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Rattus Norvegicus

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Rattus Norvegicus · This debut album by The Stranglers was released in April 1977 and was recorded in one week by producer Martin Rushent. The record gives a picture of the group's live set at the time. The original title was Dead on Arrival, but it was replaced at the last moment by the Latin name for the brown rat. The inscription The Stranglers IV was intended to sow confusion.

The songs are about rows with a girlfriend, pub crowds in London and life in a squat. Peaches is the inner monologue of a man watching girls on the beach. Down in the Sewer is a long closer in four parts, in which the sewers represent London. The record was one of the best-selling albums of the punk era in Great Britain. NME placed it tenth among the best albums of the year in 1977, and later lists mention it too.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Down in the Sewer and notice the four parts of which the song is built, from Falling to Rat's Rally.

Track list

  1. 1Sometimes (1996 Remastered Version)4:55Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Goodbye Toulouse (1996 Remastered Version)3:17Apple Music ↗
  3. 3London Lady (1996 Remastered Version)2:33Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Princess of the Streets (1996 Remastered Version)4:38Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Hanging Around (1996 Remastered Version)4:27Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Peaches (1996 Remaster)4:08Apple Music ↗
  7. 7(Get a) Grip [On Yourself] [1996 Remastered Version]4:02Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Ugly (1996 Remastered Version)4:08Apple Music ↗
  9. 9Down In the Sewer (Medley) [1996 Remastered Version]7:58Apple Music ↗
  10. 10Choosey Susie (1996 Remastered Version)3:14Apple Music ↗
  11. 11Go Buddy Go (1996 Remastered Version)3:58Apple Music ↗
  12. 12Peasant In the Big Shitty (Live) [1996 Remastered Version]3:42Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs