Rattus Norvegicus

Old school punk is so fucking cool man

Jävlar vad gött. Det är som en blandning av soft boys, Roxy music och typ clash. Det är punkigt men sofistikerat och spännande. Bäst är nog goodbye Toulouse och peaches.

Seeding the seedy.

Good stuff! I’m into it and got me tapping my toes.

I quite liked this.

Cranky but always clever, deep but imminently listenable. A startling debut that keeps its relevance and fun year after year.

This is a surprisingly awesome and eclectic album. It feels like Idles was transported back to the early 1970s. Also, the synth player carries. They are the most electric part of the songs. Best Songs: Sometimes, Hanging Around, (Get A) Grip [on Yourself], Down in the Sewer, Go Buddy Go Worst Songs: Peasant in the Big Shitty

Love this band. First track is a keeper.

this is really good!!! i’ll come back to this in the future, don’t know when but i will most definitely revisit this absolute hottie of an album. i thought i wasn’t going to like this album initially because it’s not something i usually listen to but it’s just THAT good xx

This slaps - the organ really knocks everything into high gear, it's great! I see quite a few other reviews talking about the questionable lyrics and, yeah, that's an appropriate reaction - "Sometimes" is pretty egregious. 😬 On the other hand, show me an album from the 70s that doesn't have problematic content... 🤷 Fave tracks - "Hanging Around", "Peaches" and "(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)" are all pretty iconic. Of the tracks I was less familiar with, "Down in the Sewer" was great!

Talk about a band that knows its strengths. Sometimes opens with arguably the one thing that sets the Stranglers apart from other bands of the time, Dave Greenfield's magical keyboard work. I have seen these guys live, unfortunately Jean-Jacques Burnel was the only remaining original member on the tour but the spirit, humour and musical talent of the band were still present. I have TRIED to certain bald, retarded, impotent and gay members of this group but have been met with a lukewarm response. Which is understandable, the band isn't necessarily for everyone. Odd to call this a 'punk' band, though they have the aesthetics of punk with makeup and leather, the musical style here has more in common with the Doors than it does with the Sex Pistols, which makes sense considering they're cited as a direct influence. Their sound would drift into goth rock/pop in the 80s and 90s and they would prove to be just as competent in writing songs for those genres as well. These guys are an absolute joy to have included in this project. Some songs on here are ones that I had to grow to love over time (Peaches, London Lady) and some here that hooked me straight away like Hanging Around and (Get A) Grip [on Yourself]. While some bands have stories about meeting at school, uni or being childhood friends, The Stranglers was founded because the drummer Jet Black RIP was a successful ice cream van and liquor store operator who thought it would be cool to be in a rock band. Overall, this is a stellar debut effort from a band that would go on to transform their sound overtime with mostly good results. I'm not even going to try to hide my bias here, I love the Stranglers. Highlights: Sometimes, London Lady, Hanging Around, Peaches, (Get A) Grip [on Yourself], Ugly, Down in the Sewer (Medley)

Incredible. This is why I use this album generator.

Really enjoyed this having never listened to The Stranglers before apart from Golden Brown (which I hate). This album will be in my rotation for sure.

This album rips and I absolutely loved it.

I love this album. Hanging Around is probably my favorite Stranglers tune. Peaches and Go Buddy Go are up there as well. Even though they get lumped in with punk, I think the keyboards make them sound more like new wave crossed with pub rock. Some songs remind me more of Television than the Damned or the Buzzcocks. Labels are dumb. This is great.

Classic songs on this album, and they have such a strong unique sound. I love the Stranglers

Fabulous

In case you ever wondered what raw power sounded like, look no further. Nasty bass, snarling vocals, heavy organ, this album absolutely drips attitude and punk ethos. "IV"? More like "V"! Been a long time fan of these guys and this album falls in my personal top 100 records of all time. This is a rare gem on this list that has been rather stale the last few weeks.

Listen to this album most days in our house. One of the greatest albums in my opinion. Love the music, love the band even without Hugh Cornwall. This was the start of many great albums to come.

The Stranglers are largely ignored by the current punk scene. Maybe because they're not politically correct enough or maybe because their later work is not very good. This album is great though. Of the original punk bands, they were obviously some of the best musicians. The songs have enough variation. Production is good. I love the bass sound. Favorite song: get a grip

Absolutely brilliant album from one of the best bands to emerge from the post punk era. The distinctive voice of Hugh Cornwall accompanied by that energetic bass and the overall unique sound that this band produced. Everything about this band is super cool. What an album title too. Fab. Loved it 👍👍

Loved it!

Top tier, as always.

This is the most range I've heard on a punk album besides Marquee Moon and London Calling. Almost every single track brings you an entirely unexpected sound or feel, and I cannot get enough of it. Punk organ slaps unbelievably. 70s/80s punk is becoming very close to being an auto 5 star for me. Picking a favorite track here is very tough, but I'll go with Princess of the Streets and Down in the Sewer

relisten. very cool

Any music in the world for me gets bonus point if it gets my parrot dancing, as she’s usually a very reserved little petal. Literally 10 seconds into this album, she was headbanging away and having a great time. I love the mix of basic punk sound with the synths that gives The Stranglers their sound, and makes them so easily identifiable. Nothing is overly complex here, but it absolutely gets the job done and is enjoyable along the way.

A band where I like all the songs I know, but wasn't sure how consistent a full album would be. I am glad to now know that it is excellent - probably better as a whole than the Sex Pistols album from around the same time. Punk with a keyboard doesn't sound like a recipe for success, but it absolutely works. Clearly shows the link from pub rock to punk, and even shows the way punk would morph after its heyday - a brilliant album. All of their next few albums are now on my (rapidly expanding) "beyond 1,001 albums" list!

Had never heard of this band before. They’ve got a fun, unique, kinda carnivalesque punk rock sound. Haven’t heard much punk with an organ player before!

One of those albums I've never heard, but probably should have. These guys were getting banned from the BBC before I turned 5. Love it.

Cool! 5/5

It's punk but there's more sophistication than most. Opener 'Sometimes' sounds a bit like The Doors 'Love Her Madly' (especially the keyboards). 'Goodbye Tolouse' is in waltz time (3/4) and closes with a barrage of sound effects. 'London Lady' has some hilariously risque lyrics and an awesome guitar solo. 'Princess of the Streets' and 'Down in the Sewer' both sound like a lunatic asylum crossed with a fairground ghost train ride. And 'Peaches' and 'Get A Grip' are familiar classic (and nutty) singles. I absolutely love this band's sense of wit, irony, satire and the absurd; only a corpse would fail chuckle at the goon-like humor. Debuts don't get much better than this zany album.

Fabulous album, love this! Still sounds innovative and fresh 🏖️🏖️🏖️🏖️🍑🍑🍑🍑

Snarling vocals over howling Hammond Organ. The "middle" 3 tracks of Hanging Around, Peaches and (in particular for me) Get A Grip are probably amongst my favourite punk tracks.

Great bass throughout. Peaches!!

cool sometimes goodbye toulouse london lady hanging around get a grip on yourself down in the sewer

Pink Floyd meets AC/DC

Wow this was great. I'd heard Peaches before but nothing else on this album, and I'd never heard of the Stranglers despite liking lots of similar stuff. This was a great find for me today!

Some really good songs on here!

Very fun listen and pretty blown away by the consistency. Feels very ahead of its time for 1977, reminds me a bit of an evolution of what Sparks was doing and incorporating deeper synth layers to it. Very enjoyable experience! Top tracks: Sometimes, Goodbye Toulouse, London Lady, Hanging Around, Get A Grip On Yourself, Ugly, Down In The Sewer

Great project. Weird in all the best ways, this is making my rotation

hell yeah.

not a bad album. I'd listen to it again

An album I bought at the time on vinyl. It might be labelled Punk but to my prog rock infuenced ears back in 1977 I heard a lot more than the 3 chord trick punk bands around then. This is probably because the Strangler members were a bit older than the average punk rocker and by the addition of Dave Greenfield the keyboard player in the lineup. His swirling organ sound can be heard on most tracks giving the songs an extra layer. I love a rock keyboardist, Emerson, Wakeman, Lord etc, but Greenfield’s organ solo accompanied by Burnel’s thundering bass at the end of Down In The Sewer is magnificent and one of my top keyboard moments. But the Stranglers were and have proven to be great musicians and some of the songs on here are memorable pop tunes. Peaches is particular is a song everyone will know, exceptional guitar riff and cheeky lyrics which will always come into mind (well mine anyway) when on a beach somewhere. It was great to sit down with this album again and remind myself how great the songs are on this album.

I listened a couple times. It didn't stick with me but I enjoyed the energy.

I love these guys. They have a fresh, different sound on every track. I love that they have a punk edge to them without it all being bleating into the microphone to the same chords played over and over. Give them their due for having the guts highlight the keyboards. "Sometimes", "Peaches", and "Get a Grip" are great tracks.

totally cool, and a total surprise. great songwriting and bass playing

A mix of punk and pop, without sounding like pop punk. This almost prog in some ways. While obviously punk, there's hints of blues, jazz, boogie and psychedelia that you wouldn't expect. I'd heard "Peaches" before (I guess it was a hit), but "Goodbye Toulouse" and "Hanging Around" are the standout tracks for me. This is a solid album that I suspect would get better with subsequent listens.

Classic Stranglers album. One of my favorites. '[Get a] Grip [on Yourself]' is my favorite track on the album.

Never heard before, absolutely loved it

Oh this is really good, like really good. It seems quite well timed as it's got a fucking organ playing which is very goth/Halloween and it slaps.

I like the punk rock vibes with the keyboard combo

First time listening to this and positively impressed. I will definitely relisten and explore The Stranglers's catalog.

Excellent album, well ahead of its time in a lot of ways.

Standout track: Peaches

I like the sound, the guitar playing, the keyboards. Everything stands out.

So far the best punk album on the list, in my opinion. First of all, repetitiveness of the beat wasn't that off-putting. In fact, the music, mainly drum and bass line, was amplifying absolutely great vocal work. If we take a look at 70s and 80 punk and post punk albums, that have appeared on this list so far, then it is easily the best singer out there. Exceptional stuff, no filler songs, everything is at least above average. Additionally, there is no way I won't mention "Golden Brown", even if that song wasn't included in this album. One of the greatest melodies ever, it is going to influence the score regardless of the rules. I think in normal circumstances this album would receive a 4 stars from me, but to highlight how much better it is than other punk records, I will give it a full 5 stars. Great album!

What the hell is this oddly technical prog punk mix and where has it been my entire life???

Love the keyboard and grungy vocals

Killer album through and through. Peaches had been on the soundtrack of Reservoir Dogs maybe(?). Anyhow, it was in a movie some time back and I had thus found entry to this album a while ago and had found it lackluster, but apparently my tastes have improved or degraded...And I loved it. It's that gritty English sound and a very unique one. Love.

Punk perfection. Easiest 5 ever.

Hört ett 10-tal låtar med Stranglers förut men ingen av dem är från denna platta. Att jag missat den? Den är ju lysande.

С начала я подумал, что это будет диско из 80-ых, а потом они начали петь про то, что надо бить девушек в лицо)) Чертов британский панк с диско-синтами. Местами прикольно, но уж слишком много делается упора на проигрыши (в итоге и проиграли сами себе иногда). Вообще синт напоминает синт из The Doors и это круто. Алкоальбом: диско (коктейль, не стиль) в пабе с мужиками пьющими пиво

Brilliant album

This is certainly an interesting specimen of 70’s British punk. As someone who is disinclined to love punk music, I started off apprehensive. But this is really well done! The organ was a particular highlight for me. “Down in the Sewer” was a totally epic track! Incredible organ solo at the end! This would be an ideal soundtrack for a groovy haunted house (something I've dreamed of attending ever since I say episode one of The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries in 1977 - someone please recreate this and invite me!). Weird and fun!

A true classic. The deep baritone of singer Hugh Cornwall, alongside the Farfifa organ sells the album.

Boom! Album opens off groovy, baby! Rock n Roll, let's gooo!! The album has some great metaphors within the lyrics, little double meanings that increase the listening pleasure. I was surprised at how much i enjoyed this album, I really thought I would lose interest as it moved on, but my attention was retained through till the end. Great album.

PREFS : TOUT MOINS PREF : RIEN

Sounds like a precursor to a lot of my favourite bands/genres. Strong lead guitar, campy vocals, absolute demon on the bass, solid spurts of organ. Verging on post punk I guess. A few allusion to what was to come from the 80s. Actually yeah very post punk. I'm super familiar with Peaches but I have no idea why - sounds so much like it could be a song by Shame. Bit of a powerhouse album as you get into the second half. Love the heavy guitar/bass being offset by the organ and sax - eg Down in the Sewer. Bit of a grower but it really winds out nicely. Fk me it just keeps getting stronger at Go Buddy Go.

Fun musicality, ska adjacent, they have fun with their voices

very cool

T3B 1. Down In The Sewer (Medley) 2. Princess Of The Streets 3. Sometimes Such an absolute banger. No bad songs. Great vibe, structure, and complexity. Had trouble narrowing out my top 3 bangers. It’s beautiful. It’s fun. It’s also a 5!

At last a true classic

Punk classic

Very good album, didn't know them

The Stranglers vs. the Wokes. I know who I'd rather listen to. They manage to offend just about everyone. Man that bass, that keyboard.........I love these guys. This is seminal 70's UK punk.

Unbelievable stuff. Came across it myself a few weeks ago. It got me through my thesis. Very original sound.

A beautiful album. Kept me hooked till the last min.

Punk rock setentero. Vinilo.

This was great.

I cant believe this wasn't on my radar before. This is just fun from start to finish. A really pleasant surprise. I look forward to hearing more from them. Seriously, how did I not hear them before today?

Not the kind of music I usually listen to, but very good!

Bella scoperta

love this

Их нотки есть у строукс, за новаторство 5

British rock from the 70s might be my new favorite thing. Reminds me of a lot the newer stuff I'm listening to (Vaccines, Kooks, Dandy Warhols)

I thought this was awesome, took a couple of tracks to get into it tho

It's interesting to listen to a punk rock band that features keyboards as the primary instrument. But somehow it works.

First Listen: Didn't get a chance to write notes as I went! OVERALL: I ended up listening to this after The Doors, and I can't help feel like my point about Doors influenced bands being better than The Doors themselves. I love the dark keyboards, the surfy guitars, and the crunchy drums all over the record. While maybe considered a punk album, none of the politically charged nature of the genre seems to be here. In fact, the singer seems like a complete asshole. But its cool, this shit is fire. I don't fully know the historical context behind the album, but I can hear a ton of modern day artists they likely influenced. 8/10 T3: Peaches, Sometimes, Princess of the Streets

Some songs I liked more, some I liked less, but all in all, I liked it

I liked it! nice and rowdy

Another banger tbf, lots of songs i recognised

This was really cool. Really varied. Cool songwriting, but also really cool elements in the songs. I liked the 7 minute melody at the end, I like how a lot of the songs kind of connect to an overall theme. I was shocked by Peaches. That was way hornier than I could have ever been prepared for. Good songwriting, good punk. This was great.

Cool album name.

Excelente. 4,65 quizá más en un buen día

I dont know how to sonically place this. Its all over the map but in a cohesive way rather than a chaotic way. It feels like no genre at all, but also feels like every rock genre. I wonderful discovery

I was hazy on the provenance of The Stranglers. Knew the name, but mixed together with The Dictators and maybe another mid-1970s punk type band. This album got better and better. Nearly gave it three full listens, because it grooves in a unique way. The bass playing is fabulous, both accenting and leading the beat. It does not flash like John Entwistle, just propels songs forward. The keyboards were also original. Not sure what was used, but the sound differed from garage rock’s Vox and Hammond organs. Nor did I hear Fender Rhodes or synth qualities. At times it reminded me of Magazine’s post-punk/pre-1980s creations. Whatever was used, the style fit the songs not quite garage, pub or punk as the entire group had a level of musicianship that seemed a step higher than those more primitive genres. While the vocals were not memorable, they did not descend the schtick that many punk lead singers utilized. The quality and new to me aspect led me to search Discogs for vinyl copies. I might part with $48 plus shipping for this one.

Just as a was listening to this, the legendary Jonny Wurster posted a classic #rockandrollweirdness about them. Anyway, this record slaps.

70s new wave punk rock. Really good punk.

Didnt care for lyrics but loved the vocals and instrumentals! Super good!

Something about this older British punk that I find so interesting, not 100 sure what it is but it rocks nonetheless

This was fucking rad

Distinctive, raw, exciting, a great listen, exactly the kind of thing I’m looking for on this list

I quite liked this. Supposedly punk, but has a lot more musicality than I usually associate with early punk.

This is a slightly gothy and more fun version of The Doors, I love it.

A rare enjoyable british punk album

Never heard of these guys until now. But man I love the use of the organ in so many of the songs.

Буквально пару місяців тому вперше послухав цей альбом. Мені сподобалася ця варіація нью-вейву, де основою все-таки залишається панк-рок. Hanging Around відмітив, що тоді, що зараз. 3.5.

This album had a great energy and was really fun to listen to

I enjoyed this

Just watched a video an hour ago about the 10 most underrated bands ever and the Stranglers were on the list. I gotta agree

This sounds like it could be from a local punk band. But it's from the 70s. I'm obsessed with the instrumentation, just really driving and catchy.

I dig it

Good amount of variety for a 70's punk rock brit album. First i had heard of the band and I enjoy more of the songs than not which is helped by the keyboard quite a but and upbeat sections of songs. Vocals have that classic 70's leading into early 80's sound and it all comes together well.

Braced myself as I was expecting to absolutely hate this album but ... it was so much better than expected. I didn't like all of it, and I generally didn't hugely vibe with the vocals, but it was funny, catchy, and musically surprisingly interesting for a punk album. Slightly generous 4.

Pretty boppin

This is a weird one. I remember it (and owned it) when it first came out. Even then, you knew these guys were older than you’d expect for a punk/new wave band. And their music reflects that. It’s sort of psychedelia influenced. Yet it has a drive and tone that’s very ‘punk’. So, basically, I never really trusted them as punks…bit this is a really good album and still sounds good now.

Yeah this woulda been proper jokes back then

A great album. Felt different to the other punk albums at the time, and still sounds good.

Overall: 8/10 Honestly, I would have rated this higher if the lyrics hadn't aged so poorly. The music itself is so fun and kinda gothic in a lot of ways. Glad to have listened to this. Fav Song: London Lady

Enjoyed the album as a whole. Some of it was great and some not so much. It's difficult to rate it as a fantastic album.

Better tyan Coldplay

Not half bad!

some tracks are iconic, while others are nice hidden gems that are worth listening too.

# Album Name: Rattus Norvegicus # Artist: The Stranglers # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Quality album. Love the vocals and organ. Some banging tunes. # Top Tunes: Toulouse / Princess of the streets / hanging around / peaches / get a grip # Would I listen to it again? Yup

Class. Very fun and I love the swirly synth noises and the filthiness of it. Brill stuff.

Both vocalists work for me, but Cornwell is better. Brunel makes up for it with a great bass sound. Enjoyed this a great deal; very strong four.

It was fun, and very British

Cool! cool! Down to the sewer! Rocks!

cool

Good time, fun listen

3.75

The self consciously PUNK ones like Ugly and London Lady aren't great and neither is the letting their roots show, "hello, fellow young people", blues number (lame blues always comes as a number) Princess of the Streets. But I have a genuine soft spot for The Stranglers way with a smuggled Doors influence into the London punk scene. The extravagantly bracketed (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) is the real highlight. I'm also enjoying discovering the epic Down In The Sewer. My favourite fact about The Stranglers is that Hugh Cornwell went to school with Richard Thompson of Fairport Convention and they were in a relatively successful covers band together.

Cool sound. Like UK classic rock

Pretty kick-ass punk album

A sensational debut from this first rate band

Growling springy bright angry ugly brilliant

Surprised at how much I like this album. It was like The Doors meets Punk meets goth.

Are these guys stupid?? I'm pretty sure peaches don't grow at the beach....

So punk

Excellent album, I saw the Stranglers in 1978, when I was 17, and again in 2014, and they’re still going strong, JJB bass, Greenfield keyboards, Jet Black drums, and Hugh Cornwall vocals - 🙌

so fun... actually this album is greatttt

Very old school punk. Sort of Agnostic Front if they were from England and 10 years older.

Another debut alum from a storied British band. In this case we are treated to an amalgam of 60s garage with some psychedelic keys. The resulting sound is more complex that other British punk contemporaries, if sometimes lacking the raw energy that defines punk. There is still plenty of raw angst on display throughout Rattus Norvegicus. If one isn’t too put out by the toxic masculinity, which probably is prudent considering punk was never a genre overly concerned with being PC, there are some pretty good tunes on the album. This album is among the first bass-forward punk bands and almost nobody in the genre incorporated keyboards. The aforementioned fusion of punk and prog rock resulted in some fun tunes, which I acknowledge is an odd way to describe such rancid music. It is in the pacing, I think. The Stranglers were really going out of their way to be sexist assholes here, partly because it was their schtick. They intended to offend and the lyrics have only grown more offensive as sensibilities have changed. It really was part of the act though, so I chose to not take them too seriously. As one of the best-selling punk albums of its time it certainly has its place here. Many bands who followed, including act like The Cure have cited this album as an influence. Overall, this is a pretty solid record with bonus points for darting to be different.

Really cool album,great guitar tones

Always liked this record, still do. 4 Stars

The music made this shockingly enjoyable

Fed! Goodbye Toulouse er sådan et fedt nummer

Super fed! Måske den mest punk new wave plade på listen indtil videre (eller den anden vej rundt?)

Really grew on me. What an awesome sound!

Always through they were a bit rubbish based on nothing more than them playing Falkirk town hall every six months for 40 years but this was great throughout. The fairground organ shouldn't work but it's definitely a calling card especially for the era

I have come to have a lot of respect for this band above their singles as they are featured heavily in a TV music programme where I am. This was great, with its Roxy music inspired New Wave sound. Even Peaches, which in someone else’s hands, could be tawdry, here seems tragic and oddly kind of cool. One star off for not featuring a rat on their cover. At least RATT knew how to pull in the rat lovers.

Walkin' on the beach lookin' at the peaches. 3.5 rounding up.

Cool proto punk album

Good this. Didn’t realise it was the debut with the misleading IV on cover until finding it in the book. JJ’s bass is awesome, like London Lady, Go Buddy Go and iconic Peaches.

Great album, saw them in 2014 and they were still rocking it. This one doesn't have as many of the hits but it's got their signature sound in spades. So much attitude. 4 - a great album even among this list

This record reminded me very much of The Cramps. It's intellectual and yet definitely hillbilly. Odd mix.

Better than expected

I was really only familiar with The Stranglers' song "Golden Brown" before listening to this album. Other than that, I was vaguely aware of the group's "bad boy" reputation, whatever that means. Rattus Norvegicus was a fantastic listen, encompassing everything great about the post-punk genre, except that, having been released in 1977, it's a little early to even be a post-punk album. It looks back to the grit of lo-fi garage rock and even 60s keyboard rock; it's rooted in the aggressive punk-rock energy of its present, and it looks forward to the post-punk dark, groovy, artistic sensibilities. I hear both The Doors and The Cars here. I need to listen to more of The Stranglers. Four stars.

This was my third favorite of theirs in the Stranglers dive a few years back. It pretty much hits about the same today. Stand out track "(Get A) Grip (on Yourself)" (I love the paratheticals to where it reduces the actual title to just "Grip") It's actually the kind of post-punk that I absolutely love. A bit of poignant anger but it's still a bit bouncy and melodic. "Princess of the Streets" & "Peaches" are also great highlights, as well as the closing medley which ends an poignant yet hilarious toilet flush. (8.75) ★★★★

This kind of new wave/art punk stuff is not usually my favourite, but I liked this quite a bit. 4 stars

Walking on the koopa troopa beaches staring at the princess peaches.

Love the Stranglers.

Was pretty stoked when I saw this pop up. And it pretty much lived up to the hype... Punk rock but make it nuanced and layered. I'm gonna have to revisit this to truly appreciate everything The Stranglers are doing here. Artwork also really cool. I do think some of the songs could have been catchier. Maybe that's why they never took off. That or apparently they have questionable lyrics?

The first three songs and one, two more are fresh, simple, melodic. The other half is average.

Perfect!

I didn’t know that I liked The Stranglers. This is what punk sounded like when it still felt a bit dangerous. Grubby bass, twitchy keyboards and a knowing sneer, it’s sharper and more musically clever than most other punk. It still sounds like it could start a fight in a pub car park — in the best possible way. I do like the Stranglers

I mean. It's 70s Brit punk. What more do I really need in my life.

A lot more synth-driven than I expected. Growling bass throughout too. Pretty cool. Saw some people refer to this as "The Doors on speed" and that seems pretty accurate at times.

fun psych punk

They've only really got one tune at this stage but ot is a good one!

Great album, lots going on.

This was fun, I'll round up to a 4 cause I think I'd get there with additional listens. Can't remember which song I enjoyed the most. Sometimes was good, same with Ugly. They were all pretty solid

Pretty catchy and fun

Not gonna lie, this, as they say, kinda slapped. I love that it is a part of the British punk movement but still different from all of those other sounds. They're unique, have excellent musicianship, and don't overstay their welcome. Special shout-out to the keyboard on this because it adds such an interesting and spacy flair to these songs.

gostei mto mas faltou um HIT sabe.

adorei escutar o álbum, peaches é com certeza o ponto alto. infelizmente você não pode prestar muito atenção nas letras já que a primeira faixa é sobre bater na sua namorada, então as vibes são meio off.

This is good, definitely up my street. Enjoyed the musical variety and the interesting lyrics. Fairly atypical stuff I think, 'Down In The Sewer' is an odyssey that goes all over the place in a good way. I would listen again.

I only know 2 songs by The Stranglers and one of them was here, but it’s the other that I really love. I hoped I’d quite like this but I was surprised how interesting it sounded, something a bit more than your usual punk album - a sort of Doors punk album, the organ really gave it that feel but I think it was more than that, there definitely seemed to be an influence here.

