The Stranglers – Stranglers IV (Rattus Norvegicus)

Punk Not Punk but bloody remarkable nevertheless. Jet’s metronomic drumming, Hugh’s Beefheart-esque guitar, Dave - amazing Dave Greenfield, and JJ, one of the best bassists to come out of the punk scene.
Of course, they’re not punk. At least, not in the way The Clash or The Adverts were. But saying that, the band still had that grubby, dangerous vibe that the best punk bands had.
Ok the lyrics could be perceived as being - that dreadful modern adjective - problematic. But sod it, give me that over overtly fake beige lyrics that achieve nothing but stupify the listener. Maybe that listener is trying to get out of that clitoris. Boo. Buy it now. Then buy the next three studio albums.

I found a guy selling the first two stranglers albums that were radio station promos. This album sounds great. Mastering is really good and punchy. I highly recommend it.

'This issue has no "Jonz" mastering credit on the A-side runout and is otherwise identical to this version'

My copy has no jonz credit on the b side rather than a side. other than that it seems to match this entry exactly.

Didn't know I would enjoy these fraggles so much after not having heard this record for probably 30 years.

This version is the closest I can find to the one I’ve got. The barcode number matches as does the label code. My matrix is an EMI UK one though, not UDEN. I might be staring at it in the face but I can’t see mention of UK in the matrix anywhere.
I’m sure they sound the same 🤷‍♂️

534406 2. That’s the matrix number. It’s just the UK bit.

Fantastic album, good quality, good music... got in love with it the moment I bought this one

This must be a Misprint version. Mine is ok and the p3 of booklet is fine!

No release from Coursegood why is it not on here ?

This is the punk, reggae, rock, prog-rock DSOTM of 1977, in the context-as an album with not one weak song, NMTBHTSP might have grabbed the headlines, and as good as it is this was the better album. What an amazing debut album. In my top 5 albums of all time. First heard this album circa 1977 or 1978.

Favourite tracks - Sometimes, Peaches, Get a Grip, Ugly and down in the sewer

WHY has nobody reviewed this album? It should be in everyone’s collection, an absolute classic that sounds as fresh and original today as when it was released