XTC's third album was a turning point. Changing personnel (keyboardist Barry Andrews out, guitarist Dave Gregory in) and a new producer (Steve Lillywhite) provided the band with a more muscular sound. But what really made the difference on Drums and Wires was the rapidly developing songwriting skills of Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding. Quirky, jagged, insanely catchy gems like "Helicopter" and "Making Plans for Nigel" upped the ante considerably and set the stage for even greater things to come.

Tony Peltier