Rattus Norvegicus

C'était pas top top topitop quand même

I love this album.

If all punk had organ, I'd love punk as a genre

This to me feels like a combination between classic 50s/60s rock and punk, I think it works well. They manage to take the attitude and grit of punk but mix it with classic rock, it creates something fun without being too aggressive like punk. The organ is a huge highlight throughout the album, sets them apart from other punk bands of the era. Some tracks could’ve used a bit more groove and catchy melody however. Songs that stand out to me are Princess of the Streets, the bass line is very 50s/60s inspired, the organ layers elevate it. Goodbye Toulouse is just a nice solid track and Hanging Around feels very fun.

Not really to my tastes. Neat keyboard/organ playing; reminds me of Gene from Bob's Burgers

Pretty interesting

You want to hear one of the best albums of British rock music? You are annoyed by punk that is just people who are not talented but have big mouths? Well, look no further and listen to this wonderful Stranglers album that has it all! Lots of humour, fun, absurdism and great instrumental talent. They don't care for anyone or anything and were punk in the best way with that. Famously, Hugh Cornwell explained that apparently keyboards weren't "allowed" in punk - so the thing they did is to hire a keyboard player. This guy, Dave Greenfield, was always essential to what they did. Here you can hear why. Yes, the best track is obviously "Peaches". Machos who can laugh about machoism will always work better than preachy stuff.

i really liked this. a lot.

Another eureka moment (maybe second only to discovering Elvis Costello) on my anxious journey from cloistered schoolboy to wide eyed student. Sensational distinctive sound, glorious basslines, menacing themes, how could I resist? Nearly docked a point for the ugly Ugly (although, y'know) but managed to hold it together by relistening to the timeless Hanging Around.

I enjoy it as a pre-cursor to some of my favourite music, and it has some catchy pieces, but it did not fully drag me in.

Me listening to the first 5 tracks of this album :🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱 Peaches: 🤘🍑🤘🍑🤘 Rest of the album: 🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱 .... later realising I was thinking of "millions of peaches" by presidents of the united states : 😢😢🤦🏻‍♀️😢😢

This is right up my alley

Interesting album including sorta a goth punk feel

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

Fantastic album. Takes me back to Floyd on food!

A silly, quirky listen. I enjoyed the organ, synth organizer, and guitar throughout. The organ added a spooky feel at points, which paired with the album cover, may have been what they were looking for. This album lacked something for me though, I don't know if I would listen to it again.

Tell Me What You've Got To Look So Pleased About 1001 Albums Generator 136 (10/09/2025) Wow, now this is a fun punk album. The Stranglers manage to still have a raw punk energy, but are also able to not take themselves too seriously. One of my favorite lyrics on the whole thing is in Ugly when Jean Jacques Burnel says "I guess I shouldn't have strangled her to death, but I had to go to work". I guess that we would say some of the songs here may not be what we call 'politically correct', but dammit they're just good fun. Rattus Norvegicus has perhaps my favorite organ work I've ever heard on a punk album. Hanging Around sounds like a Television song with the extra layer of an amazing keyboard player. It's just awesome. The opening three songs have a lot of power and showcase the unique palette of this album really well. My biggest problems with this album are (i) the inclusion of some slow songs that break the pace in a negative way and do not fit the sound of this album nearly as well and (ii) the vocals are sometimes not very enjoyable, such as on London Lady. Other than that, Rattus Norvegicus was a nice surprise from a band I've never heard of before. 3.5/5, just barely rounded down to a 3. Favs: Sometimes Hanging Around Get A Grip On Yourself Least Fav: Princess Of The Streets

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.

-decent new wave sound but i fear it really is a “genre” in which most of the projects sound the same to me. this was on the better side of things so it gets a 3, and there were some good songs like Peaches -overall just not the most memorable. i liked a lot of tho -Favorites: Hanging Around, Peaches

Not punk enough.

Really enjoyed listening to this again on first listen. But then decided to listen again and focus on the lyrics. Slapping women about the face, making love until they bleed etc...made for uncomfortable listening.

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

un po' mid

Not bad for punk. But not for me! One song i know

It is fine. I get it could be inspirational for others but I found it hard to enjoy.

