“Golden Brown” / “Love 30” (Liberty BP407) January 1982
The Stranglers | Golden Brown | (Liberty) 1982 | The continuing decline . . . . Jazzy, psychedelic harpsichord-wise, flat vocals. Like a 1970 album track by Caravan (say). Caravan were a lot better, however. (Sounds, 16/01/82)
The Ratmen repent! Out of black and into doylys! The Ratmen clean up their act and trim their tails and whiskers and pray for the New Psychedelia to take-off. The lyrics obviously hold a great deal of relevance – for anyone who was taking the same drugs and watching the same TV (with the sound turned down, natch) as The Stranglers. The rest of the world may not prove to be so rapidly interested. Polish up that Ratdance, boys, and wait for the Bad Acid Rodent Revival instead! (NME, 16/01/82)
The Stranglers | Golden Brown | (Liberty) 1982
Climbing as I write, but I had to slip in a plug for the best Stranglers single in ages (remember, they were a hit singles band once). What’s more, the Office approves it almost unanimously.
At last a sighting of the near mythical beast, a hack approved Stranglers record! I think it sounds like Pentangle, but I won’t hold that against it; it swings beautifully, and Hugh Cornwell transcends his aggressively mannered singing style once and for all to deliver a suitably relaxed vocal. Addictive (Record Mirror, 16/01/82)
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