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November 01, 2006
Retrohump Day - Wire
In light of our one year mark, I toyed with the idea of posting sort of a "Best of Retro" today. You know, take it easy by tracing our steps and providing some links back to old posts. But A: it's easy enough to find and browse the Retrohump side bar, and B: everybody hates a clip show. We trudge on...
Wire - "the 15th"
Rockpalast, German televsion, 1979
There's really no excuse to be an avid indie blog reader needing an introduction to Wire. Go here if you must, but I'm skipping it (Jack Black High Fidelity shame tactic, check). Wire were Britain's best original era punk band. Period. They some times get lumped immediately into the post-punk category, basically because they were too interesting to be simplistic enough for purists. But look at the sneer on Colin Newman's face and tell me this isn't a punk band. Seriously, the Sex Pistols, the Buzzcocks, and the Clash weren't capable of writing the songs that Wire did. Check the switch from semi-gorgeous to fully gorgeous late in the clip as the tempo switches slightly and the set is bathed in green light. Tingly.
Also, I don't hate Fischerspooner's cover of this song or anything, they translate it to full synth pop organically and keep it faithful to the original. It's totally respectable. But why is this soooooo much better when the arrangements are so similar? I can't really explain it.
Also also, what's with the question mark after the "15th" typecard that the German TV producers put on screen? Was there some doubt that this was actually the song?
Wire - "Heartbeat"
Rockpalast, German television, 1979
I've sung the praises of 70's German televsion before in this column, but I'm so thrilled that this footage even exists given the dearth of UK TV material of the band during this period. Here we see how easily the boys can turn the intensity on and off, and what a firm grasp of tension and release they have. Plus, without this I would never know the awesome shirtless lankiness of drummer Robert Gotobed, who has long possessed my all time favorite rock pseudonym.
There's plenty of songs from this concert that haven't made their way yet to YouTube, including a scorching "A Question of Degree", a regal "Map Ref.", a sweet "Outdoor Miner", and a a definitive take on "Blessed State" that made me rediscover that one completely. The polite boredom of the teenage audience in the face of this wonder is fun to puzzle over as well. Luckily for those with piqued interest, the whole shebang is available on DVD and CD, packaged together under the name, Wire on the Box: 1979, which can (and should) be purchased here.
Posted by Jeff Klingman at November 1, 2006 11:30 AM
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Comments
What strikes me about the video is that Colin Newman is playing an Ovation "Breadwinner" guitar, with its distinctive medieval axe shape. As far as I know, the only other major musical figure to use one of these models--which were only produced during five years or so during the '70s--was Glen Campbell, during his "Rhinestone Cowboy" phase. The guitar was not a success for Ovation, whose foray into electric guitar production (their acoustics are some of the best made) went swiftly south with this ergonomically designed guitar. It didn't have a great sound, although it sounds fine in this performance, probably due to some good effects pedals. I write this not out of guitar geekdom but from personal experience; you see, I once owned a Breadwinner, which I got in a regrettable swap for my hollow-body Guild 12-string electric (I was 16). The Guild just wasn't cool or rockin' enough for me. It was what jazz musicians played, and they played sitting down--but the Ovation was shaped like an axe! If only I looked as cool as Colin playing it.
When I tried to unload the 'winner years later I found that the cheap neck was cracked clean through, so it was basically worthless. And I bet that Guild is worth good money today, and still plays awesome. Leave it to that art-school fop Colin Newman to rub my nose in it.
Posted by: david klein at November 2, 2006 08:57 AM
But guitar geekdom too, clearly
Posted by: Jeff K at November 2, 2006 11:29 AM
I got this excellent live 'lowdown' from itunes. I don't know if they added the sound of the crowd breaking bottles (I hope not!) but it's the most malignant sounding version of that song that I've ever heard.
Posted by: d at November 3, 2006 03:41 PM