Solid

No more new wave/punk plz

5 out of 5. Banger album from some of the best years of punk.

Ok

A classic.

I'm pretty up and down on this one. At times, I found myself drumming along and getting into the jams, but as the album wore on I found myself getting sort of worn down. Don't get me wrong, some of the songs are really fun: Princess of the Streets with its tasty virtuoso guitar work; Hanging Around with its thick bass; and Sometimes with its kooky 60s organ sounds. But at times even fun instrumentals couldn't make way for some pretty terrible lyrics. Looking at you Peaches (one of the hornier songs I've heard in a while) and Down in the Sewer (a weird ode to life in the sewer). By the end I find myself kind of glad for this one to be over. With that in mind, despite some solid instrumentals I can't see myself ever coming back. While its probably not a fair score, who cares. This falls in at a 2 for me.

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.

This album was up and down. Much more enjoyable when they were toying with genre (especially on the reggae-inflected “Peaches”). But it dragged a bit toward the end and overstayed its welcome.

Sometimes you just have to explore Down In the Sewer. You never know what you might find Hanging Around.

This was great, with the exception of a lot of objectification of women in quite a crude way, bringing it down. Big points for organ playing though!

Wasn't familiar with them previously. Sort of 77' punk meets The Cars? Proto-new wave? Not sure! It's solid enough though. Would listen again.

Some very strange lyrics but enjoyable songs. Took me a bit to get into but then I liked it. Maybe not an album I’ll go back to but if any of the songs came on I would be happy to listen to them. Fav song: Princess of the Streets Least fav: Ugly

Not bad at all. Not life changing but generally enjoyed the sound Specific rating- 3.5 Fav song- peasant in the big shitty Least fav -down in the sewers

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

Nope. Just nope.

Um disco divertido, com bons momentos de teclados inspirados nos anos 1960 e até solo de guitarra (Princess of the Street), elementos incomuns no Punk Rock. As partes de baixo também são bem tocadas, apesar de simples.

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.

All the songs sounded the same to me. On top of that I feel like there's 1000 other bands that have made music just like this. Nothing stood out nothing was rememberable. If this was the only music I could tune in on the radio, I wouldn't turn it off tho. It's not bad jusr nothing that I would play again.

The music is simplistic and the vocals are gruff / annoying. At least the dude on the cover looks like a very young Jemaine Clement!

Punk.

I generally like punk rock, so I'm not surprised I enjoyed this. The tracks were pretty good and kept me engaged while listening, which is more than I can say for many of the albums I've generated recently. No standout tracks, good or bad, but in this case that's fine. I'd rate this 3.5 stars if I could, but I think I ultimately have to round down.

Juvenile lyrics. From this vantage point, decades later, the sound often comes across as a bit . . . cartoonish. Like, literally, something sorta “punk” that would play under a cartoon. Did the album really sound fresh in 1977??? Hmm.

Some classic tracks

I am a fan of rock but I felt like I didn't really connect to this album. It was nice to hear bands from the 70s but I mostly felt bored and waiting for the album to end. I would say its tolerable but not really enjoyable. I just have to give it some credit for being one of the progenitors of punk and rock music.

Feels like The Doors met The Who, and spawned an organ loving punk pub band. I didn’t hate it, but can’t say i’d listen again

Yeah it was decent. Second half better than the first half. And a couple of stand outs like "Get a Grip on Yourself" and "Down in the Sewer". Otherwise, eh. Quite enjoyable while listening but don't see myself really coming back to it

Really very few songs stood out here for me, except the one that was a single which sounded like a sea shanty. 2.4/5 - 2/5

Meh

Different which is nice but I don't like his voice.

Not bad but forgettable

Gotta be honest I don't remember much of this one. 2.5 because of that

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

Not bad, just not really my thing

It was fine

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

That was fun. Not so fun it's 4 worthy but like- I had far from a bad time.

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.

This was so much fun

Shock value with musicality.

Slightly too much keyboards

That was fun! I especially liked the keys!

Proto punk, not my jam but nice to have in the catalog for reference

“It’s alright, i guess”

This is the kind of album I’m here for. I knew of The Stranglers, but I’d never listened to the whole album before. It was punk, and dark, and I loved it.

