Reviews (page 5 of 8)
I feel like Rattus Norvegicus is the type of album you really have to buy into,.to appreciate. There is nothing to me that particularly stands out as especially unique or special (except possibly how much organ they use....). They're not especially at the top of their game as musicians, they weren't the first ones to create this genre, and the songwriting isn't amazing....yet there is some endearing quality to this album. They obviously don't take themselves too seriously and seem to be having fun playing. I think if I really tried to buy in, or had a friend who told me this was their favourite album ever and I had to give it a listen, I might come a way feeling more inspired or impressed. After one listen the whole thing just falls a little bit flat. Though I will probably have the song Peaches stuck in my head now for some time to come..
more 70's British punk rock. I get the author wanting to stuff more music from their home country but surely there must've been an influential Japanese punk album or Romanian folk music or I dont know, something other than another 70's punk rock British band I havent heard of with songs I dont recognize. Also its really nothing we havent heard before on this list. plain jane punk music doesnt really make sense, but here we are.
An album I’ve never heard of by a band I’ve never heard of and surprise surprise they’re British. Absolutely nothing essential here. Only on this list due to where the author is from
Solid power punk pop. Vocals are like The Fall mixed with The Doors.
I don't get it.
Solid album. Nothing stood out to me much, but I'll be listening to this album again in the future.
Interesting...got an early punk vibe but I'm also hearing some Doors, which is kind of weird. It's weird that I haven't heard of these guys. "Peaches" is an interesting song. Made me say, "what???" out loud. This whole album is kind of bizarre.
Having keyboards seems like it would've been heretical back in '77, but then again, X-Ray Spex had a saxophone, so maybe punk was less dogmatic then? Regardless, this is a fun time capsule from those early days. The bass and keyboards stand out, but the songs don't do a lot for me in general.
S'alreet
I understand why it's on the list and I didn't hate it, but I have no desire to ever listen to it again. New Wavey Punk is not a genre for me, but it does get points for originality. 3.0
Random thoughts: * I actually "discovered" this band a few years ago thanks to the song "Golden Brown" that was used in the show "The Umbrella Academy" on Netflix. I ended up listening to that album title La Folie. * I prefer La Folie over Rattus Norvegicus but maybe just due to familiarity. * Some of the same horny and raunchy elements are in both albums. See Peaches and Princess of the Streets. * I do like the sound of this band and am glad to have another album to dig into. * This would be a good 1001 discovery if I hadn't already discovered it.
I was not previously familiar with the artist or album, so I was not sure what to expect. This is rock, I guess punk rock is the closest description, but leans into garage and psychedelic as well. I enjoyed this quite a bit. The songs are catchy and the sound with guitar and keyboards gives it a pretty unique sound. I would listen again for sure.
Kinda weird! Low 3
Very cool, wish they leaned into the synths more
It's...fine? Tame by today's standards,.or even by the standards of five years after release. Does Punk music really need keyboards? Obviously not, but at least they sounded different from the usual snarling and three chord guitar attack. Again... It's fine.
They feel like if the Doors did prog-punk with a less charismatic vocalist. It's the vocalist that makes this the kind of effort I wouldn't normally visit twice, dead-pan delivery that was "refined" or abused in the '80s. But give this a couple of listens and you realize why they're on this list, it's not boring, it's thought, and it's the evolution of multiple genres. I wish I could appreciate it more, I won't be listening to them on a regular basis, but at least I can put a name to the Peaches song, and appreciate what they did for future generations of punk and sub genres of rock and roll. Some of my favorite punk bands were definitely influenced by this sound. 3.1/5
Det här var lättlyssnat och lite spooky. Gillar orgeln, får mig att tänka på halloween.
Pas mal mais rien de marquant.
i think it’s a 3, i don’t know i didn’t hear it
Nothing earth shattering or sophisticated here but who really cares? I liked it enough to listen to everything all the way through and I'd listen again.
