There's no metaphor skimming below the surface of Wire's new album title: It's called Object 47 because that's its place in the band's extensive discography (singles, EPs and live releases included). Such directness may be the greatest reason why Wire has lasted for three decades and sounds like a band half its age -- its entire focus is on making post-punk that's graceful and precise. Which is not to say there's no room for variation. Leadoff track "One of Us" marks an immediate detour from 2003's esoteric Send: It's bright and friendly and -- like all good Wire -- a touch subversive. It's such a standout that the rest of the album initially struggles to keep the pace, but most songs unfold and blossom on repeated listens (the lumbering spoken word on "Patient Flees" makes it an unfortunate exception). It's not the first Wire album a new fan should start with -- but for those who already own a few of those 47 objects, it holds its own on the list.

-- Antonia Simigis