Impressive

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

I like the album, but it’s hard to imagine myself being blown away by this in 1977. I do like ‘Ugly,’ though.

Nope, not good.

4.5/5

I don't care what you say. This is not a jam band disguised as punk. It straight up awesome

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.

One of my favourite Stranglers albums. Hanging Around, Peaches, Grip, Go Buddy Go, all stand out tracks.

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.

My god, but this is a fun album to listen to. The Stranglers is another band that I never had much time for back in the day. Now I'm wondering what the hell was wrong with me. I would give this five stars solely on the basis of the incredibly tight playing by the whole band, even if I didn't like the sound. Fortunately I do, but unfortunately five stars is the most I can give.

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

Lyrically: scuzzy! Sonically: stacks on stacks of organs!

This was almost entirely good, goofy, and grouchy. Star deducted for 70s circus organ

I have a feeling Friend Brocones is going to hate the organ happening all over this album, but I really enjoy it. I love listening to songs about being a little rat in the sewer that are apparently being played on the electric organ in a back room of Dracula's castle.

Not bad bot great

⭐️Sometimes

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

Nothing exciting or too terribly horrible

Did NOT know who the Stranglers were, but a couple of decent songs on this on.

Their debut album, containing several god tracks - notably ‘Peaches’. However, the album is very “samey” - one listen is enough. Two stars because its punk credentials.

Sounds good, well put together, doesn't blow me away but I can see why this would be known. Wish I had more to say but not on this one.

I find myself slightly confused by it. It sounds like solid song craft but also like it's on the verge of stepping on itself repeatedly. I kind of like (Get a) Grip (on Yourself) This has a strong ability to grow on you. This is almost a 4. They would probably be fun to see in a small venue.

Not into this. Not as bad as some of the other earlier punk albums, but just not my jam.

Just noise. Whoever added this to the list should not be invited back.

Very good!

Enjoyable alternative-pop record. Cool interesting compositions.

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.

You can sense the melodic pop wanting to eclipse the punk sneering.

A bit dated. And simple lyrics.

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

not my cup of tea punk

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

🍑🍑🍑

Chill album, pleasant, funny lyrics, a bit repetitive sometimes 3/5

Pretty good for a debut

I generally prefer punk to new wave, but this is punky enough to be pretty good. Unapologetically British and grubby, and that’s fine by me.

I'm shocked this is UK Punk from 77'. This sounds so highly produces and the keyboards/organ feels more like a scene band. Innagada davida vibe. Its fine.

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

Some great tracks, first three and get a grip, intersting blend of music genre, but a bit samy and too long

Punk rock polka at it's best and Art Rock at its worst. Unfortunately only a few decent songs.

Es ist ein rauer, energiegeladener Einstieg in die britische Punk- und New-Wave-Szene. Mit Songs wie „Peaches“ und „(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)“ zeigt die Band ihre bissige Attitüde und ihren unverwechselbaren Sound, geprägt von aggressiven Basslinien und markanten Keyboard-Passagen. Trotz seiner rebellischen Energie wirkt das Album stellenweise unausgewogen – manche Tracks ziehen sich oder verlieren sich in repetitiven Strukturen. Die Produktion ist roh, was zwar zum Punk-Charme passt, aber nicht immer.

7

I would call this punk. It's kind of boring rock with a slow something or other. It's not good though

Verklig bra! Hur kan de spela postpunk redan 1977. Påminner egentligen mer om Television än den brittiska punkscenen. Fyra

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

No

No se que decir era silly

Loved every bit of this. Amazing really how quickly punk changed.

Maybe the Punk album I didn't hate the most so far. Not a high bar.

angsty men slaying, got bored

I liked London lady but they all kinda start to sound the same and also like all the other rock albums

Nice bop!

Avant garde!!

6/10…rock / punk

This one grew on me over time. You can definitely hear The Doors influence, and I’m here for it. It’s mostly solid from beginning to end, but is hurt by the last track, which commits two sins: being a live version and it’s a song about poop… 3/5

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!

This was alright. Maybe I wanted to like this more than I did? I like punk, I like the 60s/70s weird organ sound (a la The Doors). This tried to be both and was okay but maybe not memorable

I was expecting more punk than this actually delivered. It was there at times but really not enough for me. It was “bad” per se but just not what I was expecting.

