buying one record reviewed in The Wire each month

Thanks, will check 'em out. Currently listening to Pinch - Cold mix from +Torment+'s excellent "Dimension Intrusion" thread.

That he uses real instruments (and extended techniques) to make unlikely noises

If I wanted unlikely noises I'd listen to some Bussotti. Much more composed and thorough, as well as being unpredictable and containing some odd operatic vocals occasionally.