Reviews by tape-boy

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.

This is #day1 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... this is the first time I got to listen to this album back to back, and what a revelation it is to me! The Smiths' swansong... I simply loved it. Not having listened to The Smiths in a while, I think this record encompasses what the band stood out for: jangly post-punk, the melody, the witty melancholy... But it's probably the drums that make me want to remember this particular album's sound. So spacious, wow! Such a joy to have experienced it now. This is a strong 4 out of 5. I wouldn't mind a vinyl version, to be honest with you. Looking forward to #day2.