Wire

Name 10 of the top-selling and/or hyped art-punk, post-punk, dance-punk, electro-punk, etc. artists of the last 10 years and I can guarantee you that either they or their parents wore out at least one copy of Wire's 1977 release "Pink Flag". Sure the line-up and sound of the London four-some has evolved a bit over the years, but the now 50-something (yes punks do get old) members of Wire still bring the same intensity and virulent disrespect for the powers that be, all wrapped up in a punchy, dance-punk package.

Continuing to lean heavily on an electronic-tinged sound, the band's latest, Object 47, still packs a wallop, thanks to some dirty low end rumble and mix of live and programmed beats. Standout tracks include "One of Us", "Hard Currency", and "Are You Ready?".

I'm told the tour will include a healthy mix spanning the band's 30-year catalogue. So when they hit the region this fall, find those old safety pins, and enjoy!

10/10: Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA
10/11: 9:30 Club, Washington, DC

mp3: One of Us