The Stranglers ‎– About Time (CD Fully Signed)

Alright....if you're still pining for the "salad days of yore" of the band with Hugh Cornwell, JJ's hard-edged Rotosound twang bass, and sneering misogynist lyrics, you'll leave here empty-handed. BUT--if you can imagine (and comprehend) the musical evolution of a band with 2 new(er) members with something vital to contribute, your CD player will be knocked off its optic nerve here. Virtually all cuts are standouts (esp. 'Lucky Finger, 'Golden Boy', 'Lies & Deception', and 'Paradise Row'), with an arrogant sophistication and swagger that continues the Stranglers' legacy.

This effort emphatically buries the much-lauded "new generation" Stranglers' 1993 effort, 'In The Night'! Frontman Paul Roberts carries the torch with competent crooning and an eerie, groovy pathos worthy of Dave Vanian any day. Jet Black, Dave Greenfield, and JJ Burnel (a softer, less self-aggrandizing sound)all showed up for this one. The stoccato string quartet opening on 'Still Life' is breathtaking. Pop-smart, well-arranged, and mood-slinging.....with careful arrangements which conjure the flavor of every decade from 1960 to present.

I've seen some alarmingly poor reviews of this album--but they're usually from folks with only a cursory knowledge or (doubtful) appreciation of this very important band's work....which continues to be vital. Get their early stuff--but get this, too--it's the best since 'DreamTime'-Some of the post-"Raven" songwriting tapestry is still evident--and still enough to crush all wanna-be malevolent college radio upstarts in their savvy wake. Jump in with both feet and without sour, pre-existing bias.

Label: When! Recordings

Country: UK

Media Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)

Plays great with only a few superficial marks.