On a Wire

{{Infobox album

| name = On a Wire

| type = studio

| artist = the Get Up Kids

| cover = TheGetUpKids-OnAWire-AlbumCover.jpg

| alt =

| released = {{Start date|2002|5|14}}

| recorded = November 2001, {{nowrap|January–February 2002}}

| studio = Z'Gwonth Studios, Lawrence, Kansas;
Tarquin Studios, Bridgeport, Connecticut

| genre = {{hlist|Alternative country|Americana|indie rock}}

| length = 43:28

| label = Vagrant

| producer = Scott Litt

| prev_title = Eudora

| prev_year = 2001

| next_title = Guilt Show

| next_year = 2004

| misc = {{Singles

| name = On a Wire

| type = studio

| single1 = Overdue

| single1date = June 2002

}}

}}

On a Wire is the third studio album by American rock band the Get Up Kids on Vagrant Records. Released three years after their breakout sophomore album Something to Write Home About, On a Wire was a massive departure from the band's established sound, eschewing the brighter pop-punk that helped define emo as a genre in favor of a darker, more adult sound inspired by 70's rock bands like Led Zeppelin.

Reception to the album was extremely divisive, and is widely seen as having derailed the band's career just as emo was starting to break into the mainstream with contemporaries like Jimmy Eat World and Dashboard Confessional receiving extensive radio play. However, in the years since, the album has been re-appraised, with many praising its complex songwriting.

Background and recording

After touring extensively to support Something to Write Home About, the band was looking to depart from their high-energy powerpop style in lieu of a slower, more mellow sound. In 2000, vocalist/guitarist Matt Pryor moved to Boston, Massachusetts, and drummer Ryan Pope moved to Los Angeles, California. As a result, the members only saw each other when they embarked on tours. After a US tour in October and November, the group began working on a new album.{{cite web|url=https://www.ox-fanzine.de/web/itv/143/interviews.212.html|title=Interviews & Articles: Get Up Kids|work=Ox-Fanzine|author=Hiller, Joachim|date=September–November 2000|access-date=May 22, 2019|language=DE}} By the end of the year, they had managed to fit in ten rehearsals, writing eight songs in the process. Their goal was to write 30 songs, which they plan to whittle down to 12.{{cite web|url=http://www.lawrence.com/news/2000/dec/28/something_to/|title=Something to write home about|work=Lawrence|author=Harkness, Geoff|date=December 28, 2000|access-date=February 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810191720/http://www.lawrence.com/news/2000/dec/28/something_to/|archive-date=2016-08-10|url-status=live}} Following this, the group received a number of tour offers that they accepted, such as opening for Weezer and Green Day.

Unlike the band's previous work, which they played extensively at live shows before recording, On a Wire was written entirely in the studio, leading to a much less energetic sound. Years later, Jim Suptic remarked that had the band toured the songs before recording, the resulting album would have been "less acoustic and heavier in parts."

After touring ended, the band was physically and mentally fatigued, and looked to write a significantly different album.{{cite web|url=http://www.lawrence.com/news/2005/mar/11/tguk_breakup/|title=Stay Gold, Ponyboys|work=Lawrence|author=Gintowt, Richard|date=March 25, 2005|access-date=July 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218112943/http://www.lawrence.com/news/2005/mar/11/tguk_breakup/|archive-date=December 18, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} The group eventually reconvened in Kansas and wrote new material for their next album. Soon afterwards, they accumulated 25 songs. The band compiled a list of potential producers for their next album. Scott Litt approached the group after liking the demos he heard. Eudora, a compilation of rarities and obscure recordings, was released as a stop-gap release to capitalise on the band's success and to maintain hype for their next album. In November 2001, the band recorded "Campfire Kansas" at Z'Gwonth Studios in Lawrence, Kansas. Following this, the band embarked on a headlining US tour, with support from the Appleseed Cast and Alkaline Trio.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2116/a-bunch-of-get-up-kids-news|title=A bunch of Get Up Kids news…|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=October 18, 2001|accessdate=February 11, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2214/alkaline-trio-hot-water-music-update-and-tour-news|title=Alkaline Trio/Hot Water Music update and tour news|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=November 10, 2001|accessdate=February 14, 2021}} The rest of the album was recorded in January and February 2002 at Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, Connecticut with Litt over the course of six weeks.