# **Rattus Norvegicus** – The Stranglers (1977) *“Punk for people who think too much and still end up punching a wall.”* --- ### 🎙️ **Overview** Released in April 1977, *Rattus Norvegicus* is the ferocious debut from Guildford’s The Stranglers. Recorded in just one week on a tight budget, it became a UK Top 5 hit and one of the fastest-selling debuts of the year. Musically it straddles punk, pub-rock, psychedelia and proto-new-wave, but its attitude is pure gutter-level cynicism. The title is the scientific name for the brown rat – a perfect metaphor for the album’s scuttling, diseased worldview. --- ### 🖋️ **Lyrics & Themes** | Territory | Key Observations | |-----------|------------------| | **Urban Decay** | Songs map a sleazy, pre-clean-up London of piss-streaked streets, park-bench drunks and leering voyeurs. | | **Gender Warfare** | Women are “London ladies”, “princesses of the street” or bikini-clad “peaches”; the gaze is unapologetically male, often reducing women to body parts. Modern ears read it as misogynistic, defenders call it satirical reportage from the pub gutter. | | **Existential Nihilism** | “Goodbye Toulouse” predicts Armageddon; “Down in the Sewer” romanticises drowning in filth rather than facing daylight. | | **Black Humour** | Every sneer is delivered with a wink – the band *know* they’re being outrageous, which makes the bile easier to swallow (for some). | --- ### 🎵 **Music & Arrangements** | Element | Signature Traits | |---------|------------------| | **JJ Burnel’s Bass** | Rickenbacker through a Marshall – a clenched-fist punch that dominates the mix; riffs on “Peaches” and “Hanging Around” are textbook punk-funk. | | **Dave Greenfield’s Keyboards** | Doors-style Vox Continental & Hammond spin arpeggios and baroque flourishes; the solo in “Sometimes” is divisive (described elsewhere as “a poodle on the keys”) but gives the band its unique colour. | | **Dual Vocals** | Hugh Cornwell’s sardonic drawl vs Burnel’s menacing growl – call-and-response adds tension. | | **Song Structures** | Verse-chorus simplicity spiced with prog: the 7-min “Down in the Sewer” four-part suite and tempo pivots in “Ugly” show chops most punk bands lacked. | | **Production** | Martin Rushent (later famous for The Human League) keeps it raw: minimal overdubs, prominent bass, slight tape saturation – the sound of a tight live set captured before the polish sets in. | --- ### 🌟 **Stand-out Tracks** 1. **Sometimes** – Doorsian swirl, organ intro, instant atmosphere. 2. **Goodbye Toulouse** – apocalyptic jangle; Nostradamus-named check. 3. **Peaches** – arguably the greatest lecherous bass-line in punk; banned-single notoriety. 4. **Hanging Around** – swaggering chronicle of small-town losers in the big city. 5. **Down in the Sewer** – epic closer: four movements, harmonica, bass solo, proto-goth melodrama. --- ### 👍 **Pros** - **Unique sonic identity** – no other ’77 punk band built songs around bass + organ like this. - **Top-tier musicianship** without sacrificing danger or speed. - **Rushent’s production** – rough edges intact, radio-friendly clarity. - **Lyrical snapshot** of pre-Thatcher Britain: sleazy, funny, paranoid. - **Influence** on post-punk (The Fall, Magazine), goth (Sisters of Mercy cite Greenfield), new-wave bassists (Peter Hook calls Burnel a prime influence). --- ### 👎 **Cons** - **Aged lyrical content** – “Sometimes” and “London Lady” contain lines that can feel outright misogynistic; casual listeners may bounce off the casual sexism. - **One-dimensional mood** – relentless cynicism; no love songs or light relief except the jokey “Peaches”. - **Keyboard over-exposure** – Greenfield’s noodling irritates prog-phobes and punk purists. - **“Ugly”** – widely regarded as filler; silly chorus undercuts Side-two momentum. - **Pigeon-hole problems** – too arty for punk crowds, too abrasive for mainstream – can leave the band in a no-man’s land on playlists. --- ### 🧬 **Legacy & Influence** - **Bass-forward mix** pre-figures Peter Hook (Joy Division) and Gary Numan’s loud Rickenbacker lines. - **Doors + Punk template** adopted by The Cult, The Mission, early Cult-of-Luna style goth. - **Rushent’s raw-but-separated sound** became a blueprint for DIY punk engineers who wanted clarity without gloss. - **Quotable one-liners** (“Is she really going out with him?” style) enter UK rock lexicon; IDLES and Sleaford Mods echo the speak-sing sarcasm. - **Consistent live staples** – every Stranglers gig still ends with “Down in the Sewer” or “Peaches” 45+ years on. --- ### ⚖️ **Verdict** *Rattus Norvegicus* is a grimy, swaggering masterpiece that deserves its place in the punk canon even if it gleefully pisses on the movement’s righteous ideologies. The combo of Burnel’s chainsaw bass and Greenfield’s carnival keyboards created a sonic signature nobody has truly replicated. Lyrically it is a product of its pub-and-porn era: hilarious if you accept the satire, unlistenable if you can’t stomach the sexism. Approach with caution, but once the bassline of “Peaches” locks in, resistance is futile. **Rating: 8.5 / 10** – One star deducted for social attitudes, half for “Ugly”. Otherwise essential.

Was actually quite good. Unfortunately, I was busy the whole day and couldn't give it the most proper attention and just had it on background while doing other things, so I can't comment on lyrics or anything in particular, but sonically it felt like a good punk album. Might take a closer listen again later.

This was an interesting and enjoyable listen. This debut album has impressed me enough to follow up on sequential releases. I enjoyed their punk style music along with some quirky lyrics.

This kind of rocked

Cool songs for alleyway scuffles, junkyard scraps, and dive bar brawls.

Peaches is a clear standout but the rest of the album is good considering it is yet another punk band.

Prog punk, not missing any sharpness or piss-taking fury. JJ Burnel is fucking god. Favourite tracks: Princess Of The Streets, Hanging Around, Peaches, Get A Grip, Down In The Sewer

4/5

Pretty good stuff. Sounds like a good version of the music of its time.

Fun

3.5/5

I'm not so familiar with The Stranglers. Of course I know the big hits like Golden Brown and Always The Sun. But none of the songs on this album were familiar to me. The sound is rougher than the later "famous" songs but as a whole the album is good and really worth listening to.

It’s got a funky vibe. I wike it 🙂‍↕️

Slick and fun rock and roll

I guess I'd heard golden brown before, but it never registered. This is fun, like the bouncy organy bits juxtaposed with more melodic than standard postpunky stuff.

I enjoyed this quite a bit. It didn't blow me away, and I've said in other reviews I've done that Punk is not really a favorite genre of mine, but this is the type of stuff that I wish I had heard earlier, as it really has a lot of variety and life.

Dirty New Wave that makes me think of a punkish version of The Doors at times. Great stuff

Organ-driven New Wave, Punk and Post-Punk with strong hooks and nice tones? Count me in!

Overraskanes gøy, særlig når det plutselig dukka opp en veldig framtredanes Tungtvann-sample, som nok gjorde at akkurat det va min favorittsang, men generelt likte æ det langt bedre enn tenkt.

Listened: twice! Once at breakfast then in bed/shopping Best song: peaches, ugly 4.5

Liked this. Polished for a punk album.

Nice interesting punk, new wave-ish music.

God album although a bit dated now.

Very good album. My first exposure to The Stranglers except for Peaches, I’d heard that one a few times before. This album is fun, wacky, and pretty much everything you hope for a punk album to be. Also I must say, they made excellent use of the organ in album, multiple songs with killer solos.

It's got me going.... up and down. Classic 77' sound.

7/10 Just over the line, fun punk is fun. 12-11-2025

Good stuff.

