Description

Wire – The Ideal Copy – Cassette

The Ideal Copy is the fourth studio album by the British post-punk band Wire, released in April 1987. This album marked Wire’s return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus following their 1980 release ‘154.’ The Ideal Copy represents a significant shift in the band’s sound, as they embraced the burgeoning electronic music scene of the mid-1980s while retaining their post-punk roots.

Wire: Colin Newman (vocals, guitar); Graham Lewis (vocals, bass); Bruce Gilbert (guitar); Robert Gotobed (drums).Recorded at Hansa Tonstudio, Berlin, Germany; Strongroom, London, England; The Metropol, Berlin, Germany.

THE IDEAL COPY has 7 extra tracks, 4 songs from the ‘Snakedrill’ EP and 3 live songs.Following its 1979 record 154, Wire, hitherto one of punk rock’s brightest lights, disappeared. Despite a live album in 1981 and a seven-inch single, it wasn’t until 1986’s SNAKEDRILL EP that any new studio tracks by the band surfaced. The EP signaled a new direction, as the band largely abandoned its punk pedigree and focused more on the artier side of its music, complete with all-but-impenetrable lyrics.

THE IDEAL COPY was originally released in 1987, and most of its subsequent CD editions contain all of SNAKEDRILL.Among the highlights are both versions of ‘Ahead,’ the first built on a furious bass line and brittle percussion (with a lot of cymbals), the second replacing the track’s original density with trilling keyboards and a slowed-down pace, while retaining the bass line and cymbal work. The disturbing ‘Feed Me’ comes complete with unnaturally slow tempo, amped industrial clanging courtesy Bruce Gilbert and Colin Newman’s guitars, and Graham Lewis’ strange, affected vocals; while ‘Ambitious,’ is a herky-jerky, jangling pop song.

Also of note are the SNAKEDRILL tracks, especially ‘Drill”s pulverizing beat and the a cappella harmonizing of ‘Up on the Sun,’ which also appears in a live version called ‘Vivid Riot of Red.’

Tracklist and Themes

The Point of Collapse – (3:08) A track that blends catchy melodies with dark, introspective lyrics, reflecting on themes of societal breakdown and personal disillusionment.
Ahead – (4:58) The album’s lead single, featuring a driving rhythm and a mix of guitars and synthesizers, encapsulating the band’s new direction towards a more electronic sound.
Madman’s Honey – (6:05) A slower, more atmospheric track that showcases the band’s ability to create mood and texture, with abstract lyrics and a haunting melody.
Ambitious – (4:00) A song that explores themes of ambition and desire, set to a danceable beat with layered synths and a strong bassline.
Cheeking Tongues – (2:12) A brief, experimental track that plays with dissonance and unconventional rhythms, highlighting Wire’s willingness to push boundaries.
Feed Me – (5:41) A darker, more brooding track that combines electronic beats with disjointed, unsettling lyrics, reflecting themes of consumption and control.

The album sees Wire incorporating synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic elements, reflecting the influence of synthpop and new wave music of the time. Despite the shift towards electronic music, the album retains the band’s post-punk sensibilities, with a focus on angular guitar work, minimalist arrangements, and introspective lyrics. Wire continues their tradition of experimentation, with several tracks featuring unconventional song structures, abstract lyrics, and a willingness to push the boundaries of genre. The album emphasizes mood and texture, with many tracks building layers of sound to create a rich, immersive listening experience.

The Ideal Copy was well-received by critics, who praised Wire’s successful reinvention and their ability to integrate electronic elements into their sound without losing their identity. The album was seen as a bold return for the band after their hiatus. Fans of Wire embraced the album, appreciating the band’s evolution while still recognizing the familiar post-punk edge that had defined their earlier work. Tracks like ‘Ahead’ and ‘Kidney Bingos’ became fan favorites. While not a major commercial success, the album helped re-establish Wire as a significant force in the alternative music scene of the 1980s, and it has since become a cult favorite.

The Ideal Copy influenced a wide range of artists in the post-punk and electronic music scenes, showcasing how bands could successfully integrate electronic elements into a rock framework. The album marked a turning point in Wire’s career, demonstrating their ability to adapt to new musical trends while maintaining their experimental edge. It laid the groundwork for their subsequent albums, which continued to explore the intersection of electronic music and post-punk. The album remains a significant entry in Wire’s discography, admired for its innovative sound and its role in the band’s evolution.

The Ideal Copy by Wire is a landmark album that marks the band’s successful reinvention in the mid-1980s. By blending post-punk with electronic music, the album showcases Wire’s ability to evolve and remain relevant in a rapidly changing musical landscape. With its mix of catchy tracks and experimental compositions, ‘The Ideal Copy’ stands as a testament to Wire’s creativity and influence in the world of alternative music.

Song List

1. Point Of Collapse
2. Ahead
3. Madman’s Honey
4. Feed Me – (live)
5. Ambitious
6. Cheeking Tongues
7. Still Shows
8. Over Theirs
9. Ahead (II)
10. Serious Of Snakes, A
11. Drill
12. Advantage In Height
13. Up To The Sun
14. Ambulance Chasers – (live)
15. Feed Me (II)
16. Vivid Riot Of Red – (live)