Top tracks — play these first
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Mr Suit — This track exemplifies the band's sharp commentary on conformity and the corporate world, encapsulated in a punchy, concise format.
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Strange — With its atmospheric layering and reflective lyrics, this song stands out as a moment of introspection amidst the album's frenetic energy.
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Feeling Called Love — This track merges catchy hooks with layered instrumental textures, showcasing Wire's ability to balance accessibility with avant-garde sensibilities.
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
- prefer longer, cohesive albums
- seek straightforward song formats
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Features a unique structure and approach, challenging conventional songwriting.
- Career context
- Released in 1989, On Returning came during Wire's reunion phase after a hiatus following their influential early work. This album marked their return to the studio after a decade-long break, showcasing their evolution while maintaining the experimental edge that defined their initial sound.
- 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
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