Strangled: Identity, Status, Structure and The Stranglers by Phil Knight


Strangled: Identity, Status, Structure and The Stranglers
Title : Strangled: Identity, Status, Structure and The Stranglers
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1782797963
ISBN-10 : 9781782797968
Language : English
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 181
Publication : Published January 30, 2015

The Stranglers occupy a paradoxical position within the history of popular music. Although major artists within the punk and new-wave movements, their contribution to those genres has been effectively quarantined by subsequent critical and historical analyses. They are somehow "outside" the realm of what responsible accounts of the period consider to be worthy of chronicling. Why is this so? Certainly The Stranglers' seedy and intimidating demeanor, and well-deserved reputation for misogyny and violence, offer a superficial explanation for their cultural excommunication. However, this landmark work suggests that the unsettling aura that permeated the group and their music had much more profound origins; ones that continue to have disturbing implications even today. The Stranglers, it argues, continue to be marginalised because, whether by accident or design, they brought to the fore the underlying issues of identity, status and structure that must by necessity be hidden from society's conscious awareness. For this, they would not be forgiven.

Strangled: Identity, Status, Structure and The Stranglers Reviews

  • Andrew

    This book comprises two essays. The first is an examination of outsiders / tricksters and why the Stranglers were mavericks who could never fit into any one pigeonhole and why they were resented / despised / or shunned because of it. For those of interest in the band, this will resonate 100% and I have to say it's the most compelling and fascinating account of any band's development and oeuvre that I have ever read. The fact that the essay exists in itself is indicative of how The Stranglers were completely different in outlook from other bands. For those who bought Strangled magazine which contained in depth articles from the band members on a variety of topics such as surrealism, the inherent selfishness of love, UFOs, etc, this essay can be seen as a continuation of those discourses. It's erudite, intelligent and right on the nose. It also indicated to myself - as a writer - why I also feel displaced as an outside within a group of outsiders. Fascinating!

    The second essay focuses on perceived identity issues of the bassist, JJ Burnel, whose French parentage may have forced him to prove himself through violence and a willingness to belong. Whilst this is also a strong essay, I think placing it after the first essay does it a disservice as it is the former which is most compelling. If these had been the other way around it might have been a five star book. Certainly the best analysis of any band that I've read. I couldn't see such weight being ascribed to many other performers. Highly recommended for those interested in The Stranglers, counter-culture, or both.

  • Kay

    An interesting book looking at the place of the band in the mindset of the punk revolution. Always seen as outsiders. This is why I loved them and still love them. Concentrating mainly on Hugh Cornwell and JJ Burnel, it is an attempt to look at why the band were who they were and their refusal to go with the flow. Enjoyed this more than I expected.

    Ray Smillie

  • Teshka

    The bits of this book which deal directly with strangler world are interesting for the reader if you are a fan of the band. The explanations about why the band are outsiders and the effect this has on the band and arguably their fans is interesting but does get a little convoluted at times. However I would recommend this book to fans and anyone interested in the reasons people belong to outsider groups as there is an attempt to explain the reasons for this. A must read for fans of The Stranglers.