Keyboardist James Dewees stated in an interview with AP Magazine that Litt "knew how to make bands sound good, but he was taking a band that was used to playing four-chord rock songs. We didn't know what we were doing." According to Pope, Litt didn't allow Dewees much control with his instrument: "James would go into something and (Scott Litt) would be like, 'No jazz chords! Don't do that! One hand!'" Litt mixed the recordings while Peter Katis acted as engineer. Ed Rose, who had worked with the band previously, provided additional creative input on "Overdue" while Carl Nappa did digital editing. Katis did additional mixing at The Hit Factory in New York City later in February with assistance from Jamie Duncan. Stephen Marcussen then mastered the recordings at Marcussen Mastering.

Composition

On a Wire{{'s}} songs were collectively written by the group, unlike their first two albums, which were predominately written by Pryor. Previously, whatever number of songs they had prior to entering the studio would end up being on a record. For On a Wire, they initially wrote double the number of songs that would end up on the album. All of the members would show up to practice sessions with a song, which would be fleshed out by everyone. This was to allow every member to have some input in the songwriting and reduced any resentment in a situation where a single person was writing all the songs. In the past, the group would play songs as a whole band, and sometimes play them on tour, before recording them in the studio at a fast pace. This time, they would take the demo recordings of songs and build upon them.

{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1454943/the-get-up-kids-grow-up-on-a-wire/|title=The Get Up Kids Grow Up On A Wire|publisher=MTV|author=D'Angelo, Joe|date=May 31, 2002|access-date=February 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050508/http://www.mtv.com/news/1454943/the-get-up-kids-grow-up-on-a-wire/|archive-date=2019-02-15|url-status=dead}}

Musically, the album's sound has been classed as alternative country,

{{cite web|url=http://www.chartattack.com:80/damn/2004/07/1601.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219095321/http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2004/07/1601.cfm|title=The Get Up Kids Wanna Rock Again|work=Chart Attack|author=Lee, Andy|date=July 16, 2004|archive-date=2006-02-19|access-date=February 6, 2019|url-status=usurped}}

{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/get_up_kids_get_back_to_basics|title=The Get Up Kids Get Back to Basics|work=Exclaim!|author=Green, Stuart|date=January 1, 2006|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020750/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/get_up_kids_get_back_to_basics|archive-date=2019-02-07|url-status=live}}

americana{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/thegetupkids/articles/story/5937851/the_get_up_kids_get_up|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026062617/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/thegetupkids/articles/story/5937851/the_get_up_kids_get_up|title=The Get Up Kids Get Up|magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Edwards, Gavin|date=August 5, 2002|archive-date=October 26, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2019|url-status=dead}} and indie rock, drawing comparisons to the Promise Ring's Wood/Water (2002), Wilco and the Dream Syndicate. It marked a shift away from the group's earlier pop punk/emo sound and replaced it mainly with acoustic guitars, quiet vocals and more prominent keyboards. Andrew Sacher of BrooklynVegan wrote that this departure did not seem as drastic for Pryor, who had been exploring similar sounds with his side effort the New Amsterdams.{{cite web|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/35-best-emo-post-hardcore-albums-of-2002/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810135900/https://www.brooklynvegan.com/35-best-emo-post-hardcore-albums-of-2002/|title=35 Best Emo & Post-Hardcore Albums of 2002|work=BrooklynVegan|author=Sacher, Andrew|date=August 10, 2022|archivedate=August 10, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}} Bassist Rob Pope said they wanted to make an album that was less "guitar-rock-oriented", opting to focus more on the songs' arrangements.

