Wire on the Box: 1979 cover

Wire on the Box: 1979

Wire · 2004

57 min · 41 tracks · art punk

A frenetic collage of art punk energy, melding sharp guitars with terse, cryptic lyrics.

Why this album works

This album is significant for its encapsulation of Wire's formative years, showcasing tracks that influenced the burgeoning post-punk scene. It received positive critical reception for its innovative approach, highlighting how their earlier work laid groundwork for future genres including art punk and new wave.
Best for
wave-like pacing with peaks short bursts of frenetic energy cryptic lyrics for deep thinking
Context
By the time 'Wire on the Box: 1979' was released in 2004, Wire had already established themselves as pioneers of the post-punk movement with their debut album 'Pink Flag' in 1977. This album serves as a retrospective collection that captures the essence of their early experimental sound during a period when they were redefining musical boundaries and influencing countless artists.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Introduction 0:50
  • 2 Another the Letter 1:06
  • 3 The 15th Standout 2:29
  • 4 Practice Makes Perfect 3:00
  • 5 Two People in a Room 1:59
  • 6 I Feel Mysterious Today 1:44
  • 7 Being Sucked in Again 2:49
  • 8 Once Is Enough 2:46
  • 9 Blessed State 2:59
  • 10 A Question of Degree 2:43
  • 11 Single KO 2:24
  • 12 Mercy 5:44
  • 13 40 Versions 4:06
  • 14 Former Airline 1:07
  • 15 A Touching Display 6:14
  • 16 French Film Blurred 2:34
  • 17 Men 2nd 1:39
  • 18 Map Ref. 41°N 93°W Standout 3:37
  • 19 Heartbeat 4:41
  • 20 Pink Flag Standout 3:26

Disc 2

  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Another the Letter
  • 3 The 15th Standout
  • 4 Practice Makes Perfect
  • 5 Two People in a Room
  • 6 I Feel Mysterious Today
  • 7 Being Sucked in Again
  • 8 Once Is Enough
  • 9 Blessed State
  • 10 A Question of Degree
  • 11 Single KO
  • 12 Mercy
  • 13 40 Versions
  • 14 Former Airline
  • 15 A Touching Display
  • 16 French Film Blurred
  • 17 Men 2nd
  • 18 Map Ref. 41°N 93°W Standout
  • 19 Heartbeat
  • 20 Pink Flag Standout
  • 21 Interview

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata