Bands are not always consciously aware of the urge to self-destruct when it arises, and it can manifest itself in strange ways. Nearly four decades after the fact, fans are still debating Wire's February 1980 gig at London's Electric Ballroom: was it brilliant performance art, not-so-brilliant performance art, or just sarcasm? Having been in a few bands myself, I've learned to recognize the moment when everyone loses interest, and that's what I hear on "Document and Eyewitness". (Listening to the recording of this performance in the cold light of day, Wire must have heard the same thing: they folded shortly thereafter.) The liner notes notwithstanding, it's hard to believe that this ever seemed like a good idea, even in rehearsals. When they launched into an actual song ('Revealing Trade Secrets') without warning, my jaw dropped in utter disbelief, and I would imagine that most of the audience had a similar reaction. I love Wire, but this is an endurance test for even the biggest fan. Two and a half stars for the bonus disc, which includes the band's excellent seventh single 'Our Swimmer'/'Midnight Bahnhof Café' (released posthumously in 1981) as well as a batch of intriguing rehearsal recordings.

Record 1 is more or less a documentary of live performances (some fine disputes between Newman and the audience) and music fragments, mostly boring anti-music (to annoy the audience). Not really a concert recording.Record 2 brings the music. Some classics in full drama :-) The bonus tracks come from that period and fit well into the rest.

My copy seems to be a mispress: what should be side D is actually a second copy of side B. I wonder if anyone else has seen this.

You may have this version of the record . https://www.discogs.com/Wire-Document-And-Eyewitness/release/9140718

Wire - Document & Eyewitness - Not the easiest of discs to listen to but compelling nevertheless! Given the fact that the latest Wire album " Change becomes us" is most of the material from the 1979-80 period during the departure from EMI and the break-up of the band, it's very interesting to see how the songs have been developed for the completed new album, but also fascinating to see how they might've been developed if the band had stayed together and done the 4th album with Factory Records. The recording isn't the best but good enough ; the songs are half-formulated or complete but the most compelling point of the disc is the interaction of the group's manager whilst introducing the songs and the absolute hostility of the audience particularly the recording made at the Electric Ballroom. This is essential for all Wire fans as well as for people who love live recordings and the atmosphere within that environment.

A really bizarre promo package of sorts: Buy Wire's most abrasive album*, get their two most accessible '80s singles! At least the selections are decent...*Technically, Turns And Strokes is, but most of that album is made up of out-takes from this release.