47. Wire - "Eardrum Buzz"
Other Contenders: Wire had nine charting singles in the 1980s, including five that made the top 10, but this was the only one I seriously considered.
Chart Entry: May 6, 1989
Peak Position: No. 5
Comment: I was too young to know about those first three unimpeachable albums when they came out, but I really had no idea what the band was up to in the '80s as I was discovering 'Chairs Missing' and the like. This is the first Wire song I ever heard as it was released, and I was a pretty big fan by then. That's why I have a soft spot for "Eardrum Buzz" to this day. If you aren't from America, you might be surprised to learn this was kind of a hit here. It peaked at No. 2 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, and I have vivid memories of seeing the fantastic video several times late night on MTV. Check out the clip (and all of the entertaining cameos) below. For the record, that's two consecutive spots occupied by the Mute label.
Buy "Eardrum Buzz" on 'IBTABA.'
4 comments:
Great single. This one's a big favourite in my house where the references to a certain Toy Story character have contributed to its popularity. Didn't know it was so successful in the US! Love In Vivo as well, and Drill.
My favourite is still Outdoor Miner but that predates your chart.
Right with you, Seamus. My favorite is Outdoor Miner as well.
Hard for me to choose between Eardrum Buzz and Kidney Bingos from 88. This middle period of Wire's work was actually quite radio friendly and benefitted on college and alternative US radio in the lead up to Grunge's total decimation of the radio.
BTW, the video for Eeardrum Buzz has some great late 80's era cameos... easily found on youtube.
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