Wire – A Bell Is A Cup... Until It Is Struck

There is an Irish Pressing which is double dipped translucent vinyl STUMM 54

After the wild eyed brilliance of The Ideal Copy and it's uninhibited approach to the pop idiom this is a logical next step. An absolute demented masterpiece. Excellent transfer.

Looking for good Wire past Document and Eyewitness? Here you go. Naturally this album gets ignored because everyone was tired of Wire by 1988, because they made their point, etc., but besides the tawdry new wavery in the synths and drum sound this is another hit. Every track starts out like it's going to be a generic new wave song but brings something new to the post-punk table while being unique in itself and among the Wire inventory. If my complaint is simply that they weren't trailblazing with this album, then it's not overly generous to mark it as one of their best and a great album.

One of my all time favourite albums. I've loved it most of my life and don't expect to stop now. Just the right mix of each of Wires' many directions. Raw energy, pop sensibility, avant garde experimentalism and astute observational lyrical song-craft. A unique and essential experience.

together with the ideal copy this marks Wire s zenith , follow the locust is a perfect example of a surreal atmosphere married with memorable riffs and a heavenly synthwash on top , the finest drops throbbing bassline and counterpoint is another standout, if there ever was an alternative album of electropunk that had commercial potential this is it ! buy it and be amazed

I agree with all the comments posted here, this may be the most underrated album of the 80's...certainly the most underrated from Wire. Simply put, a perfect album. The guitar tones and moods created on this album are like nothing you will hear on any other.

One of the most underrated albums of the 80's. Especially if the bonus tracks are included.

What an awesome album. So many brilliant songs on one album. Hard to believe that it wasn't a commercial success...

Good grief this album is so freaking great. I cannot even believe it sometimes. I know I may be a little obsessed with it but does it get much better than this for Wire ? I think every Wire fan should own this and worship it :)