Rattus Norvegicus

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 Part2 - Sexism

 
The Stranglers debut was originally to be a live album recorded at The Nashville from late 76' but the band didn't like the recording so was scrapped. The debut was also due to be called Dead On Arrival but Rattus Norvegicus was chosen instead. The review below is from a fanzine which more accurately reflects how Stranglers felt about the album. You can read Phil McNeills controversial NME Rattus review here.

"Classic! The Stranglers overwhelm all opposition with this gem! If you don't buy this then you are a boring old fart. You're diseased! Everything about this is nigh on perfect. Both side of the single hare here, along with Princess Of The Streets sounding better than ever. I'm glad it wasn't forgotten. It was always a great number. I was suprised Bitching wasn't included. School Mam is also missing  - but it was always a great live number. However you do get Goodbye Toulouse with singing that puts Sacha Distel and the Beach Boys to shame... and the ever wonderful Peaches. A lot of bands that are really good live don't come across on a studio recording, but this doesn't happen to the Stranglers! That full sound is till there plus plus plus.

 

 There's sometimes and Hanging Around with Hugh spitting out the lyrics like a cobra with an overload of venom. But the best is reserved until last. First Ugly in which Jean's vocals are truly terrifying. All the way through the album Hugh's guitaring is so good it must have even suprised him!

But no one instrument 4 stands out. They're all incredible. Jeans fluid bass runs, Dave's imaginative keyboard intricacies and Jet holding it together with rock-steady drumming. And the final number, Down In The Sewer. This has been the highpoint of the set for a long time...and its equally good on record! You even get the sounds of the rat's teeth. Hugh's amazing wavering notes duet with Dave's sinister keyboards. The song rushes to its anthem like conclusion. Then you can hear the rats in the sewer as a rush of water signifies the end. "I'll see you in the sewer, darling.""

Nag & Ade New Wave News 1977

Right - 2 different reviews. Mark Perry's Sniffing Glue 9/4/77 and anonymous Melody Maker slagging 23.4.77

 Click  to hear clip of Goodbye Toulouse

 Click on them to view larger readable images.

 

The following lyric sheets were produced by The Stranglers Information Service in the early eighties.
 Click on them to view larger readable images.

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