This feels like a perfect midsection of the 70s. Not only are there late 60s and early 70s influences and sounds, it also seems to throw framework down for the new age and art proto punk to come after.
2.75 is this the soundtrack to Rocky Horror Picture Show?
3.5
I mostly liked the album. Towards the end, I found it a bit exhausting. However, none of the songs really stuck in my memory. 3/5
3/5
All the elements are here: the propulsive rhythms section and those long ascending/descending lead lines from Hugh Cornwell and Dave Greenfield. The 70s pub rock influences are still there, but you can hear how they were moving towards their Punk Doors era. They released more interesting records afterwards, but an important statement of intent which showcased their musicality and approach to melody
3.5
I’ve never heard of them, but this album seems to pave the way for Joe Jackson’s debut album.
Pretty decent.
Some decent songs on there, i like the sound and would listen again
I think these guys have been on here before. Over a year ago. Pretty good but not exactly memorable
Probably my favorite of the heavily over represented punk genre. It's good, well made, and doesn't feel like punk for the sake of punk nor chained to the genre.
I always wondered how 'The Stranglers' got bundled up with the whole Punk scene; a coincidence of timing I guess. They're really not a Punk band. They can play, they're intelligent, there's some musical structure.. Oh well... 3/5.
These guys weren’t too bad. It’s hard to rate an album from a genre I really don’t care for, but when I compare their sound to other punk bands, this was definitely a cut above. The lyrics were entertaining, which I appreciated, and musically they sounded pretty decent.
Rather evil album in both tone and content. Can imagine the devil relaxing to these tunes after a hard day of cattle-prodding Kissinger’s anus
Pretty rad, knew some songs form pop culture. Didn't fully dive into it
Not bad.
I owned this album, probably listened to it once. A pretty good set of songs, even the three bonus tracks (tracks 10-12 on Apple Music), which are more rocking. 3.5 rounded down.
Comme à chaque fois avec le punk en fait : c'est pas que c'est nul, c'est que ça n'a presque aucun intérêt.
Taaskin tuttu bändi nimeltä, mutta en ollut aiemmin kuunnellut yhtään levyä kokonaan. Tässä oli hyvät soundit bassossa ja uruissa. Biisit oli aika tasapaksuja, eikä yksikään biisi jäänyt mieleen.
This went by without much of note, until Peaches which is an all time great tune.
Lidt up-tempo Joy Division-ish med lidt hammond. Ikke noget, der sætter sig fast men bedre end den sidste stribe albums.
Death becomes them.
I love this album.
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.
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 : 😢😢🤦🏻♀️😢😢
Interesting album including sorta a goth punk feel
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
-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
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.
un po' mid
Solid
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
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.
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.
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
Not bad but forgettable
Gotta be honest I don't remember much of this one. 2.5 because of that
It was fine
That was fun. Not so fun it's 4 worthy but like- I had far from a bad time.
Shock value with musicality.
Slightly too much keyboards
“It’s alright, i guess”
I like the album, but it’s hard to imagine myself being blown away by this in 1977. I do like ‘Ugly,’ though.
Lyrically: scuzzy! Sonically: stacks on stacks of organs!
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
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.
You can sense the melodic pop wanting to eclipse the punk sneering.
🍑🍑🍑
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.
Some great tracks, first three and get a grip, intersting blend of music genre, but a bit samy and too long
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
Verklig bra! Hur kan de spela postpunk redan 1977. Påminner egentligen mer om Television än den brittiska punkscenen. Fyra
No se que decir era silly
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
I love the stranglers and i love this era and region of music but nothing really stuck out to me.
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.
Good mix of pop and punk. Catchy songs with British vocals, guitars, keyboards, some thick bass. Almost four stars
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
Having never heard of them before I was pleasantly surprised. I feel like I can hear this music influence on other bands I like.
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 post-punky kind of style, some really great stuff here but they don't wander far from their style
First headline band I saw supporting this album. Great stuff
Good
Forgettable blend of punk rock, the Doors, and the Who.
