In 2008 I attended the Sled Island Festival in Calgary where I saw a band called Wire perform. They’re a band from the late 70’s that’s had a strong influence on a number of groups that I like so I was curious to see them. Their show didn’t impress me and I dismissed Wire as a lame band that was of interest to indie musicians in the 1980’s. Little did I know that they were to become one of my favorite acts.
Several months after Sled Island I had that Elastica song in my head and found out they’d pulled the main guitar riff out of a Wire song called Three Girl Rhumba off their first album, Pink Flag. I started to listen to Pink Flag and quickly professed it to be THE GREATEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME! (Note: I say this often, but that album has remained in heavy rotation throughout the last 2 years which makes it truly great for me)
I started to hope that Wire would play again and I could see them after becoming more familiar with their work. Well that day came today! I just got back from their show. Super-cool but I can see how it would be hard to get into if you’re not a fan. Their songs tend to stick to a simple rhythm and use subtler textures instead of in-your-face dynamics that slap you to keep you interested.
There was a good mix of material, most of which I didn’t recognize. The songs that I did know (they have 12 albums – I have only really listened to 3 of them) were performed in a very different fashion than what the band had recorded which made it more interesting for me. I like it when bands change it up.
Last week I nearly fell asleep at Thursday night’s Rural Alberta Advantage show so I had a post-work nap today and was much more lively tonight. I’m going to do the post-work nap for all the upcoming weeknight shows.
On the subject of napping, I’m going to bed.