Okay

I tried to like the Stranglers back in the 80s. Just not my vibe. Mostly just irritating.

Actually surprisingly good album, I thought it wouldn't be as good. Given that this is from 1977, it must've been pretty popular, but it is also around the time when more exciting music was getting popular, so I assume it did alright but not the best. Overall, it sounds pretty alright, not necessarily 4-star worth, but around 3.5 at least.

Iffy vibes - music style is classic, something that I enjoy - lyrically poor taste. Overall 2, would not listen again

Hell yeah, Stranglers! I've known a handful of their hits that are close to my heart, but coming around to this album reveals that maybe my opinion is skewed by nostalgia bias. It's a decent enough album.

Not for me.

It wasn't bad. For an album that came out in the mid-to-late 70's it has a very 60's vibe but, at that point, in America we were mining disco for all it was worth. The Stranglers are like a mix of mid-60's organ-heavy pop and punk. Very unique.

Pretty good for a British punk album. I really enjoyed the song Peaches, sounds so familiar to me but I can’t place where I’ve heard it before. Lyrics are a little outdated.

The organ is the best part. I initially was enjoying this, but then the voice got to be pretty annoying to me. Not bad, but nothing special.

Not familiar with the Stranglers but really enjoyed this one, even more on my second listen. Only one song I don't care for. Definitely has its own feel compared to the other punk albums of the time, probably due to the organ. Rating: 4.6

He’s got that deep hollow voice like David Bowie. It’s a kind of Bowie-slow punk mash-up. Interesting.

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.

Peachy

Just looking at their photos on the album cover I knew I was in for another British band. As with most other British bands on this list they also failed to impress

Doors-infused punk, with some great tracks.

meio lixinho, n gostei mt

I love the stranglers and i love this era and region of music but nothing really stuck out to me.

I found this annoying. Didn't finish

Pretty decent rock. It got a bit strange in the middle then returned to the style of the beginning. Not bad listening, nothing really stood out to me.

Really didn't do it for me. It was kinda punky which was cool. But otherwise not my thing.

Good mix of pop and punk. Catchy songs with British vocals, guitars, keyboards, some thick bass. Almost four stars

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.

I liked the first couple of tracks a lot, but it lost my interest after that. The instrumentation was cool, and I like the album cover. It does what it does just fine, but it doesn't sound too different from other 70s rock to me.

Some really good tracks mixed in. Wasn't expecting to like them as much as I did. Will probably only revisit the songs I enjoyed more though.

Interesting post-punk album that works more than it doesn't. 7/10

Had never listened to this before, won't probably listen to it again. Liked Peaches the most.

This rocks. I knew the song Peaches, but never checked out more of their stuff. Really good.

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.

Having never heard of them before I was pleasantly surprised. I feel like I can hear this music influence on other bands I like.

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

I really liked some of this, other parts were pretty dire. It's not often that I find lyrics truly cringeworthy, but this album managed to tick that box. Some of the tracks reminded me (weirdly) of early Genesis. The song about going into the sewers could have maybe been part of the Lamb Lies Down for example. Maybe I'm way off the mark with this. Four stars for some art-rock-adjacent, doors-esque sounds, but reduced to 3 stars for the truly awful lyrics.

Very good I find it really nice and melodic

These are the guys that do Golden Brown?

Nevjerojatno koliko puno doorsa tu ima

This was slightly better than I thought it would be. A few decent songs, but the sound wasn’t for me.

Very post-punky kind of style, some really great stuff here but they don't wander far from their style

Poor execution of what could have been great

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

First headline band I saw supporting this album. Great stuff

alt und nicht mein Fall

Nope, shitty attempt at edgy Brit Punk. Frogs in heat sound better.

I'm feeling Choosy like Susie.

fuck it five stars i love the stranglers

Horrible

I didn't really like this, to be honest. I mean it certainly has a sound, but it's not a sound I want to spend my time listening to. It's like jangly.

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

Boring.

Good

A really good sound, but hard to dig it too much when the lyrics are all misogynistic crap.

Forgettable blend of punk rock, the Doors, and the Who.