70s acid music ... What you'd expect
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.
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.
Some. Of it was ok
Okay, but nothing special
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 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?
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
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
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)
Decent.
Wanted to give this a 4 but a little bit dragged Otherwise tir organ and bass kill. But a solid 3.5.
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.
A bit disappointed by this one
i just want to know why its called rattus norvegicus 3/5 🐀
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
Not memorable
Stabilt och småcoolt
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.
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.
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.
Cool de rock, rock da house bééébbbbbbééééééé
Meh
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
Cool early punk sound. Won’t be back but liked it.
Not familiar with these guys but I liked it. Pretty melodic for punk
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.
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]
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.
Esto está bastante bien para la epoca
Reminds me of a punkier version of 'The Sparks' in many ways. It was a pretty fun listen, but I didn't really find much to connect with here. It is, however, filled to the brim with these very charming synth melodies and tones, like the ones on 'Princess of the Streets', 'Ugly', and 'Sometimes'. The new-wave leanings with those kooky synths were easily the highlight because I didn't find the vocals to be all that interesting (though still charming, nonetheless, like on 'Peaches' and 'Grip'). I did enjoy the borderline Jim Morrison impression on 'Princess of the Streets'. So yeah, I'm not too crazy about this one, nor do I have much to say about it. I think it tries to do a bit too much for my liking. Songs like 'Hanging Around, 'Princess of the Streets', 'Peaches', and the final synth part of 'Down in the Sewer' were still great standouts.
First of all, absolutely fuck rats. If you see evidence of rats, email rats@gov.ab.ca or call 310-FARM toll-free. Second of all, this album was ok. rats: hated. (⌐■_■)
The Stranglers have passed me by all this time, although I would hear the name come up every once in a while. There was a local band when I was growing up, called the Operators. They were a sort of punk band, and their main distinguishing feature was that they had an organist. I think, in hindsight, they must have been inspired by the Stranglers. They didn’t sound evil though, and the evil vibe of this record was the best part.
Fine but not memorable
Love the first song. Unfortunately it kind of goes on for the whole album? I found myself wishing for significantly more diversity.
Klassisk punk. Utan Stranglers, ingen Viagra Boys. Det är kul, svängigt och rått.
I get why some people would like this, I do see the appeal. But singing like this only gets so far.
6/10 Favorite Tracks: Sometimes, Goodbye Toulouse, Down In the Sewer Least Favorite Tracks: Princess of the streets, Peasant in the Big S****y, Ugly
The beginning of this album had me in a chokehold but the second half was meh
i feel like i should have liked this a lot more? maybe i wasn’t in the right mood today
Decently fun new wave, but nothing particularly special. I had a good time, through. 7/10
Cool album! Cool sound, punky and playful. Didn’t make a huge impression but I liked it
Really liked a lot of the instruments in this but the singer and lyrics kinda pissed me off
I'm sorry to say it but being from sweden is funny to me. its also hard to take you seriously when you're not only from sweden but you also named your first album IV... which is roman for four... do they like start counting at four in sweden? is this some extreme cultural difference that a good old fashioned north american guy like me can't understand? is the title of this album (which is just I guess the latin name for a rat...) some kinda dig at norway ? is that who they're planning to strangle? norwegians? rats??
Album isn't too good or particularly bad until Peaches. Peaches is straight up bad - which is surprising as it is one of their more popular songs (lol). Already had Golden Brown saved/liked on spotify but otherwise not familiar with The Stranglers. Get a grip is solid 4/5 Down in the sewer should have been the album closer because this is dragging on a bit (just checked the wiki and yep rest of the tracks are bonus - which i will be skipping thanks).
You really can't go far wrong with the Stranglers
Some raw, 70's punk, complete with a surprising amount of the Hammond organ and electric piano. A pretty unique mix of genre and instrumentation when it was all said and done. "Peaches" was pretty cringy, but "Hanging Around" and "(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)" were both highlights, though.
