom material was supplemented with recordings from a July 1979 show at the Notre Dame Hall (a straightforward band performance), along with one track from a 1979 gig in Montreux.

Document & Eyewitness 1979-1980

Music US