{{cite web|url=http://thegetupkids.com/album.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206115305/http://www.thegetupkids.com/album.asp|title=About On a Wire|publisher=The Get Up Kids|author=DeRogatis, Jim|archive-date=2006-02-06|access-date=February 6, 2019|url-status=dead}}

Pryor said most of the songs were "sort of questioning where you're at and what you want to do and ultimately coming to the conclusion that you've got to be happy with what you're doing." The album's title is taken from "Walking on a Wire", which was originally titled "Career Killer"; the song talks about a relationship failing. "Overdue" is about Pryor's dad and things he thinks about as a parent himself: "If I'm going to learn anything from my parents, it's going to be what not to do."

Release and promotion

On March 22, 2002, On a Wire was announced for release in two months' time; alongside this, the album's track listing and artwork were posted online.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/3059/new-album-info-for-the-get-up-kids|title=New album info for the Get Up Kids|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=March 22, 2002|accessdate=February 16, 2021}} The following month, the band performed at Skate and Surf Fest.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2696/tours-skate-and-surf-fest-2002|title=Skate and Surf Fest 2002|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=February 2, 2002|accessdate=February 15, 2021}} On April 25, 2002, "Overdue" was made available for streaming through an e-card on the band's website.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/3383/new-get-up-kids-track-available|title=New Get Up Kids track available|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=April 25, 2002|accessdate=February 21, 2021}} On a Wire was released through independent label Vagrant Records on May 14, 2002. The album's artwork was created by Travis Millard; Pryor said it was "incredibly complicated" as the band wanted it to stand out when compared to the covers of their other albums.

{{cite web|url=http://www.thegetupkids.com:80/gs-news.asp?EventDate=all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051026205702/http://www.thegetupkids.com/gs-news.asp?EventDate=all|title=News|publisher=The Get Up Kids|archive-date=2005-10-26|access-date=February 8, 2019|url-status=dead}}

In May and June, the group went on a headlining US tour

{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75912/get-up-kids-get-a-lift-from-superchunk|title=Get Up Kids Get A Lift From Superchunk|magazine=Billboard|date=May 2, 2002|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026150147/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75912/get-up-kids-get-a-lift-from-superchunk|archive-date=2018-10-26|url-status=live}}

with support from Hot Rod Circuit, the Jealous Sound, Rhett Miller and Audio Learning Center. The album was also released in two record versions: black 180 gram vinyl and limited edition picture disc.

On June 21, a music video was released for "Overdue" on the group's website, consisting of animation made by Millard. Around this time, "Overdue" was released as a single.{{cite AV media notes|title="Overdue"|others=The Get Up Kids|year=2002|type=sleeve|publisher=Vagrant Records}} The video had a tiny bit of success, receiving a few late-night plays on MTV and was in rotation for a week at MTV2.

{{cite web|url=http://www.lawrence.com/news/2004/feb/27/guilty_pleasures/|title=Guilty Pleasures|work=Lawrence|author=Gintowt, Richard|date=February 27, 2004|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124224/http://www.lawrence.com/news/2004/feb/27/guilty_pleasures/|archive-date=2019-02-09|url-status=live}}

The band spent a week at home, before going on an east coast US tour{{cite web|url=http://www.thegetupkids.com/main.htm/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030608084213/http://www.thegetupkids.com/main.htm/|title=New + Notable|publisher=The Get Up Kids|archive-date=June 8, 2003|access-date=February 6, 2019|url-status=dead}} in June and July with Superchunk and Hot Rod Circuit.

{{cite web|url=http://thegetupkids.com/tours.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020608021913/http://thegetupkids.com/tours.asp|title=Tours|publisher=The Get Up Kids|archive-date=2002-06-08|access-date=February 6, 2019|url-status=dead}} After this, they performed "Stay Gone" on the Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and appeared at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. In August, the band went on a European tour, which included a number of festival appearances.

{{cite web|url=http://thegetupkids.com:80/tours.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020810161532/http://thegetupkids.com/tours.asp|title=Tours|publisher=The Get Up Kids|archive-date=2002-08-10|access-date=February 6, 2019|url-status=dead}}

The tour was to include shows in Italy, Switzerland and Amsterdam, but were left out due to time constraints.

