Drums and Wires is the third studio album by the English rock band XTC, released in 1979 on Virgin Records. It is a more pop-orientated affair than the band's previous, Go 2 (1978), and was named for its emphasis on guitars ("wires") and expansive-sounding drums. The album was their first issued in the United States and their first recorded with guitarist Dave Gregory, who had replaced keyboardist Barry Andrews earlier in 1979. It features a mix of pop, art rock, new wave and punk styles with much rhythmic interplay between XTC's two guitarists.
Drums and Wires
XTC performing in 1980 (pictured from left: Gregory and Partridge)
XTC photographed with Canadian fans, 1980. From left: Moulding (holding cup), Partridge (slightly obscured), Gregory, and drummer Terry Chambers.
XTC were an English rock band formed in Swindon in 1972. Fronted by songwriters Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding, the band gained popularity during the rise of punk and new wave in the 1970s, later playing in a variety of styles that ranged from angular guitar riffs to elaborately arranged pop. Partly because the group did not fit into contemporary trends, they achieved only sporadic commercial success in the UK and US, but attracted a considerable cult following. They have since been recognised for their influence on post-punk, Britpop and later power pop acts.
XTC backstage in Toronto, Canada (October 1978), from left: Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding, Terry Chambers and Barry Andrews
A view of Swindon in 2007
XTC performing live (pictured from left: Gregory and Partridge)
XTC photographed with Canadian fans, 1980. From left: Moulding (holding cup), Partridge (in the background, wearing glasses), Gregory, and Chambers.