3 - I knew that one song
Can't say I've ever heard these guys, but I really like the opening song. Actually, I enjoyed every song after that, too. Kind of a 70's Doors. I'll be listening to these blokes a bit more. This would get a 4 based on the music, but as the album went on, the vocals got on my nerves. The vocals knocked it down to a 3.5.
3.5
The songs aren't super memorable, but I did have fun listening to it. It probably would have been a 4 star if I hadn't paused halfway through and then accidentally listened to several of the earlier songs without realizing it because I didn't remember having already heard them.
Good fun punk, a bit dated, but of it's time I guess. Fave: Peaches
Some catchy tunes, but nothing mind-blowing.
Cool OG British Punk
Not s'bad.
Decent
This is a bit fun - nothing too special.
Pretty much what I expected.
At least I can take solace that there is some decent stuff in this deep dive of shit I put off over the holidays. Not sure if the organ in this is a prevalent thing for the band or if it was just available in the recording studio and someone was just itching to implement it somehow. Pretty inoffensive with some nice individual tracks but mostly just felt decent
Waiter!! Waiter!!! More keyboard in my punk music please!! I have only listened to the stranglers in other peoples cars while they look at me like Patrick Bateman putting on Huey Lewis and the News. This was a pleasant listen and surprisingly funky, but having gone on a bit of a tear through some other stranglers tracks via Spotify album radio after listening, this is certainly not their best outing. I’d like to thank the little man inside the Spotify robot for associating this band with Ian Dury and the Blockheads, who also kept coming up on the artist radio and I massively enjoyed.
Pretty good. Never heard of these guys and kinda liked it. Not so much that I'll seek out more of their music but certainly didn't mind the listen.
Rock
The creative keyboard work (for a punk record) piqued my interest, but why else would I want to listen to this?
Repetitive at times, but not bad. 6/10
Really dated, but not bad. I'd almost call it prog punk. Probably didn't need to hear it before I die and doubt I'll revisit. Moving on. Favorite Tracks: Hanging Around, Down in the Sewer (this was the one that made me think "prog punk").
Enjoyable 3.5
I didn't know that I knew the Stranglers, but "Peaches" is featured in one of my favorite movies, Jonathan Glazer's Sexy Beast. The rest of the album falls short of that admittedly very high peak, but it's a solid, fun experience. Is it good enough to warrant a place in this list? Maybe. Maybe not. It's close.
Another fairly standard punk/post-punk output. Might have been more into it but I feel like I've heard this 10 time before from this list. Not great but not bad.
I get that it's different than most of its peer albums but overall this was kinda boring
Probably more post punk than punk but songs, organ, attitude. Not an absolute classic but plenty to like in this. Peaches is a classic.
The organ just does it for me. This might be my first band from this list that I didn't know previously, but enjoy.
Pretty decent punk album. 3/5
Hmm... interesting. This is an odd little album right here. But you know what? I like it. I'll start with the issues I have before going into praise mode. The writing could be better at times. Some lines are a bit questionable, but I fortunately wouldn't call any of them offensive. Secondly, the vocals aren't my favorite at times. They're definitely not bad, but they work in some songs more than others. Now it's praise time. The instrumental sound here is pretty good. It's interesting in a way that I like. The basslines are especially something to appreciate. The pacing and general tone of the album are both solid as well. I don't have a ton to say. This is a solid punk album that definitely stands out more than many other punk albums on this list. It's a solid album. High 3/5.
Rattus Norvegicus definitely has its moments, it's got a really funky undercurrent to it, a proper groovy bass with exceptional tone and the organ works so well throughout. It's a bit new wavey, a bit art poppy, a bit punky but where a lot of albums are worse for it not being one clear thing, I think this benefits from touching at the edges of everything yet finding its own sound. Princess of the Streets is a great tune, Peaches is the song everyone knows but still holds its own now as a swaggering classic. I think there's enough on here for a solid to strong 3, not enough for a 4 because it lacks something that makes it really memorable or epic, no songs that really wow you, just a tight album, but that's good.
It's a weird mix between angry punk with a lot of the stuff that punk railed against, but somehow it kinda works. The vocals are cutting in places, grating in others, it's a bit odd but it comes together quite interestingly. 3/5.
Sometimes 3.4 Goodbye Toulouse 3 London Lady 3.1 Princess of the Streets 3.3 Hanging Around 3.3 Peaches 3.5 (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) 3.4 Ugly 3.3 Down in the Sewer a. Falling b. Down in the Sewer c. Trying to Get Out Again d. Rats Rally 3.5 Score: 3.311111111
I didn’t hate it. It was strangely more interesting the further in you listen to the album. An odd niche market these guys were marketing to. Thanks to Sexy Beast, I actually knew one of their songs (Peaches).
Fine for what it is. It's not really much though.
Did not know what to expect here, I’ll say I was pleasantly surprised by the album in general. Music is good, representative of the time and style. Lyrics are comically bad, hard to listen to on a few tracks. This is one that makes me wish I could rank in 1/2 star increments to go down to 2.5
Nothing groundbreaking but decent as a background.
Some very good tracks
British rock. OK if you remove the terrible vocal.
3.5
Not a bad listen but nothing I'll return to. Like the clash and the specials made an unremarkable album together.
It’s 70s punk. Nothing really stood out, nothing really revolting
Nothing here really blew me away, but found pretty enjoyable. Late 70s UK punk / alt rock.
Þið vitið, ekki leiðinlegt og í raun merkilega fjölbreytt pönk, en ég læt eitt rennsli og þrist og duga hér.
3.5
This is very much a '70s punk album through and through. I generally enjoyed it well enough, there's a lot of solid guitar riffs and strong basslines, the lyrics are a bit coarse at times ("Peaches" for sure, which is one of their better-known songs; "walking on the beaches, looking at the peaches") but more or less fine. All that said, I feel like this one isn't going to stick with me much. There wasn't a ton that really stood out in a major way. I can see it being somewhat striking in the '70s UK punk scene, but it falls a bit flatter now. Another one that's a good enough listen, but that's it for me. Favorite song: Hanging Around Other: Sometimes, Goodbye Toulouse, Peaches, (Get A) Grip [On Yourself] 10/5/24
Nothing really note worthy
Many of these tunes have held up well
Brittipunk on viime aikoina herättänyt mussa hirveesti mielenkiintoa mut tältä albumilta puuttuu punkin paras piirre eli rehellinen anarkia. Lisäks näissä biiseissä oli imo liian hidas tempo että ois sen enempää laittanut sukkia pyörimään. Villit synat herätteli. Punk yhdistettynä brittimiesten aksenttiin sulattaa sydäntä tällä hetkellä...
Ihan hyvä meininki, muttei nyt ihan iskenyt niinkuin toivoin. Hyvä levy kuitenkin!
It was sad man songs but good!
A tad bit wonky With punk adjacent offshoots Cheekiness galore
English punk that wasn’t ass. Dicey lyrics but overall enjoyable
Album was okay. Seemed like they took inspiration from other artists and made an album. Not necessarily a bad thing, just wish it was done better. 3/5 Possibly would listen again
actually not bad
good enough fun but that's about all I have to say...
Does this translate to Norwegian Rat? Enjoyed this more than I expected to! But I didn't listen to it properly because my aunt called, which is grand.
I find it interesting that - to me - most British punk rock acts seem to be commercially made or created. They lack the earthy rawness
August 15, 2024 HL: “Sometimes”, “Goodbye Toulouse” “Get a Grip” + bass + keyboards - - the fact that a lot of quirky, punky albums around this era pale in comparison to the B-52’s debut, even though I have to live with the three stars I gave THAT one. Maybe I’ll be yearning for this one a year from now P.S. hearing this and their 1979 album “The Raven” back-to-back; I appreciate them leaning into the (somewhat tacky) keyboard sound of Rattus Norvegicus
Pretty cool, punkish- new wavish music. I don't really think there is much that sets this album apart from others in its lane. It does kinda give a really gross aura to it. Like its from the perspective of a rat scrounging around in an alley. Which added some cool points.
