On Returning cover

On Returning

Wire · 1989

74 min · 31 tracks · art punk

A frenetic blend of art punk energy and concise, angular melodies that challenge conventional song structures.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • concise tracks for quick bursts
  • artistic energy for active listening
  • playful experimentation with structure
  • engaging detail in short spans

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer longer, cohesive albums
  • seek straightforward song formats

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1989, 'On Returning' marked Wire's return after a hiatus following their seminal album '154' in 1979. At this point, they were attempting to redefine their sound, moving from their earlier post-punk roots into more experimental territories while navigating changes in the music landscape influenced by the burgeoning indie rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Gang of Four· The Fall· Television

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 1.2.X.U. 1:56
  • 2 It’s So Obvious 0:52
  • 3 Mr Suit 1:25
  • 4 Three Girl Rhumba 1:24
  • 5 Ex Lion Tamer 2:18
  • 6 Lowdown 2:27
  • 7 Straight Line 0:46
  • 8 106 Beats That 1:13
  • 9 Strange 3:58
  • 10 Reuters 3:02
  • 11 Field Day for the Sundays 0:29
  • 12 Champs 1:47
  • 13 Feeling Called Love 1:22
  • 14 I Am the Fly 3:07
  • 15 Dot Dash 2:24
  • 16 Practice Makes Perfect 4:06
  • 17 French Film Blurred 2:35
  • 18 Another the Letter 1:08
  • 19 I Feel Mysterious Today 1:56
  • 20 Men 2nd 1:42
  • 21 Marooned 2:20
  • 22 Sand in My Joints 1:51
  • 23 Outdoor Miner 2:51
  • 24 A Question of Degree 3:11
  • 25 I Should Have Known Better 3:50
  • 26 Two People in a Room 2:09
  • 27 Blessed State 3:28
  • 28 The Other Window 2:09
  • 29 40 Versions 3:28
  • 30 A Touching Display 6:55
  • 31 On Returning 2:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata