Heartbeat

7" single released in 1987 on Touch and Go (TG21) and Blast First

Three great choonz from Steve and the boys--a Wire cover (which is only improved with the Big Black treatment), and two originals. The strongest track is Heartbeat, which is universally regarded as fantastic, despite the fact that it's a cover. The other two tracks are also more than capable of holding their own--check 'em out if you don't have it, all three songs are on the Rich Man's Eight Track Tape.

The original 7" cover (along with the blood red 7" itself) was only sold as part of the original Headache/Heartbeat package, or used for promotional purposes (i.e. given away), so while it's uncommon, it's not impossible to find.

reviews:

Just when I thought the world didn't need any more WIRE covers, here comes a great one. BB meets WIRE is a great combo and the two on the flip are great as well. These three aren't on the new 12" either. BB fans won't be disappointed.
--Ruth Schwartz, MRR 50

Even if the sticker on the 12" claims it's not as hot as "Atomizer" (a true statement) there certainly isn't a lack of creative ideas. Not with tales about a fellow who smashes his newborn baby against the wall of the ward because it was deformed. Or the guy who finds his tools out of place and, using his trusty grinder, teaches the inconsiderate asshole a lesson, set to a disco beat of mind-rot. This is real life stuff, and they still have the distorted, detached wall of noise.

"Heartbeat" is a godawful Wire cover, it works, fick, it even has a hook.

One more note of interest--there's a limited edition package floating around with the 12" and 7" with different covers, coming in a black vinyl bag. The 12" cover will give you nightmares, it's beyond obscene--a morgue shot of someone's head mutilated into something resembling cherry cobler. But, once again, a part of real life.
Suburban Voice 23

Awesome tools in motion. The new Star Trek this ain't. Big Black fuse noise and enough tune to make hard-core. Hardly human, I would say.
--Thomas, Ink Disease 13