The Album Review Club - Week #145 - (page 1923) - Tellin' Stories - The Charlatans

[GornikDaze]

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.

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 ;)

 

[chesterbells]

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’

 

[BlueMoonRisin’]

Brilliant album that I still listen to now.
Still have my vinyl copy as well.
I also believe that @BlueMoonRisin’ was the inspiration for the song “Ugly”.

"When I say ugly, I don't mean rough looking, I mean hideous" ; )

 

[Barcon]

"When I say ugly, I don't mean rough looking, I mean hideous" ; )

I can picture you now ; )

 

[BlueMoonRisin’]

I can picture you now ; )

Well you know what mate? I'll tell you what ya cheeky fucker, when we all met up I had kaz drooling.

Or maybe my sexual chemistry radar is fucked and she was about to throw up : /

 

[Barcon]

We'll you know what mate? I'll tell you what ya cheeky fucker, when we all met up I had kaz drooling.

Or maybe my sexual chemistry radar is fucked and she was about to throw up : /

She always drools ; )

 

[Saddleworth2]

Ah well, I didn't see it either ;) Twas only a whiff but I didn't smell it either.

but you did hear it, or did you touch it?

Tommy did you hear it?

 

[BlueMoonRisin’]

Despite its misogynistic overtones I love this album.
Particularly has a sweaty summery feel to it. Probably composed/recorded in hot Summer 76.

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.

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

She always drools ; )

Horribly mean.

Also, I LOL'd.

 

[Saddleworth2]

Oh lord, not another Doors tribute act pu....lease.

;-)