The Stranglers are an English rock band formed in Guildford in 1974, punk-era contemporaries set apart by Dave Greenfield's swirling keyboards and Jean-Jacques Burnel's melodic bass. Rattus Norvegicus (1977) is the classic starting point, and the harpsichord-laced Golden Brown shows how far their darkly witty art rock traveled. Browse The Stranglers vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The Stranglers formed in Guildford, England in 1974. The classic lineup featured Hugh Cornwell (vocals, guitar), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass, vocals), Dave Greenfield (keyboards; 1949-2020), and Jet Black (drums; 1938-2022). Although they rose to prominence alongside the punk movement, their musicianship, keyboard-led arrangements, and longevity set them apart. The band has continued in various forms across five decades despite lineup changes.
The Stranglers combined punk and new wave energy with a distinctive sound built on Greenfield's swirling keyboards, Burnel's prominent, melodic bass, and darkly witty lyrics. Over time they moved toward more melodic and sophisticated art rock and pop, exemplified by the harpsichord-like hit Golden Brown, while retaining an edgy reputation.
The Stranglers' 1970s and 1980s catalog has been reissued in remastered and expanded editions, and original United Artists and EMI pressings are collected. Their long discography offers significant depth for completist collectors.
Listeners new to The Stranglers often start with Rattus Norvegicus (1977) or a singles collection featuring Golden Brown. For related listening, see and .
