A long, long time ago, in another millennium, I worked as music director at KCMU (now KEXP). Back then, no pay was associated with the position, but I don't use the word "work" lightly, because there was plenty of that involved. The perks were pretty entertaining, though. They didn't pay the rent, but they helped to bring a little adventure into each day. When I checked the mail, I never knew what I might find. Sometimes t-shirts, sometimes stickers. Less frequently, nightlights and other trinkets (I still have my non-functional Soundgarden lighter).

Less frequently, labels would send autographs, like items bearing signatures by Exene Cervenka and Wire. I like those acts, so I saved those mementos. The thing is, Wire wasn't really Wire when they released 1991's The First Letter...

• Mute

According to the All Music Guide, "Wire continued to experiment with ways of letting studio technologies affect their creative process on Manscape (1990), which forayed deeper into computer-based electronics and programming. Drummer Robert Gotobed was less enthusiastic about changing his role in the developing digital version of Wire and left the band just before a 1990 tour."

That left Bruce Gilbert, Graham Lewis, and Colin Newman, and those are the gents who signed my booklet (I'm pretty sure it arrived without an actual CD).

In the years to come, Wire would reclaim the "e." They would also play with Gotobed, aka Robert Grey, again, though guitarist Gilbert was not involved with 2008's Object 47, which features Helmet singer/guitarist Page Hamilton.

I don't know whether to be sad that I didn't get a signature from one of Wire's original band members or happy that I have this souvenir from one of their odder iterations. A little of both, I guess. Much like my experience with KCMU.

P.S. I apologize if you were expecting a post about the Fall—love them, too.