2000 Great Songs #1203: On Returning

The 1979 album 154, the third and final release from the original incarnation of punk pioneers Wire (setting aside the imaginary fourth album I concocted), is packed with songs that are weird and wonderful. Sure, you've got one of the greatest post-punk pop songs ever recorded (albeit only Wire's second catchiest tune), but also so many interesting and varied tracks that it's hard to settle on favorites.

That said, I've always loved "On Returning." Like many of singer Colin Newman's contributions, it's pretty damn catchy. But what's drilled the biggest hole in my head is that back-and-forth conversation between the flanged bass and the staccato guitar jabs. Plus, I can't tell you how many times I've walked around the city at night, be it San Francisco or Chicago or New York, and subconsciously thought to myself, "An evening of fun in the metropolis of your dream!"

Primal Peel Session version:

Cover by Wire tribute band Ex-Lion Tamers: