Wire is a band that has had a significant impact on the post-punk and alternative music scenes since their formation in London in 1976. Known for their experimental and avant-garde approach to music, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in rock music. With a career spanning over four decades, Wire has produced a vast catalogue of music, including several critically acclaimed albums and iconic singles. In this article, we will be taking a look at the top 10 best Wire songs of all time. These tracks have been chosen based on their popularity, influence, and lasting impact on the music world. From the catchy and infectious “Short Elevated Period” to the classic punk anthem “12xU,” Wire has produced some of the most exciting and innovative music of the past 40 years. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 best Wire songs of all time and explore what makes them so special.
1. Mr Marx’s Table
“Mr Marx’s Table” by Wire is a post-punk track that features a driving rhythm section and jagged guitar riffs. The song’s lyrics reference the ideas of political philosopher Karl Marx, and the title itself alludes to a story in which Marx allegedly smashed a table during an argument. The lyrics suggest that ideas and ideologies can be just as destructive as physical objects, with lines like “His theories are his ammunition / They’ll ricochet around the room / And hit you where it hurts / On Mr Marx’s table.” The vocals are delivered in a detached and matter-of-fact tone, adding to the song’s sense of intellectualism and confrontation. Overall, “Mr Marx’s Table” is a powerful commentary on the intersection of politics and violence.
2. So and Slow it Grows
“So and Slow it Grows” is a haunting track by Wire that features atmospheric synths, pulsating drums, and understated vocals. The song’s lyrics are poetic and enigmatic, describing a process of growth and decay that seems to mirror the cycle of life itself. Lines like “The weight of your intention / Swings from your tree of life / And every time you add some / You subtract the line / So and slow it grows” suggest that every action has a consequence, and that even small decisions can have a profound impact on the world around us. The song’s ethereal quality creates a sense of mystery and introspection, inviting the listener to reflect on their own place in the universe. Overall, “So and Slow it Grows” is a beautiful and thought-provoking meditation on the cyclical nature of existence.
3. Eardrum Buzz
“Eardrum Buzz” by Wire is an energetic and playful post-punk track that features a catchy guitar riff, driving bassline, and dynamic drumming. The song’s lyrics are quirky and surreal, describing a series of bizarre images and sensations that create a sense of disorientation and sensory overload. Lines like “Tiny explosions in my eardrums / I can feel the crackle and the buzz” evoke a sense of synesthesia, while the chorus of “Eardrum buzz, eardrum buzz / Eardrum buzz, eardrum buzz” is infectious and memorable. The overall effect of the song is disorienting and exhilarating, capturing the feeling of being overwhelmed by sensory input.
4. Kidney Bingos
“Kidney Bingos” is a more subdued track by Wire that features atmospheric synths, intricate guitar work, and understated vocals. The song’s lyrics describe a sense of disillusionment and alienation, with lines like “In the land of the blind / The one-eyed man is a king / And he’s got us all working / While he sits there counting.” The song’s title is a reference to a type of lottery game, suggesting that life is ultimately a game of chance. The song’s haunting melody and melancholy mood create a sense of introspection and longing, while the intricate instrumentation adds a sense of sophistication and complexity.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
“Practice Makes Perfect” is a fast-paced and punchy post-punk track by Wire that features jagged guitar riffs, driving basslines, and aggressive vocals. The song’s lyrics suggest a sense of frustration and restlessness, with lines like “Practice makes perfect / But nobody’s perfect / So why practice?” The song’s energy and intensity create a sense of urgency and defiance, while the repetition of the chorus adds to the song’s anthemic quality. Overall, “Practice Makes Perfect” is a powerful statement of rebellion and non-conformity.
6. I am the Fly
“I am the Fly” by Wire is a post-punk classic that features a pulsing bassline, jagged guitar riffs, and a driving rhythm section. The song’s lyrics are surreal and enigmatic, describing a sense of detachment and isolation, with lines like “I am the fly in the ointment / I am the eggman / They are the eggmen / I am the walrus.” The song’s title and buzzing sound effects evoke a sense of buzzing and frenetic energy, while the repetition of the chorus creates a hypnotic and entrancing effect. Overall, “I am the Fly” is a powerful statement of individuality and non-conformity.
7. Drill
“Drill” is a minimalist and atmospheric track by Wire that features sparse instrumentation and haunting vocals. The song’s lyrics are sparse and cryptic, describing a sense of detachment and disconnection from the world, with lines like “I see no sense in what is real / No sense in what is wrong or right / No sense in what it is we do / No sense in what it is we say.” The song’s understated quality creates a sense of unease and tension, while the repetition of the chorus adds to the song’s sense of hypnotic intensity.
8. Strange
“Strange” is a moody and atmospheric track by Wire that features ethereal synths, intricate guitar work, and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics describe a sense of confusion and disorientation, with lines like “It’s strange how the things you see / Can have such an effect on you / It’s strange how the things you feel / Can have such an effect on me.” The song’s haunting melody and melancholy mood create a sense of introspection and longing, while the intricate instrumentation adds a sense of sophistication and complexity. Overall, “Strange” is a beautiful and evocative meditation on the strange and mysterious nature of the human experience.
9. Short Elevated Period
“Short Elevated Period” by Wire is a fast-paced and energetic post-punk track that features driving guitar riffs, frenetic drumming, and catchy vocals. The song’s lyrics describe a sense of elation and liberation, with lines like “In a short elevated period / I have found what you lost in your hurry / I have found what you cannot see / I have seen what you cannot be.” The song’s infectious energy and catchy chorus create a sense of exuberance and joy, while the dynamic instrumentation adds to the song’s sense of excitement and urgency.
10. 12xU
“12xU” is a classic punk track by Wire that features jagged guitar riffs, pounding drums, and aggressive vocals. The song’s lyrics are cryptic and surreal, describing a sense of chaos and confusion, with lines like “Fingers in holes / Fingers in dykes / Your country is wonderful / Yours is mine.” The song’s fast-paced energy and aggressive instrumentation create a sense of urgency and rebellion, while the repetition of the chorus adds to the song’s sense of anthemic power. Overall, “12xU” is a timeless punk classic that captures the energy and spirit of the genre.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
