05/05/2020
Dave Greenfield Tribute : The Stranglers Top 16
That moment when a post goes up on your feed with a classic track and a sad emoji. What?? was my response, "Dave has gone" came the reply. No !! F**k!!! How!!!! As our news feed fills up with awe inspiring Stranglers tracks we learn that the 71 year old, still active, original Strangler of 45 years, Dave Greenfield was already having health probems when he was struck down by the cursed Covid 19 virus. It did for him and we were robbed of one of the true genius musicians of the punk era. Here, as my personal tribute, is my top ten favourite tracks, which very quickly grew to 16. Sod it, just play everything by the band, you wont be disappointed. My condolences to his family, loved ones, band mates past and present, and of course the bands legions of fans.
1. No More Heroes
Just because this amazing track never gets old and was my personal entry point to the band.
2. Always The Sun
The first track we played when we heard of D.G's passing. Hughs last stand, a beautiful song, more about the media than nature and a personal fave.
3. Walk On By
Features an absolute stormer of a keys solo from D.G, throwing down the gauntlet for Hugh's guitar solo, who then steps up with aplomb. A killer version of the Burt Bacharach original.
4. Duchess
Great video, great song. D.G driven wonderment.
5.Strange Little Girl
Another D.G led departure for the men in black. The story of a teenage punk runaway that many of us could relate to.
6. Down In The Sewer
The four part tour de force suite from the wonderful Rattus Norvegicus Album. Probably my personal favourite of their albums which had the boys sounding like The Doors on uppers. Listen to D.G's various highlights and J.J's bass masterclass. Awe inspiring.
7. Just Like Nothing On Earth
Highlights D.G's versitility. Many of D.G's keyboard parts sound like proto techno, which was yet to be born. From the bands doomed "Men In Black" era
8. Get A Grip On Yourself
D.G opens and drives this stormer from Rattus.
9. Old Codger.
Hilarious B-side of the Walk On By single featuring legendary jazz singer George Melly !! After you've listened to the original go and find a live clip of the later line up doing it, with Baz singing and nailing the harp lines, whilst D.G steps to the front of the stage to play the shuffle beat guitar. Who knew that he could play guitar??
10. Golden Brown
D.G wrote this catchy and melodic baroque, punk pop tune, Hugh then ladens it with with an ode to addiction lyric and the result?? the bands biggest hit record of course!! Aided by its inclusion on the Radio 2 playlist until they found out what the words were about. Oops
11. Hanging Around
Listen to all the individual parts on this and try and work out how they ended up in a band together!! A catchy keyboard drenched personal fave
12. Toiler On The Sea
This barnstormer is a personal highlight from the excellent Black & White album. It features great keys solo's and crazy synth effects from D.G. Bournemouth local p***y types might remember the excellent cover by High Horse.
13. Don't Bring Harry
D.G's piano leads another of Hugh Cornwells odes to he**in, resulting in a down tempo delight. Pass the rizla.
14. Nuclear Device
A banging, singalong, anti nuke anthem showing these bad guys had a conscience. More keys than guitars on this.
15. Let Me Introduce You To The Family
D.G up front for this storming, keys driven, shuffle beat
ode to the mob.
16. Let Me Down Easy
Poignent words, fitting to the passing of a now legendary musician. Farewell Mr Greenfield.
Bimble 05/05/20
Note : I had intended to include links to all of the songs but it proved a personal tech nightmare. So you'll have to go and find them yourself.
Music video by The Stranglers performing No More Heroes.
