A tough one this time: Gang of Four vs Wire

[asthmaticeog]

Both came out of the starting gate with eccentric takes on punk that proved massively influential. Both had weak phases in the 1980s. Both reunited in middle-age to put on dazzling shows with top-notch new material (the Go4 stuff is yet to be recorded AFAIK, but concert-based word of mouth is that they've got the goods).

[CanuckAmok]

1. That's a tough choice!

I really wouldn't be able to decide, based solely on their music, although I think Gang of Four are more "listenable", and have some strong political lyrics.

I swung toward Go4, but only because listening to them doesn't make me think of Elastica.

[mark414]

8. "three girl rhumba"

i know what you mean

[no name no slogan]

2. This SUCKS

They both KICK ASS. The new Wire material is smoking, and I'm actually going to see Go4 on May 10.

It's a tossup.

[Dirk39]

3. The first time in a poll, where I cannot make a decision...

I have a closer relationship with Gang of four, 'cause I always had a strong relationship with their kind of marxism, but Wire and Gang of Four are equally great post-punk bands.

I rejected the vote, returned the gift, no choice at all....

For reasons that are not mysterious
The weak are sent to the wall
They have reservations in heaven
Down here they’re not so fashionable

Don’t help me I can save myself
If I’m incomplete don’t fill the gaps
Save me from the people who would save me from my sin
They got muscle for brains

For reasons that are not mysterious
Morality’s used as a tool
The poor are told to be contented
But in this life they’ve no choice at all

Dirk

[Thurston Howell IV]

4. A tough one, but a clear choice for me: Gang of Four

Thanks for posting this poll. I didn't know that Gang of Four were going to tour the US, or for that matter, that they were even back together. They're one of my favorite bands of all time (it's a split between them and Joy Division). Two of the best concerts I've ever seen were Gang of Four concerts. One concert had 3 encores. Before the 3rd encore, the venue turned on the lights and started blaring music over the PA, giving a strong signal that the show was over -- but no one left. We kept chanting and stamping our feet for another 20 to 25 minutes until they came back out and played -- Anthrax.

[Dirk39]

5. Hahh! We're the elite...

When Wire, Gang of Four and Joy Division are mentioned and noone can make a decision and we always have only about 5 postings - it's evident: we're the avantgarde.

Let's start a revolution!

I'm Chavez in Germany, ask me nothing!
Dirk

[Magrittes Pipe]

6. Wire.

Go4's best record was Entertainment, and it was inferior to both Pink Flag and Chairs Missing.

Of course, Wire never released a single as strong as "At Home He's a Tourist," and my college band covered "Damaged Goods." And Go4 never cut an album as bad as The Ideal Copy.

Still, based upon the strength of PF, CM, and 154, I must go with Wire. That, and, B.C. Gilbert's solo soundscape shit is WAY fucked up.

[mark414]

7. whoa al hedges

my respect for you has grown infinitely

[Magrittes Pipe]

9. But when zero is multiplied infinitely, you still have zero.

Somehow, I don't feel any better. ;)

[asthmaticeog]

10. "The Ideal Copy" is better than "A Bell Is A Cup Until It Is Struck."

Just on the strength of the song "Ahead."

Just sayin'.

And as for Gang of Four, was "Mall" really better than "The Ideal Copy?" I dunno...

[Magrittes Pipe]

11. I hate "The Ideal Copy."

ABIACUIS is better than TIC. So is Mall. So is Please, Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em.