This is #day2 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... I must admit I never really listened to The Stranglers aside from La Folie (yes, "Golden Brown") and this album. But, given I've always been on the arty progressive post-punk side a la Magazine or The The, I find Rattus Norvegicus rather a fun album to listen to. That Deep Purple-esque organ and motoric drums are probably some of the most defining elements of their music. Quite a handful of great tunes on this one, like "Princess of the Streets." Not to mention an epic closer in the form of "Down in the Sewer," which blows you out with its psychedelic organ coda. I'm giving it a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day3.
Okay rock album
Solid.
British punk music: The Album. Jokes aside this was fine. Good listen and it's more than just droning into a microphone like some punk bands tend to do. 6/10.
Enjoyed the music, but the lyrics didn’t age well. Deducting a star for misogynistic lyrics.
Ok some songs dragged but they love prolonging a good riff. Heard a few of these before but the album has some good moments. 6/10
Favorite Tracks: Peaches Goodbye Toulouse
Not as awful as other music from the same genre and period but still not music I give a crap about.
Pub rock not punk rock. Pretty great
Great baselines marinading in spicey mysogynism sauce
oh yeah? you like this album? huh
I liked this album. It felt more 80s than late 70s to me which was unexpected, but I liked the vibe.
I knew the Stranglers for the song Golden Brown, and that was it, so admittedly this gave me a little whiplash, as its punky, crass personality doesn't fully coincide with the dreamy, drug-filled expedition that I took the band for. However, that doesn't mean the album is bad, as the bass playing and the keyboard are both absolutely stellar, and make most of the album for me. The early tracks especially, are stellar punk tunes with enough post-punk influence to be good times. The album does start to lose me a bit as it goes on, however, and even the big tracks such as Peaches and Grip weren't grabbing a hold of me, but I could certainly see this being a grower if I ever decide to come back to it. It really just misses the mark for being too repetitive, and not quite manic enough for the Doors-like organs and straight up dirty vibe many tracks give off. I think just a bit more pep in each song's step could've really improved this for me, and I'm hoping that's what some of their later albums will do for me.
Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.
That's not my taste in musik. But ok.
Didn’t make much of an impact
3.5
More musicality than I expected from this era of punk.
Punk but with actual talent. 3.5
Good enough.
Rattus Norvegicus Stuart Pearce’s favourite band. He’s seen them over 1000 times. The Stranglers best of is always a fun listen, but I’ve never given any of their albums a go so I’m quite interested in this. They never seemed like a typical punk band, although the attitude and vocals are pretty sneering and punkish, the keyboards/organ and the prominent, melodic bass always made them sound more like a standard rock band, albeit with a bit of a rough edge. They definitely have a sense of musicianship and musical ambition beyond many their peers, and you can definitely hear a lot of 60s influences, particularly The Who. Sometimes is a good example, it really doesn’t have that year zero punk ethos - the bass, organ and guitar breaks are much more pre-punk ‘classic’ rock. It’s a great opener though. Goodbye Toulouse is a little more punky in attitude and tempo, but the circular organ and the guitar fills give it a more accomplished flavour. London Lady continues that pattern but with diminishing returns. Princess of the Streets is a bit creepy but a nice change of pace, developing into a decent hypnotic groove. Hanging Around picks the energy back up, with a decent memorable melody. Peaches is a great bit of pop rock oddness. It could be easily dismissed as a bit of a novelty record, but it’s much better than that. (Get a) Grip (On Yourself) is good too, the synths and sax is great, giving a different texture. Ugly is pretty forgettable. I like the Down in the Sewer medley, a nice sense of musical ambition, even if it doesn’t work fully. The lyrics do need a mention, they have undoubtedly not aged well and are problematic in parts, particularly Sometimes. And they do seem quite obsessed with sexism, streets, sewers and rats. Peaches you can probably just about give the benefit of the doubt to, in that it parodies a certain type of character and at least Goodby Toulouse uses a slightly unconventional inspiration. Overall it’s a decent, fun listen, both as a counterpoint to their punk peers and in its own right, even if it is undoubtedly a bit patchy. Sometimes (despite the lyrics), Hanging Around, Peaches and (Get a) Grip (On Yourself) are very good songs, standing well above the rest. I also do like the composition of the band - when it works well the bass and organ/keys are a great combo, giving them a distinctiveness and point of difference. I’ll go 3, it doesn’t set the world alight, but I’d listen again. ⭐⭐⭐ Playlist submission: Peaches. (Get a) Grip (On Yourself) runs it close but I’ll go with the obvious
One of the great punk albums from 1977, different from the others which make it worthy of this list.