I loved it! It did get a little samey though.

For years and years, I made do with a 'Best Of' compilation. This is one of those albums that helped me find the way. The bass is such filth, and a Hammond organ in a punk band, whatever next? Yes, some of the lyrics are questionable, but I'm prepared to forgive that. This album is full of immediacy, hooks and attitude. Best track: (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ ★★★★☆ (8/10)

7/10 Favourite: Goodbye Tolouse Least Favourite: Hanging Around

I’ve never been a huge fan of this British punk style with the singer doing that kinda lazy drawl, but turns out the drawl wasn’t the problem. Loved the other musicianship, I think this is my favourite I’ve heard of this genre

Pretty good 70s rock. I'd never heard of these guys before but I enjoyed listening to them on this cold, rainy day. It feels like early Queen, in a good way.

A wonderful selection of genres all filtered through early punk/new wave. A wonderful tromp through the garden the B52s and Talking Heads explore. 4/5

First time I heard this around 2005 (at 21/22) I could see the musicality, but it sounded really dated compared to the angular indie/electro coming out at the time and not as raw as Gang of Four. Listening to it again now it sounds amazing! I don't know why exactly. The obvious theory would be that they're more subtle than some of their contemporaries and this is a strength. I just wasn't ready to hear this at the time because of being 21 (too many hormones/not enough life) and, maybe having heard more music now I'm feeling references I wasn't in a position to connect before. Anyway, nice album

Pretty good. Even for a confusing debut album labeled "IV". It felt a little like Billy Idol. My rating: 4/5 stuffed heads

Now this was pretty cool. I really liked the organ and the songwriting has some ambition and some interesting angles to it. My favorite bit was the medley, “Down in the Sewer.” I love how often the organ and the bass take a lead melody or solo. I’m definitely going to revisit this. Must-listen #255.

Album #974 Pretty good, like a punk The Doors. Nice guitar and organ riffs.

Surprisingly good. Didn’t go in expecting much but I liked it for what/when it was.

I need to listen to more doors if this is what the doors sound like, really enjoyed this.

Öppningsriffet är riktigt fett. Cool och aggressiv bas. Älskar orgeln. Positivt överraskad och laddad inför vad som komma skall. Ett par låtar in gillar jag fortfarande the Stranglers. Jag gillar att det är lite spooky och det är ju lite i linje med musiken jag annars lyssnar på och skapar. Jag skrev till Sofie under lyssningen att soundet får mig att tänka på en punkig och tidig proto-Ghost. Det kunde ha varit Ghost på 70-talet liksom. Detta påminner mig lite om Azra. Hangning around är den första låten jag känner igen. Jag sitter och funderar - Vart fan har jag hört detta. Det är superbekant. Jag kan nästan sjunga med. Söker på låtens titel och såklart. Husgudarna Ghost har gjort en cover på låten. Glädjen är total! :D Det här är bra skit och jag måste ha denna i vinylsamlingen. Svår att hitta i bra skick till ett bra pris dock. Disclaimer: Folk klagar på texterna. Att de skulle vara misogyna etc. Jag har inte läst texterna utan bara passivt lyssnat på låtarna.

Super fun, with some classics (“Peaches.”) a bit uneven, but a solid album overall-properly 3.5 stars but rounding up for fun.

I dig punk with extra instruments

I've always had a soft spot for The Stranglers. Mum had a tape of their Best Of in our car when we were kids. Great singles band. I'd never heard a Stranglers album until now. All the trademarks are there: Doors' keyboards, sexist lyrics and a fucking incredible bass tone. This is a very solid pink-adjacent album. It won't replace the Best Of in my heart, but I enjoyed listening to this album today.

If the Misfits tried to make pop songs. Said lovingly.

Here’s another one that I’m grateful to this list for introducing into my consciousness. I probably won’t listen to it as much as some others but I appreciate the history of it and yet again I’m hit with the realization of how much I don’t know about music

Yet another album that I can't believe I've never listened to..it won't be the last time it gets played

A punk band who could actually play their instruments.... in fact the bass in this album is S-Tier, just a ridiculous groove going on. I had heard "Peaches" before and this is far above that level. Just a tight punk album.

Man, some of these lyrics really didn't age well at all. It's a shame because the music is really good. The lyrics are a little off-putting though. Not all of them but every now and then I found myself rewinding and going 'did he really say that?' and yes he really did. A good album nonetheless. A lot going on to keep you listening, each song has it's own feel to it which is nice, feels like I've had a stretch of albums lately that were basically the same tow songs over and over. I enjoyed this album and will definitely listen to The Stranglers more, I think I had heard some of their music randomly but never actually played them on purpose. 3.75/5

Extremely cool glam punk that's a rocking stew of television style spindly lead guitars, Elvis Costello new wave synth, Doorsy psych organ parts, Iggy Pop garage rock drive, Modern Lovers aloof cool guy vocals. It's got a real spacious spare production and an almost disco inflected rhythm with actual danceable beats - damn this really rips.

Hmmmm...these guys sound...belligerent. Starting it off with a song about beating up a woman was...definitely one of the options available. I am clearly not the target audience of this band. However, the instrumentation is heads above the punk and punk-adjacent albums I have heard during this project.

Fook

One of those solid albums hipsters love to throw on to prove how cool they are. But still. Solid album.

One of the punk adjacent albums I genuinely enjoy.

Cool guys.

Pretty forgettable, but enjoyable enough. 4/5 Highlights: London Lady Princess of the Streets Peaches Down in the Sewer (Medley)

I liked it. Nicely odd ball.

4.25/5 first time listen rly impressed mixing 60s doors like organ pieces with 70s punk great sound some great songs