Not familiar with their work outside of Golden Brown. Album is very post punk, energetic and some new wave weaved in. listenable but not my thing.

What if The Doors played punk rock?

This is more my jam.

70s acid music ... What you'd expect

Outrageous lyrics. Good tunes.

Cut rate late 70s punk, done better by so many others. I couldn’t finish my Rattus…

I like the stranglers and this album is actually pretty good. Peaches gets stuck in my head for days. Not sure if it’s tongue in cheek (no pun intended) but such a groove.

Some was ok, but most was unlistenable for me.

So much rubbish

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

Just not a fan of early British punk rock tbh

Ich liebe Golden Brown hatte aber noch nie etwas anderes von dieser Band gehört. Teilweise gefiel mir das Album sehr gut teilweise hatte ich das Gefühl es würde das gewisse etwas fehlen.

Wasn’t really my style

I truly have never heard of this band. I have also have never heard any song from this band. This was not bad. I think there is some songs that would grow on me after a 2nd or third listen. It’s a solid 3 for me.

Peaches is a decent tune, couldn't be much bothered with the rest 2*

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"

liked songs: Subtitling your debut album "IV" is hilarious. This is a sort of goofy sort of punk-but-with-keyboard album. It's ok. 2.5

Some. Of it was ok

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

Yes!

Okay, but nothing special

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

I've always disliked the song 'Peaches' so much that I've never listened to the Stranglers, but this album is good, I really enjoyed it. However, got a bit bored of it after a while

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.

It kinda reminds me of The Door's debut because of the use of the synth/organ along with a deep and rugged singer, but unlike the doors this is far more fun (if kinda simple) songs. Not the best thing I've heard as far as punk/new wave goes but it's pretty enjoyable

The Clash/Misfits “jangle pop” adjacent?

noh ei nappaa

Just-there rock music, don't really care too much about it but it's alright, the other albums on the list are just stiff competition

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.

Please no more punk.

Mehh, some cool riffs, but not a fan

Art Brut…Art Brut. Could not think of the band that I hear when I am listening to this album. Also a little Artic Monkeys. The Stanglers definitely had influenced those band and probably many more in Britain

Not much outside of Sometimes, Princess in the Streets and the proggy outro of Down in the Sewer that intrigues, and that's unfortunately a relatively small part of the whole album.

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

Very cool punk/new wave record. I may like their later album La Folie a bit better, but this one is very well put together and has pretty good songwriting. I do wonder, why is it called IV? Wasn't this their debut? Strange. Key tracks: Sometimes London Lady (Get a) Grip (On Yourself)

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

Decent.

Used to listen to ‘Peaches’ (presumably a radio edit?) on some crap cd compilation as a kid - always seemed a strange theme for a song to be playing around the otherwise very kid-friendly house - weird and satisfying to hear it in the context of its album. Peaches.

I can see how this album would make an impact around its release, but this is not for me.

Что то я уже устал от этих британских около панк групп

Wanted to give this a 4 but a little bit dragged Otherwise tir organ and bass kill. But a solid 3.5.

Known fan of 70s rock enjoys 70s rock album. In other news fork found in kitchen. I just think this album is endlessly listenable, no skips, interesting variations between songs but still cohesive

This started very promisingly, I like the baselines and the crunchy guitar tones and the organ sound. All upbeat and fun. But it seemed to drag a little by the last few songs.

Groovin bass

A bit disappointed by this one

I don’t have any interesting thoughts about this.

This was a really smooth album to listen to, enjoyed it a lot.