Pretty average album. Some fun keyboards/organ with the usual weird British vocals. It really would be a pretty good album if it weren't for the dumb sounding singing. 5/10 (2.5/5)
Cool classic rock with british punk vocals vibe. Went off the rails here and there but I respect the experimentation.
No Golden Brown, no good. It was a decent album; nothing extraordinary, but a solid listen.
Why. Are. There. So. Many. Late 70s punk bands from England on this list?!
Crazy and irreverent, but still fairly palatable for the modern ear. Probably pretty edgy for its time, but sounds kinda goofy and kooky now. Guitar and bass work is tight and gritty, but the organ is so so campy, kinda love it.
there’s way too much mid punk on this list
Loving the Monster Mash vibes
Very interesting, at times I’m getting blues-rock crossed with the Mummies. I would go back and listen to this again.
Ranked 10th on the NME list of albums of the year for 1977. Just because it came out that year doesn't make it a punk album. Neither do the elaborate keyboards nor the very high production level (it sounds great). So lets say "college" radio before college radio. Wikipedia notes Robert Smith from the Cure loved this album. And that makes a ton of sense. It's a goth-pop-rock experiment? Sure, and at that level it works really well, but punk? No f'n way. Now, I'd never heard this before and I'll probably go back to it (but not when I'm in a punk mood).
I kinda dig it! I get some Elvis Costello vibes on some songs and then some loose Cramps vibes on some other songs.
It's good, but it's not great. *Peaches *Sometimes *(Get A) Grip [on Yourself]
This was a fun discovery. A good feel to it, even if the quality is a little uneven.
Interesting blend of punk, some psychadelic proggy sections and poppy hooks. Would've been great if it wasn't executed mediocrely
First and last track were fine. A punkier Doors. Rest wasn't as good
1996 remaster. Ik zeg het er maar bij omdat de geluidskwaliteit van de 1977 recording misschien een stuk slechter was. De eerste track is me iets teveel toneelschoolpunk, maar track 2 en 3 zijn verdomd catchy en energiek. Track 4 is een zeiknummer en zo hebben we een beetje een rollercoaster te pakken. Uiteindelijk is het een aardig album met een paar positieve uitschieters, maar ook een paar putjes in het wegdek. Een hoge 3.
Bon dans le genre. J'ai eu du plaisir à l'écouter! Je comorends quand même son importance.
Interesting rock vibe, fun and grimey tone
I can never make up my mind whether I like this band or not. They have some good songs...
Fun poppy music with some sophomoric lyrics.
First time hearing. Not bad, I'm in o the punk sound of the late 70s and this seemed on par with other more popular bands at the time.
Välillä tulee vähän ”Rauhoitu, mies” -olo. Kivat hammondit, on reipas meno! Vähän jopa vetoaa muhun, juuri sen takia ettei jää junnaamaan. Soitto on pätevää. Ei kuitenkaan ihastuta.