During this tour, the album was released in Europe on August 20. Similar to the European tour, the band were due to perform on the Vagrant America arena tour alongside other Vagrant Records bands

{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2412/vagrant-america-2002-huge-update|title=Vagrant America 2002 - HUGE Update|work=Punknews.org|publisher=Aubin Paul|author=Heisel, Scott|date=December 15, 2001|access-date=February 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213091651/https://www.punknews.org/article/2412/vagrant-america-2002-huge-update|archive-date=2017-02-13|url-status=live}}

but had to cancel. Further European shows were planned but also abandoned due to scheduling conflicts, resulting in the band staying at home. They played a few Midwest US shows in November and December, before embarking on another European tour with Koufax in January 2003.{{cite web|url=http://thegetupkids.com:80/tours.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021202231741/http://thegetupkids.com/tours.asp|title=Tours|publisher=The Get Up Kids|archive-date=2002-12-02|access-date=February 6, 2019|url-status=dead}} In February and March, the band toured Japan, Canada and the US; they played with Hot Rod Circuit and Moneen.{{cite web|url=http://thegetupkids.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030212093607/http://thegetupkids.com/|title=New + Notable|publisher=The Get Up Kids|archive-date=February 12, 2003|access-date=February 8, 2019|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5401/moneen-on-tour-with-the-get-up-kids|title=Moneen on tour with the Get Up Kids|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=February 25, 2003|accessdate=March 4, 2021}} A music video for "Stay Gone", directed by Brock Batten and Jonathan Green, was released on the Vagrant Records Another Year on the Street Vol. 3 compilation{{cite AV media notes|title=Another Year on the Street Vol. 3|others=Various artists |year=2004|type=booklet|publisher=Vagrant Records|id=VR-0397-2}} in June 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/another-year-on-the-street-vol-3-mw0000742514|title=Another Year on the Street, Vol. 3 - Various Artists {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=AllMusic|author=Loftus, Johnny|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207072219/https://www.allmusic.com/album/another-year-on-the-street-vol-3-mw0000742514|archive-date=2019-02-07|url-status=live}}

Reception

{{Album ratings

| MC = 69/100{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/getupkids/onawire?q=the%20get%20up%20kids |title=On A Wire Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=Metacritic.com |access-date=2012-03-04}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/on-a-wire-mw0000659422|title=On a Wire - The Get Up Kids {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=AllMusic|author=Anderson, Jason|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020414/https://www.allmusic.com/album/on-a-wire-mw0000659422|archive-date=2019-02-07|url-status=live}}

| rev2 = Chart Attack

| rev2Score = Unfavorable

{{cite web|url=http://www.chartattack.com:80/DAMN/2002/05/1401.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051204164107/http://www.chartattack.com/DAMN/2002/05/1401.cfm|title=CD REVIEWS: Moby, Weezer, Rush and many more|work=Chart Attack|author=Servos, Steve|date=May 14, 2002|archive-date=2005-12-04|access-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=usurped}}

| rev3 = CMJ New Music Monthly

| rev3score = FavorableSciarretto 2002, p. 13

| rev4 = E! Online

| rev4Score = B{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0,1107,2686,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021027051247/https://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0,1107,2686,00.html|title=Music - The Get Up Kids "On a Wire"|work=E! Online|archive-date=October 27, 2002|access-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=dead}}

| rev5 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev5Score = Favorable{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2002/05/31/wire/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929193908/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,249666,00.html|title=On a Wire Review|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|author=Caramanica, Jon|date=May 31, 2002|archive-date=September 29, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=February 6, 2019}}

| rev6 = Neumu

| rev6Score = {{rating|4|10}}

{{cite web|url=http://neumu.net/fortyfour/2002/2002-00161/2002-00161_fortyfour.shtml|title=The Get Up Kids On a Wire|work=Neumu|author=Gozdecki, Steve|date=2002|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015227/http://neumu.net/fortyfour/2002/2002-00161/2002-00161_fortyfour.shtml|archive-date=2019-02-07|url-status=live}}

