Black and White

Third of 'The Great Three' Early Albums, Even More Dark and Scary

     

The title of this album is very fitting. This is when The Stranglers got serious, dark and scary. Think of it as the equivalent of as series of old black and white fright films. Right off the bat (pun) it starts with one of the band's most maniacal songs, 'Tank', a celebratory dream of destruction. From there the album takes off into one dark landscape, or seascape, after another. If you enjoy dark adventures or the more hyperactive side of Goth culture, this album is kicking crazy. As with the first two albums, this one is full of energy, great melodies, pounding beats, insightful commentary, thug crudeness, but with lots and lots of FEAR sprinkled liberally on top. Guilty pleasure: I love the song 'Death and Night and Blood' as a sort of anthem for mankind's incessant and insane need for war and battle. In the USA this album was pressed in marbled black and white vinyl, providing a wild visual effect. In the UK it shipped with an included white vinyl EP of further songs, all of which are included in this 'extended' version of the album. The highlight of the extras is a live hilariously stupid and shameless song about mammary glands. This ridiculous performance a classic all on it's own. Of interest: The song 'Old Codger' is sung by British comedian and music hall entertainer George Melly, who was friends with the band. NOTE: As with all the first three great Stranglers albums, this is NOT for pre-teens.