The Album Review Club - *** Christmas Break Playlist (next album 7/1/26) ***

OB1 said:
So onto The Stranglers.

I have BMR to thank for the fact that I have several Stranglers cds. For a long time I only have a compilation but his persistent urging led me to invest in more of their catalogue.

I did in fact buy "Grip.." from this album as a single when it was originally released.

Rattus is naturally one of the albums I own and it is a good one.

I hadn't noticed before but I found shades of Blue Oyster Cult n the first and last tracks. The album is bookended by two of its best numbers.

Peaches of course was the hit single and it does bring back memories of Welsh beaches.

I'm not the biggest fan of the vocals but they are an integral part of the band's distinctive sound and a re perhaps what got them lumped in with the New Wave. The music although sometimes a little quirky is less so but there's plenty going on. JJB's bass is always interesting but the star is Dave Greenfield, whose influences are impeccable. I particularly like his interplay with Hugh Cornwell on "Hanging Around" and the mega solo in "Down in the Sewer".

My real score is 8/10.
Click to expand...
I’m sorry OB1 if you read the rules (Rule 83.5 sub section 9b) your first score has is the one that counts. Any subsequent variance of said score is dismissed.
0/10 it is I’m afraid smartarse ;)
 
Gonna match BMR with a 9/10 here, though was a bit tempted to go higher. Their best album imho, in fact apart from the odd single I’d lost a bit of interest in them by the third album.
The energy, the clever and funny lyrics and the ability of all 4 of them to play properly made them a bit special. I’d take them over any other Punk/New Wave band in that era.

The colours provided by the keyboards also took them to another level. I recall seeing Cornwell a few year back solo and being completely crestfallen to see him appear on stage as a trio. It was almost as if he was trying to prove, these are my songs and they stand up perfectly well without all those keyboard flourishes. He was still great himself, but there was just so much missing from the effect of the tracks.

Anyway, yep, fabulous choice @BlueMoonRisin’
 
Deepest Blue said:
Despite its misogynistic overtones I love this album.
Particularly has a sweaty summery feel to it. Probably composed/recorded in hot Summer 76.
Click to expand...
Making love to the Mersey Tunnel,
With a sausage have you ever been to Liverpool?

That line from London Lady is probably my favourite on the album. Although I do like (from Ugly) -
I'd like to see a passionate film between the two ugliest
people in the world. When I say ugly
I don't mean rough looking
I mean hideous.
 
Not so much an album review but more of a memory regarding them for me. I think it was when this album came out and went to see them at the apollo in Ardwick. Supported by a band called the Drones and was a great night. Arguably their best album for me and always had a soft spot for the band. A solid 8/10 for me.
 
Rattus Norvegicus is a fantastic album
They recorded most of the second album at the same time I believe
Given that No More Heroes is full of gems too it's frightening to think how even greater
Rattus could have been if the best songs from NMH had been put on it.
A band that's never been given their due respect.
 
PinkFinal said:
Rattus Norvegicus is a fantastic album
They recorded most of the second album at the same time I believe
Given that No More Heroes is full of gems too it's frightening to think how even greater
Rattus could have been if the best songs from NMH had been put on it.
A band that's never been given their due respect.
Click to expand...
I think their 3rd album Black And White is better than No More Heroes but it's all about opinion...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Unread Posts

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top