OK, OK, album 501. One tick over the hump. Let's see what the Randomizer decided to grace my group with today... To begin with: is this punk, in every true sense of the word? Doesn't matter to me, honestly. I've made a deal out of genre before, but let's be real: it's not **that** big of a deal. I mean, if there's any word I wanna attach to this, it's not even a genre: it's "pub." This is some pub-ass music, y'know? And **British** music at that, so you know it's the real shit. Then: are there some parts of this album that haven't aged all too well? Lyrically, yeah, but let's not act like some of the conceits on here were OK to begin with. Though, like with genre, and speaking of this thing musically as well, I can't say it matters to me all **that** much. I mean, I doubt I'm supposed to take any of these songs at face value, and that they're unironically baring their souls here. Goodness, they slapped a "IV" on the cover of this thing, their first album, just to mess with people. I'm not gonna tell anyone who takes issue with these lyrics that they're wrong, but to my eyes... Like, there's shit that came out this year that's more worth getting upset about. Finally: let me actually address what I like about the album, instead of the points I vaguely remember some people making in their 2/5 reviews. And, like, gawd: it **all** comes down to that organ and bass. The singing, the drumming, the guitaring... They're all fine and good. But holy shit, the bass and organ are on another level. The bass is just so, like... Thonky and meaty. Normally I don't even pay too close attention to the bass, but here, it's absolutely one of the stars — outshone, of course, by that **organ**. Like, is this a Doors album? Is this some Brit pub Doors album? 'Coz seriously, if there's any reason I can see myself coming back to this album, it's for that organ. Hon-est-ly now! On their own, they're enough to make me overlook any flaws this thing has. And seriously, no disrespect to the other instruments: this is a tight ensemble. Really, the worst thing I can say about this album is that it, like, can kinda drag a bit in the first half? There were spots where I was wondering when the next song was gonna happen. But from "Peaches" straight to the end — yeah, no. This is the good shit. Props to you, Strangers. Rat on, I suppose.

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

That’s a pretty damn easy 5. This was originally released as “The Stranglers IV”, which is really, really funny for a debut album. With a sense of humor like that, thank goodness these guys have the songwriting chops & musical brains to match it. This is 40 minutes that very nicely bridges the gap between the incoming heavy synth work of 80s new wave, and the post-punk sensibilities of the first 3 Talking Heads albums, made all the more impressive by the fact that this is from 1977, when Talking Heads made their debut. In case it wasn’t obvious, I’m talking about the organ. That organ is the star of the show here, and a great anchor that separates them from some of the contemporaries of their time. The way it’s used here is immediately reminiscent of arcade games & a hint of a “futuristic” vibe, but it doesn’t overwhelm the soundscape at any point, acting less like a Kraftwerk instrument and just as a substitute for another electric guitar. There are moments where it bears down on these tracks and sets itself as the dominant instrument, but the mixing leaves all the room in the world for the guitars, drums, and vocals to shine. Speaking of the vocals, they’re really good here; not because of some overwhelming ability to sing, but in how perfectly they just melt into the instrumentation. The fact that he sounds really nice, with just a bit of a blend between David Byrne & Michael Stipe (at least to my ears) helps a lot. Lyrically, I think this album finds a really nice balance between being earnest and being funny, which is a big positive, as this album never takes itself too seriously, but it does treat each song with a gravitas that keeps everything honest. It helps the instrumental breaks on a lot of these tracks fly by faster, because it’s already set the tone of a “just have fun and vibe out” track almost every time. I just really enjoyed this one; it’s a super breezy 40 minutes that never once gets boring or stale, at least for my tastes. Sometimes, it just has to sound that damn good, and this one did. Hence, a really easy 5, and a big recommendation.

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.

i just want to know why its called rattus norvegicus 3/5 🐀

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

A little bit rock a little bit punk. It's fine. A couple listens warms me up to it being kind of middle of the road. Driving rock with some nice organ.

Had not really heard of this group, but did recognize the song (Get a) Grip (on Yourself), and I like that one. The rest of the album was just mediocre. Not great, but far from terrible. Good use of organ and you can see elements of new wave and punk. 3/5

Angry young man music. Not for me.

Not memorable

Super versatile amd creative. Ska, punk, rock-steady and pure 70s rock. Absurdly great album

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.

Didn't like. Too hardcore for my taste.

Jag vet inte varför men jag tror dom har nåt. Liksom känns som de ändå försökte jävligt hårt o bra.

Stabilt och småcoolt

A very strange, goofy, eclectic piece of punk rock history - will be returning to this!

Maybe it's just the caffeine talking, but this is pretty great. I had no idea classic British punk was missing an organ player! The perviness of Peaches is pretty shocking though.

Excellent!

I think this albums saving grace was its guitar riffs, I enjoyed those. Everything else was just not my speed.

If I had been born five years sooner I think I would have loved this album. I learned to enjoy the clash, but in general I find punk boring. Weird.

