Disco de Wire: “On Returning (1977-1979)”

although this is no substitute for the original albums from which it draws its tracks, this is a great place to start (or renew) an affair with one of the best bands of its era. All of the songs can be considered essential and it does gather some non-LP tracks (which are included in the newer cd issues as bonus tracks). I can't praise their inventiveness enough.

My copy of this collection has a different (sounds live) version of 12xu but i havent seen this difference listed anywhere. Not sure why its not designated (or is my copy lucky) but this version is an interesting addition to the one found on pink flag. But besides that this cd is rendered useless by having the EMI import versions of the first three (dot dash and the extended version of outdoor miner aint on the restless retro editions). It got me started so i quess I'll say its a good intro but might as well get the albums because you will anyway i assure you.

Being a longtime Wire fan, I decided to see if they had ever released a "Best of" package on CD. You know, with all the fan favorites like "Mannequin" and "Outdoor Miner". Well, what I found was this worthless piece of .... It isn't, not even close. I love all of Wire's albums. All, that is, but this one. A joke, and not one bit funny.