One of the gems of the post-punk era, replete with the sort of musical diversity that would have been unimaginable two years earlier, Swindons 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 Gregorys 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 Padghams ability to give appropriate studio support & recording expertise to the more expansive pieces such as Roads Girdle The Globe & Complicated Game that