Alors 1977, c'est l'année où tout a pété en Angleterre. Les Sex Pistols crachaient leur venin, The Clash politisait les trois accords, The Damned jouaient plus vite que leur ombre. Et au milieu de ce chaos joyeusement nihiliste débarquent les Stranglers. Dès le départ, ces types-là, ils détonnent. Ils sont plus vieux que la moyenne punk, ils ont l'air plus réfléchis, presque menaçants, et surtout... ils ont des CLAVIERS. Putain, oui, des claviers ! Dans le paysage punk de l'époque, c'était presque une hérésie. Imaginez, le son tourbillonnant, parfois psychédélique, souvent lancinant de Dave Greenfield qui vient napper la rage ambiante. Ça les rapproche plus des Doors sous acide que des Ramones, soyons clairs. Et puis, il y a cette section rythmique. Jet Black, le mec derrière les fûts, qui martèle avec une précision métronomique et une puissance redoutable. Et surtout, SURTOUT, Jean-Jacques Burnel à la basse. Ah, JJ Burnel ! Ce son de basse ! Agressif, grondant, mélodique, distordu... Il ne se contente pas de suivre, il mène la danse, il lacère, il cogne. Rien que pour ça, les Stranglers méritent leur place au panthéon. Écoute l'intro de "(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)" ou la ligne de basse de "Peaches", c'est juste monstrueux. Ça a défini un son, une approche de l'instrument qui a marqué des générations de bassistes qui voulaient autre chose que faire "boum boum". Et devant, on a Hugh Cornwell, voix nasillarde, débit nonchalant mais chargé de venin, guitare économe mais tranchante. Le type a une présence, une sorte d'arrogance intellectuelle qui tranche avec le nihilisme "no future" ambiant. Les Stranglers, ils ont un futur, et ils te le font savoir, quitte à te marcher sur les pieds. "Rattus Norvegicus", c'est un mélange détonant. L'énergie brute du punk ("(Get A) Grip", "Go Buddy Go", "Hanging Around"), mais avec une sophistication musicale bien au-dessus de la mêlée. Les claviers de Greenfield créent des atmosphères uniques, parfois baroques, parfois planantes, souvent angoissantes ("Down in the Sewer", ce final épique et poisseux !). La basse de Burnel te retourne les tripes. La batterie de Black te rentre dedans. La voix et la guitare de Cornwell te provoquent. Les textes sont souvent cyniques, misogynes ("Peaches", difficile de passer à côté, même si le groove est terrible), violents, mais avec une intelligence sournoise. Ils observent le monde avec un rictus, sans concession. On est loin du brûlot politique immédiat de The Clash, mais il y a une critique sociale sous-jacente, une tension palpable. Alors, pourquoi 4 sur 5 et pas la note maximale ? Si des morceaux comme "Grip", "Hanging Around", "Sometimes", "Peaches", "Go Buddy Go" ou l'immense "Down in the Sewer" sont des classiques absolus, d'autres titres peuvent sembler un peu moins inspirés, plus convenus peut-être. "Princess of the Streets" ou "Goodbye Toulouse" sont bons, mais n'ont pas la même force de frappe, la même originalité foudroyante que les meilleurs moments. On sent parfois un groupe qui cherche encore un peu son équilibre parfait entre l'agressivité pub-rock/punk et les arabesques plus progressives apportées par les claviers. Il y a une sorte d'entre-deux sur certains titres qui les rend moins essentiels aujourd'hui, même s'ils s'intègrent bien à l'ensemble. L'album est génial, mais il n'a pas la cohérence monolithique d'un "Never Mind the Bollocks" ou d'un "Ramones". Mais ne boudons pas notre plaisir car "Rattus Norvegicus", malgré ses (légères) imperfections, reste une putain de claque. Un disque unique en son genre, qui a défié les étiquettes dès sa sortie. Ce n'était pas juste du punk, c'était autre chose. Plus sombre, plus mature (enfin, façon de parler), plus musicalement ambitieux. Pour moi, né en 1970, les Stranglers ont toujours eu cette aura particulière. Moins "évidents" que les Pistols ou Clash, mais peut-être plus durables dans leur étrangeté. On sent déjà poindre le post-punk dans leur son, cette froideur, cette tension nerveuse qu'on retrouvera chez Joy Division ou Magazine, mais avec un côté plus "rock" traditionnel, plus sale gosse aussi. En réécoutant "Rattus Norvegicus" pour cette critique, je me rends compte à quel point ce disque reste pertinent. L'énergie est intacte, le son est toujours aussi puissant (surtout cette basse !), et l'attitude... ah, l'attitude ! C'est ça, les Stranglers : une attitude. Un mélange de menace, d'intelligence et de je-m'en-foutisme provocateur. Donc, oui, 4 étoiles sur 5, ça me semble juste. Ce n'est pas la perfection absolue, mais c'est un album essentiel, un jalon important, et surtout, un disque qui file toujours autant la pêche et donne envie de mettre un coup de boule dans le mur le plus proche (tout en appréciant un solo de clavier bien senti, bien sûr). Un indispensable de 1977, même s'il nageait un peu à contre-courant de la vague punk principale. Et c'est justement ça qui le rend si intéressant.

Pretty interesting

This is right up my alley

This was fun. I'm always surprised by the stranglers

How can a band sound both goth and new-wave rock? This album was so good I regretted not listening to it earlier. Powerful, colorful, and sharp; at least 3 things an album should be.

I was not initially impressed with the first track and was starting to gear up for a pretty difficult listen. But actually, this rules. I've discovered that I don't really like New Wave, but this is more like Punk with some New Wave flair. The instrumentals are fire, specifically the synth solos. The album doesn't maintain its quality all the way through it, which is a bit disappointing. But maybe that should be expected as the first track wasn't all that good. I thought the Rock 'n' Roll style "Go Buddy Go" was a bit of a weird deviation, but actually it worked really well, and reeled me right back into enjoying this album after a couple of bad songs. Their sound gives a spooky season vibe. Like, this should be played throughout October. There are a few songs that really dig into that vibe too. I'm not much of a spooky season person but thought it worth pointing out. Favorite Song(s): Princess of the Streets, Peaches, Go Buddy Go

Ok

Went in this one feeling pretty meh, but left it pleasantly surprised. The deep sludgy bassline made me think it wasn't going to be my speed, but the keyboards and the overall tempo really produced an enjoyable listen for me.

A really weird band that was just whacky enough to be enjoyable. Not sure how I was going to feel about the whole album from the jump but it was pretty fun. Kind of sounded like a bunch of creeps singing though with some of the lyrics, especially in Peaches. But still good enough for a low 4

Honestly not bad punk at all, and then I hit Peaches and absolutely loved that. What a sick bassline. Feel like I've heard it somewhere but can't put my finger on it. These guys have a Television vibe to them that I dig.

Had definitely heard Peaches before, although I have no memory of when or where. Can't get over them all having very normal names (Hugh, Dave, Jean-Jacques) and then the drummer going by Jet Black. Not an album I would have sought out but I ended up really enjoying it. Favourite song: Hanging Around Least: Ugly

Not my thing but still interesting

This is widely recognized as one of the greatest punk rock records from the first wave of UK Punk. It's easy to pick out how it's influenced new wave and post-punk music for decades now.

Punk.

Some classic tracks

Meh

One of the few albums I’ve gotten where I didn’t know the album or even the band. It was quite good and a worthwhile discovery. A good reminder of why I’m doing this whole project

Punk done well with an organ to make it so much better. They definitely have a unique sound just because of the implementation of the organ and they also have a kind of spooky vibe to them sometimes which is cool. Honestly even the vocals are quite good, they may actually be the weakest part due to the energy of the drums and the bass to match. The guitar sound is such a good fit for the sound of the organ to play alongside it when the solos happen and the riffs aren’t amazing or anything but they work as a thing to build on with the other instrumental elements which is what they did. It could get a bit repetitive sometimes and some of the songs weren’t my thing but a good album overall. Favourites: the first 2, Hanging around, Get a grip, the medley and choosey susie. Overall, 7/10.

This was a pretty cool album. It sounds almost like a precursor to New Wave.

