In the world of punk rock, few bands carved a path as singular and confounding as The Stranglers. From their snarling debut in 1977 to their ambitious forays into the early '80s, they were a band that defied categorization, embracing both the raw aggression of their punk peers and a sophisticated musicality that hinted at their pre-punk roots. "The Collection 1977–1982" offers a snapshot of this wild ride, a testament to a band that refused to be pigeonholed.
The Stranglers emerged in the midst of punk's initial explosion, but they were never quite comfortable fitting into that mold. While they shared punk's DIY ethos and anti-establishment attitude, their music was more complex, drawing on everything from pub rock and psychedelia to the baroque pop of The Doors. Hugh Cornwell's sneering vocals and Jean-Jacques Burnel's thunderous bass lines provided the punk edge, but Dave Greenfield's swirling keyboards and Jet Black's steady drumming added a layer of sophistication that set them apart.
This compilation captures that unique blend perfectly, kicking off with the raucous "(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)," a punk anthem fueled by Burnel's propulsive bass and Cornwell's sardonic lyrics. The band's controversial side is on full display in "Peaches," a sexually charged ode to voyeurism that earned them a ban from the BBC. But The Stranglers were more than just provocateurs. "No More Heroes" is a powerful indictment of celebrity culture, while "Duchess" showcases their softer side, a melancholic ballad driven by Greenfield's haunting piano.
As the '70s gave way to the '80s, The Stranglers continued to evolve, incorporating elements of new wave and even synth-pop into their sound. "Walk On By" is a prime example, a cover of the Bacharach/David classic given a dark, electronic makeover. "Golden Brown," their biggest hit, is a timeless masterpiece, a waltz-time ode to heroin addiction that's both beautiful and disturbing.
"The Collection 1977–1982" isn't just a greatest hits album, it's a document of a band constantly pushing boundaries. Recorded at various studios, including TW Studios, The Manor, and Utopia Studios, and produced by a team including Martin Rushent and Alan Winstanley, these tracks showcase The Stranglers' musical ambition and their refusal to compromise. They were a band that thrived on controversy, but their music transcended the headlines.
In a scene dominated by three-chord thrash, The Stranglers dared to be different. They were punk's baroque bastards, a band that embraced the energy of the movement while adding their own unique flavor. "The Collection 1977–1982" is a reminder of their brilliance, a collection of songs that are as vital and relevant today as they were when they were first released.
