U2 Covers Wire’s “Mannequin”

Original Story by Aaron J. Sams (2016-05-08)

In a new interview with Artrocker, Colin Newman and Graham Lewis of the band Wire are asked “How does the band feel about others covering your music and about covers generally?”

In response Graham Lewis names some of his favorite covers of Wire’s songs:

It’s always intriguing to hear what some else makes of our songs…generally, homage is homage but transformation is better! Laika’s version of ‘German Shepherds’ is a great example, a fantastic re-invention! ‘Heartbeat’ by Big Black brutally transcendental…Earth mutated ‘DRILL’ into another ‘DRILL’, REM’s ‘Strange’ and My Bloody Valentine’s ‘Map Ref’ respectful…U2’s ‘Mannequin’ unreleased, Jarvis Cocker’s ‘Outdoor Minor’ joyful…On the subject of covers and Prince, ‘Sign of the Times’ is an incredible song BUT so is Kode9 and Spaceape’s version….Covers and versions the blood of dub!

U2 had performed the song live in concert, but not since 1978, so it is unlikely that Graham Lewis would have been able to comment on the song from that, and it is more likely that there has been a more recent cover of the song done by U2. The song “Mannequin” featured on Wire’s 1977 debut album Pink Flag.

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