| rev7 = Pitchfork

| rev7Score = 3.3/10{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/3432-on-a-wire/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021021083525/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/g/get-up-kids/on-a-wire.shtml|title=The Get Up Kids: On a Wire|work=Pitchfork|author=Pecoraro, David M.|date=June 10, 2002|archive-date=October 21, 2002|access-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=live}}

| rev8 = Rolling Stone

| rev8score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/thegetupkids/albums/album/149028/review/5943014/on_a_wire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002032742/https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/thegetupkids/albums/album/149028/review/5943014/on_a_wire|title=The Get Up Kids: On A Wire : Music Reviews|magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Walters, Barry|date=June 20, 2002|archive-date=October 2, 2007|access-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=dead}}

| rev9 = Stylus Magazine

| rev9Score = F{{cite web|url=http://stylusmagazine.com/reviews/the-get-up-kids/on-a-wire.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201144906/http://stylusmagazine.com/reviews/the-get-up-kids/on-a-wire.htm|title=The Get Up Kids - On A Wire - Review|work=Stylus Magazine|author=Freelon, Deen|date=September 1, 2003|archive-date=February 1, 2010|access-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=dead}}

| rev10 = The Washington Post

| rev10Score = Favorable

{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2002/06/28/the-get-up-kids-on-a-wire-v/75308e07-52e0-4fe9-a791-0c98c9052d33/|title=The Get Up Kids "On a Wire"|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Jenkins, Mark|date=June 28, 2002|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205220910/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2002/06/28/the-get-up-kids-on-a-wire-v/75308e07-52e0-4fe9-a791-0c98c9052d33/|archive-date=2019-02-05|url-status=live}}

}}

=Critical reception=

On a Wire charted at number 57 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the Independent Albums charts.

While the album was received with mild praise from more mainstream publications like Rolling Stone, many smaller publications felt that the band had abandoned their roots as second-wave emo group. However, despite the criticism, the band still incorporated much of their musical growth into their follow-up Guilt Show, which was much better received.

{{cite web |last=Gintowt |first=Richard |url=http://www.lawrence.com/news/2004/feb/27/guilty_pleasures/ |title=Guilty Pleasures |publisher=Lawrence.com |date=2004-02-27 |access-date=2012-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124224/http://www.lawrence.com/news/2004/feb/27/guilty_pleasures/ |archive-date=2019-02-09 |url-status=live }}

However, many fans were upset with the concerts, since many of the songs on the album did not fit well with the band's usually energetic live show.

=Fan Response=

Despite moderately positive critical reception and modest sales, fan response was largely dismissive and angry.{{cite web | url=https://keepitfast.com/the-get-up-kids-kicker-ep-review/ | title=The Get up Kids – Kicker | KEEP IT FAST, Progressive, Comedy, Hardcore, Thrash, Punk, News, Reviews and Latest Tracks }}{{cite web |url= https://www.kerrang.com/the-get-up-kids-have-made-their-peace-with-being-emo |title= The Get Up Kids Have Made Their Peace With Being Emo |last= Pearlman |first= Mischa |date= May 13, 2019 |website= Kerrang! |publisher= Wasted Talent |access-date= July 6, 2022}}

In 2019, Pryor recounted "I think when we made On A Wire, we thought we were confident, but we were actually just arrogant. 'Oh yeah, everyone’s always liked what we do, so they’re gonna totally understand why we’re doing a complete 180.' And some of them didn’t!"

On a Wire is one in a line of albums from second-wave emo bands that marked an attempt to expand the sound and met with resistance from fans, having been compared to Wood/Water by The Promise Ring, as well as releases by their labelmates, such as The Anniversary's sophomore album Your Majesty and Saves The Day's In Reverie.{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2041661/get-up-kids-problems-interview/interviews/|title=The Get Up Kids And Their Adult Problems|work=Stereogum|author=Cohen, Ian|date=April 30, 2019|access-date=June 24, 2022|archive-date=June 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619164119/https://www.stereogum.com/2041661/get-up-kids-problems-interview/interviews/|url-status=live}}

=Legacy=

The poor reception of the album had a larger impact on the band's widespread popularity as a whole. In an interview with AP Magazine, lead singer Matt Pryor considered that the dramatic change in style for On a Wire seriously impacted the momentum the band had gained from Something to Write Home About, allowing later bands such as Dashboard Confessional to take much of the fan base that the Get Up Kids had previously earned.{{cite magazine|last=Kelley |first=Trevor |title=Say Goodnight, Mean Goodbye: The Oral History of The Get Up Kids|magazine=Alternative Press|issue=204 }}

Years later, Pryor acknowledged the effect the shift between Something to Write Home About and On a Wire had on their fan base in an interview with New York Press: "I feel like the way that we rolled out On A Wire was kind of abrasive and confrontational. I think it was very polarizing to our fans. We were kind of like, ‘This is what we do, fuck you guys.’ But hindsight is 20/20; I learned from that experience."{{Citation |last=Reiss |first=John |title=Catching Up With The Get Up Kids' Matt Pryor |url=http://www.nypress.com/blog-8392-catching-up-with-the-get-up-kids-matt-pryor.html |publisher=New York Press |date=2011-03-02 |access-date=2011-03-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309025041/http://www.nypress.com/blog-8392-catching-up-with-the-get-up-kids-matt-pryor.html |archive-date=2011-03-09 }}

Over time, fan reception to the album has warmed. Speaking in 2019, Pryor said "I’ve been making the joke for a while that On A Wire is our Paul's Boutique where it’s like … [it] didn’t do well when it came out, but now, [fans say] 'Oh, it’s my favorite record!' That’s not what you said in 2002!"

Track listing

All songs written by the Get Up Kids.

{{tracklist

| title1 = Overdue

| length1 = 2:59

| title2 = Stay Gone

| length2 = 3:04

| title3 = Let the Reigns Go Loose

| length3 = 3:43

| title4 = Fall from Grace

| length4 = 3:39

| title5 = Grunge Pig

| length5 = 4:09

| title6 = High as the Moon

| length6 = 3:27

| title7 = All That I Know

| length7 = 3:21

| title8 = Walking on a Wire

| length8 = 5:17

| title9 = Wish You Were Here

| length9 = 3:32

| title10 = Campfire Kansas

| length10 = 3:04

| title11 = The Worst Idea

| length11 = 3:25

| title12 = Hannah Hold On

| length12 = 3:48

| total_length = 43:28

}}

Personnel

Personnel per sleeve.{{cite AV media notes|title=On a Wire|others=The Get Up Kids |year=2002|type=sleeve|publisher=Vagrant/Heroes & Villains Records|id=910 370-2}}

{{Col-begin}}

{{Col-2}}

The Get Up Kids

{{Col-2}}

Production

  • Scott Litt – producer, mixing
  • Peter Katis – engineer, additional mixing
  • Jamie Duncan – mixing assistant
  • Carl Nappa – digital editing
  • Stephen Marcussen – mastering
  • Ed Rose – additional creative input (track 1)
  • Travis Millard – artwork
  • Joby J. Ford – art design

{{col-end}}

Charts

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

!Charts (2002)

!Peak
position

{{album chart|Billboard200|57|artist=The Get Up Kids|accessdate=February 6, 2019|rowheader=true|refname=Bill200chart}}
{{album chart|BillboardIndependent|3|artist=The Get Up Kids|accessdate=February 6, 2019|rowheader=true|refname=BillIndechart}}

References

Citations

{{Reflist}}

Sources

{{refbegin}}

  • {{cite magazine|last1=Sciarretto|first1=Amy|title=Reviews|journal=CMJ New Music Report|date=June 3, 2002|volume=71|issue=765|publisher=CMJ Network, Inc.|issn=0890-0795|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_mqDCcg7jpwC&pg=PA13}}

{{refend}}