The Stranglers - New Jersey, USA - 1981.

This is The Stranglers back in 1981 on tour in the USA, having just released the first of two albums that year, 'The Gospel According To The Men In Black' or 'Men In Black', as it was entitled in some countries.

This then is The Stranglers live at Emerald City, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA, on the 11th, April, 1981.

This is from a broadcast on Philadelphia's WMMR 93.3.

Source: FM broadcast WMMR 93.3, first generation copy.

Sound Quality: Very Good stereo @192kbps mp3.

Genre: Post Punk, New Wave, unique sound identity.

Set: One hour recording, may have been other songs on the night, if so, this would have been the latter part of the gig.

Set List:

01. Waltzinblack (intro)
02. Threatened
03. The Raven
04. Toiler on the Sea
05. Just Like Nothing On Earth / Thrown Away
06. Who Wants the World
07. Second Coming
08. Meninblack
09. Shah Shah A Go Go
10. Hallow To Our Men
11. Tank
12. Nuclear Device
13. Genetix

Links: Official site HERE. Useful informative Wikipedia entry HERE.

Comments: The Stranglers formed back in 1974, near 'reasonably' prosperous Guildford, Surrey, England.

It is sometimes forgotten that they originally built up a strong following through performing across the London and surrounding suburbs, pub rock scene.

Their initial commercial success was on the punk, new wave, bandwagon, however they have always been an 'ill fit' in those categories.

Far more 'thought out' messages, and causes, often surfaced in their music.

This is prior to their second album that year 'La Folie' which included 'Golden Brown', which gave the band renewed commercial success.

As was often the case some 28 years ago Hugh Cornwell was vocally spontaneous, and a key part of the gig, which in no small part was down to the excellent musicianship of his fellow band mates.

Download link in comments below and by clicking on the picture.

Purchase: MP3's (DRM free) through Amazon.co.uk - The Stranglers