Ripping hard rock

A very solid record beginning to end. Not as enduring as some of the top punk records of the period but it’s a lot closer to The Clash than Sex Pistols and that’s a good thing for me.

That was fun! I especially liked the keys!

Hey, I had The Stranglers Greatest Hits on vinyl back in the day. Cracking. They’re a class act

4.5/5

I've generally liked the punk music that I've listened to, but I have been shy about diving in on my own. This is one of the things I really like about this project, as I get to hear bands I would have avoided out of "fear." I really like their sound, as it's not just noise and there is more going on than just guitar, bass, and drums. The organ sound makes so many of these songs more melodic, even if it's still very punk in structure. Another album I'm glad I listened to, and will seek them out more.

Такое себе

I’d heard of the Stranglers & thought they were a punk band, but I never heard them before. Upon hearing the first 30 seconds of Ratticus Norvegious, I realized they weren’t just another punk band. The Stranglers were described by 1 critic as “hardcore pop.” I thought they sounded like the Cars, though not as slick. Not that the Cars ripped them off, but the Stranglers are the perfect melding of punk, new wave & rock with grimy lyrics about the London streets. In addition, this is another “punk” band in which the musicianship is excellent. Jean-Jacques Burnel’s bass is the instrument that holds everything together. The bassline for the song Peaches is iconic. Keyboardist Dave Greenfield’s playing gives the music a ’60s vibe, which I usually hate, but I thought it really elevated the songs. While listening, I couldn’t help but think these songs would work today. I imagine the Stranglers inspired copycat bands that evolved into what became new wave in the '80s. Do yourself a favor & listen to this album just once and you’ll see the Stranglers aren’t just another punk band. This is going in my playlist for further listening.

This was a lot of fun for sure. Just a fun and excellent punk new wave record.

Moody without being a downer, raunchy without quite being obscene, this one strikes a pretty unique note that I enjoyed.

Very good!

Some of my faves by the stranglers on this album - peaches and hangin’ around. I also liked a bunch of other songs from the album - solid 4 overall!

Was this the last bastion of the Hammond Organ? I don’t know but it certainly sounds perfect on a Punk record and makes this the best late 70s UK Punk album I’ve heard up to now. 
 p.s. I never realised the Peaches I knew and loved was a radio edit.

Punk not punk! Jazz punk? Get it a grip on yourself it’s peaches

"Peaches" is a classic, but I also love "Hanging Around".

A good album, I enjoyed the music style. I liked Peasant In The Big Shitty the most.

New wave with post punk. I like this! Really punky in places. I like the bass sound. Have I heard Peaches before? Go Buddy Go is a send up of rockabilly/50s rock n roll Best track - Sometimes, Hanging Around, Peaches, Go Buddy Go 4 stars

Avant garde!!

Well that was a pleasant surprise! I’m aware of The Stranglers by their hit singles, however I haven’t delved into their albums before. This is a fun album that doesn’t get boring. (Get A) Grip [On Yourself] is a banger, so much groove in one song! After a few more listens this may get the 5 star treatment!

Had no idea what to expect as I was unfamiliar with the Stranglers. I’ve never heard a band where the music is led more by the bass with the guitar being part of the rhythm. The keyboard player is the highlight for me while the drummer rounds it out nicely. No filler here and enjoyed the sense of humor throughout. I think I’ve found some new songs to add into my regular rotation.

Doors-infused punk, with some great tracks.

So the drummer was almost 39 when this came out! That's kind of inspiring. Excellent new wave, seems Iggy or Roxy Music influenced. The album cover looks like a Vampire: The Masquerade splatbook.

How is this possible? A punk band from 1977 that I've never heard of? And they made albums for decades? This is right in my wheelhouse! This is their debut album, and in most cases for a punk band, that would mean a rough and tumble affair, but the Stranglers seem ready to go right out of the box. I found they pulled from other punk acts to a certain degree, but their main progenitors seem to be The Doors and David Bowie. The vocal delivery and lyrics are hilarious; quintessential first-wave British punk. Some of the lyrics are so good it makes you wonder if the truly dumb ones are intentional or not; certainly the attitude is sardonic. The only real complaint I have here is that some of the riffs get repeated a few too many times, but overall, this is a fun stroll down the sewer. Highlights include "Goodbye Toulouse," one of the weirdest songs I've ever heard from a punk band; "Ugly" which is the funniest song on a very funny album, and "(Get a) Grip (On Yourself)," a Bowie-referencing rocker. It rocks, it drools, it sneers, it makes you laugh. FOUR STARS.

Pretty good rock album. I would have listened to this when it came out.

Very good I find it really nice and melodic

These are the guys that do Golden Brown?

Nevjerojatno koliko puno doorsa tu ima

Pretty fun album, it kinda sounds like 70’s rock as a genre if you know what I mean

Surprisingly good! Great basslines, gritty lyrics and even some elaborate keyboard made this a sleeper hit for me.

This is more my jam.

Outrageous lyrics. Good tunes.

This was a surprisingly fun album. A little bit The Doors, a little bit punk, a little bit New Wave

Wow does this band know how to write a hook. So so good and such a fun listen. The solos ROCK too (from all instruments)! This album starts off great and keeps going. This kinda reminded me of a better version of Talking Heads. Good stuff. Id give it a 3.75 rounded up to a 4 as it did start to feel repetitive. Great listen! Liked Songs: "Sometimes" , "London Lady" , "Princess of the Streets" , "Peaches" , "Ugly" , "Down in the Sewer (Medley)" , "Go Buddy Go"

Never heard of these guys. Sounds pretty cool Diggin this sound. This was cool! 4stars

Eu já ouvia falar desse disco há muito tempo e ignorava, uma tamanha burrice. Baita disco maneiro que tá me dando vontade de explorar os discos do Stranglers dnv

It's certainly not what you'd think of in reference to the contemporary punk of the late 1970's. It carries pop elements in its hooks but maintains a foot in reality with its grit and social conversation.

This seemed fine. Nothing really fantastic but it was a good rocking album and fun to listen to.

Ein wenig Punk, einige schöne Bassläufe

This was a pleasant surprise. I’m usually not super into organs, but this really worked for me. I can tell this definitely inspired the band Squid who I’m a fan of. Favorite songs were London Lady, Hanging Around, Peaches, (Get A) Grip [On Yourself], and Down In The Sewer.

7/10 Really solid punk album. Much more interesting than some of their peers who get more plaudits.

22/05/2025 The album started going downhill towards the end, but it was surprisingly good.

Just some damn good new wave, overall. 4.5 bumped down to 4.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and can see how it was influential to bands that came after. They really have a sound that was 10 years ahead of its time

I actually knew "Peaches" from this record! A very cool pub rock album with a lot of punk rock tendencies.

This was interesting and fun! Edgy without being too loud. Still had some production but an edge

i actually really liked this. classic 70’s rock. not much else to say. reminded me of other artists i listen to. couldn’t tell you which though. 4/5.