I'm not usually into this type of music, but I enjoyed listening to this one. Really good music to jam/dance to. 7/10

Old school punk is so fucking cool man

60’s classic Peaches

Great 70’s punk from U.K.

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.

Nope

Really enjoyable and relaxing compared to the punk I'm used to hear. It was a really approachable album to pass the time with.

A bit better than I would have thought for a British Punk album.

Interesting, never heard of these guys before, but I found it pretty interesting. Certainly different! There were a few songs that caught my attention and I found particularly outstanding, like 'Princess of the Streets', and 'Peaches'. Another album that held a pretty high bar overall, but sadly didn't really have any super high highs to carry it to better rating territory. Have a feeling this could be one of those albums that I could grow to like if I listen to it more. Which is weird considering I am not a fan of punk at all. But this is also not exactly that somehow. Interesting listen either way! Strong 3.

First thought when listening to The Strangles was “man they sound cool”. Thinking more about it, maybe they are the coolest bad I know. It’s such a perfect blend of new wave and punk. I remember my father listening to “The Stranglers” when I was a kid. At that time only “Peaches” stuck with me. Now though, I think the whole album is great! It succeeds at both being punk and taking the piss out of punk. The lead vocals are really raw and good, so is the choice of featuring keyboards and organs in the mix. Favourite songs is of course “Peaches” but also “Sometimes”, “Hanging around” and “Get a grip on your self”. Very strong 4 in my book, close to a 5.

Punky new wave with a bit of pub rock thrown in. I have to say that I was pretty disappointed that nothing sounded like 'Golden Brown' which is the only track of theirs I know (until I heard 'Peaches' which I had absolutely no idea was them and would never have guessed it in a million years). I really like the psychedelic trance-like sound of 'Golden Brown' so it was a shame that this album was an earlier one of theirs. Apparently they never really stuck to a sound so maybe I'll get another later album by The Stranglers to listen to. Anyway, back to this one. It was alright. Didn't blow my mind or anything. Pretty standard punk tinged classic rock. Accessible, fairly melodic and quite happy and upbeat but all pretty average. It's good but never ventures into 'great' territory.

More New Wave or Art Pop than Punk. Sophisticated musically with a surprising lyrical sound, but with antisocial lyrics and a punk attitude.

Yet another band I had never heard of…didn’t care for them much, but didn’t hate them either, except for a couple of songs. Won’t listen to it again. Two stars.

Never heard of the Stranglers, but it turns out two originals on here are classic songs I know well: “Peaches” and “Get a Grip on Yourself.” I was adjacent to the hardcore punk scene as a teen in Venice in the ‘80s, so I still have a hard time calling this kind of rock- and songcraft-forward music “punk.” But I really dig this kind of sound, that provided the bridge into art-rock, new wave, and alt-rock. Having a hard time rating it. It’s a 4 in that I’d like it in my collection, but a 3 as I like it a lot but don’t anticipate listening that much at this stage in my life. 90 records in and I think I’m refining my rating system downward, making this a 3.

I didn’t like the vocals but I’ve come to expect that from new wave. It did have some nice instrumental though so 3 stars

I enjoyed this, punk, new wave, sometimes the lyrics felt a bit weak but overall a good album.

For people who want psychedelic rock but don't like The Doors.

Rattus Norvegicus is cock rock done right. I've always loved it because, in a time where every punk took itself seriously, these guys made an album that pokes at those who thought being a punk was akin to being the second coming of Christ. And it's not like these guys were all bark but no bite. These guys could back up anything they say with an artistique brand of swagger whose backbone is the rhythm section, which is coincidentally (or not) in the forefront of the cover. They give songs like Peaches, Hanging Around, and Get A Grip On Yourself something highly memorable, an infectious beat to thump my restless legs to. Vocally, Hugh Cromwell's growl and sneer perfectly fit the M.O., and his way of expression is something many tried to emulate. But just as they could poke fun at the punks by being vulgar, codeless, and sexual, they could also poke by incorporating musical styles that punks swore to hang publicly, blues on Princess of the Streets, and even prog in Down in the Sewer. It's a favorite of mine in the punk genre, mainly because the mocking emulation of punk done by these 30-something year olds is done better than some youngsters who are "fed up" with society and "punk at heart". ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Not good

There were some good songs, and there were some bad songs. The problem here is the bad songs are much worse than the good songs are good. I wish the singer would pick a style, because sometimes he was unbearable to listen to.