Today's album is like early UK punk mixed with The Doors style of psychadelic rock. Like punk which heavily features keyboards. It's interesting, but nothing to write home about Favourite songs: Go Buddy Go, London Lady, Choosey Susie, Hanging Around, Sometimes, Ugly Least favourite songs: Peasant in the Big Shitty 3/5
Funky, punky, reasonably good but not amazing.
It gave me a headache
Surprised that I missed this one on my journey through punk rock, but their new wave tinged sound is borderline pop compared to some of their rawer and edgier sounding peers. However, songwise, it doesn’t get more punk than Peaches. Get a Grip on Yourself is also a great song. The rest of the album is less notable, but still exciting enough to warrant an entry on this list. Clearly not a classic, this is another 3 vs. 4 battle.
Grimy garage with a sleazy bent
First two songs have a TON of 70s rock organ. The singer and the vibe very much worship at the feet of The Doors. The third song has an abrupt and curious shift to punk rock, of all things. I didn't see that coming. Then back to The Doors cosplay. Look, I don't love it, it's not my thing, but I don't hate it, either. I'm slightly surprised this band isn't more well known, but also, there isn't really a stand out song on this album. In an era of radio play driving pop culture, having an album filled with solid songs without a hit single to drive it means very little outside a group's core fans. 3 stars. And please, if there is a god, please let me go a couple weeks without a 70s rock band with an organ player. Please.
Meh
Meh
A very nice good vibe album. Love the keyboard touch on traditional punk. Would listen again.
This one was really mixed for me. Lyrically, some of the songs were really aggressive towards women (i.e., "Sometimes" and "Peaches"), but there were other songs that were about interesting topics ("Goodbye Toulouse", "Down in the Sewer"). Musically, there were some really fun punk bangers, but there were a few others where things were a little slow, and the lead singer's vocals dragged down the song. I'm glad I listed to The Stranglers, but don't think they'll be a punk band I listen to much compared to some others.
The Stranglers are great but they're not really an album kind of band. Lots of great songs and lots of filler.
I appreciated this, though I'm not likely to revist it.
Excellent album! Wasn’t sure what to expect with this one but was not disappointed! Really enjoyed it!
Sounds like something generic and background-y I'd hear at the irish pub I go to regularly. It's okay, and nothing special to me. Makes me want to play pool again.
Not that special but ok
Meh
‘Rattus Norvegicus’ is at its best when the songs are short, sharp, and punchy, but tracks like ‘Princess Of The Hill’ and ‘Down In The Sewer’ really help to kill the momentum and drag my overall enjoyment of the record down.
Cool
i didn't like the album, but I actually knew Hanging Around from Ghost (their cover( so I did enjoy that one a lot
cool punk sound. reminds me of early NY punk scene
The music in this album is pretty dang good, but man does this make me feel like i left a British pub late at night trashed and fell face first into a gutter. It's slimy and dirty feeling and holds this feeling throughout, which is a little much for me. The music is similar to the Doors, particularly on Sometimes, which is my favorite from the set. I thought I would like it more by the end than I actually did.
3.5 stars. Early punk. Eclectic but catchy beats. More something I'd enjoy as good background music as opposed to seeking out individual tracks to listen to. Standout was "Hanging Around".
Nice punk album with a great organ player. Didn’t think an organ would work with punk music, but this album is the proof. Favourite songs: - Sometimes - Go buddy go
Good.
Ok
I found it to be a pretty unmemorable rock album, but I wouldn't mind relistening. Stand-out: Hanging Around
Album 327 of 1001 The Stranglers - IV (Rattus Norvegicus) Rating : 3 / 5 Good enough British Punk/Pop. Nothing that will resonate for too long but a decent listen.
Good, enjoyable British punk from the 1970s, with a bit of dark comedy-horror energy to it. I can't say it'll be among my favorite punk albums but it is a good one.
grew on me a little after first few tracks. 3.1/5 listened 2x
Bass heavy stragnengiid
Kinda sounds like what might have influenced a band like Idles
#127. Pretty fun overall. I'd touch it with a ten foot pole. 3/5: acceptable Song added to playlist: Peaches I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link