Cool de rock, rock da house bééébbbbbbééééééé

Stranglers never were my thing. This debut album was a far cry from their more successful releases, and it's closer to The Fall or the Pixies, which I don't really like either.

I enjoyed this one.

The first few albums had repetitive riffs and dull songwriter. I remembered all the great ratings from my bros and felt I had to cut against them. Boy was I wrong. This was awesome. That’s what you get for distrusting your friends, a sexy grimy proto-punk album

Pretty fun punk album

Meh

Seeding the seedy.

Standaard lofi rock album Wel leuk en prima maar niet levensverreikend. Zou wel regelmatig aanzetten als ik 45+ was Ben ik niet dus gwn leuk maar niet meer

I thought this was just OK. None of it was really bad, but I don’t feel like playing an organ in a punk band (which seems to be their only unique quality) justifies thinking of them as innovative. I never heard any of The Stranglers’ music before this and I doubt I will seek out any of their other work.

no strong opinion

Cool early punk sound. Won’t be back but liked it.

Not familiar with these guys but I liked it. Pretty melodic for punk

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

34/1001 I've never really got into The Stranglers in a big way, not exactly sure what it is about them. Listening to this album again for the first time in a long while hasn't really revised my opinion. Great singles band, mind, and they certainly improved into the 1980s, but their debut just feels like a real slog to listen to for me. Peaches aside, everything sounds vary samey and melodically uninspired - all bass-driven and energetic, but somehow lacking the raw edge of punk, and the sophistication of pop. The addition of an organ certainly goes some way to setting them apart from their peers, but the songwriting here rarely makes the most of this novelty. Bands like Magazine, for example, made far more interesting records using similar building blocks. It's ok, not the worst album in the world I suppose, but, nah, there's nothing anywhere near on par with Golden Brown here.

While this album is at times very good it lacks a feel for musicality that other Stanglers albums have I don’t go back to this album so while important I guess it’s not a favorite of mine.

A lot more organ than I was expecting. I like it. Favorites: Goodbye Toulouse, London Lady, Hanging Around, (Get A) Grip [on Yourself], Down in the Sewer Would I listen to it again: Yes

It's pretty fun album Will I listen to again: 75%

Strange, offbeat, and quite a lot of fun. Never would have thought an organ could work in punk music, but here’s some compelling evidence to the contrary. Best song: Get a Grip on Yourself

Decent album. Best Song: Goodbye Toulouse Most interesting: Down in the Sewer 7.5/10

There’s so many reasons that I should have loved this album, I just.. didn’t. It was just ok, I had a hard time paying attention. I hope to revisit this and appreciate it.

That's 7 of my last 10 from the 70s, come on now I was having a bit of trouble reconciling the flashy organ sound with the gritty punky sound of the rest of the instrumentation initially, I found it quite jarring. Think it still is with Sometimes, I'm not too keen on that one. I prefer when the organ is a bit more subtle and plays a more accompanying role, like on London Lady. The long jam in Down in the Sewer goes against that, it's pretty cool but it's hardly as straightforward punk as much of the album This list is so funny for reminding me of songs I haven't thought about in a long time. I instantly thought of Driver Parallel Lines when Peaches came on (very niche reference, I know). I couldn't decide then if I liked it, still can't decide nearly 20 years later Decent. Probably can't give it more than a 3 when there are quite a few songs I'm not that keen on Highlights: London Lady, Down in the Sewer, (Get A) Grip [on Yourself]

I quite liked this.

No thanks 1

Further proof you cannot judge an album by its cover. I looked at this expecting late 70s punk. And to some extent, they delivered. What I was not expecting was the low rent Doors organ-riff knock offs. There were enough tracks skewing towards the Clash that I would honestly rate this a 2.5. But I’m going to round down that score since I fail to see what about this I absolutely needed to hear.

Interesting punk: more of a strut than a stomp.

As previously noted, I'm not a big punk guy. But this is pretty decent. 3.5*, but can't bring myself to round up.