Aural Sculptors - The Stranglers Live 1976 to the Present


Welcome to Aural Sculptors, a blog aimed at bringing the music of The Stranglers to as wide an audience as possible. Whilst all of the various members of the band that have passed through the ranks since 1974 are accomplished studio musicians, it is on stage where the band have for me had their biggest impact.

As a collector of their live recordings for many years I want to share some of the better quality material with other fans. By selecting the higher quality recordings I hope to present The Stranglers in the best possible light for the benefit of those less familiar with their material than the hardcore fan.

Needless to say, this site will steer well clear of any officially released material. As well as live gigs, I will post demos, radio interviews and anything else that I feel may be of interest.

In addition, occasionally I will post material by other bands, related or otherwise, that mean a lot to me.

Your comments and/or contributions are most welcome. Please email me at adrianandrews@myyahoo.com.


Tuesday, 19 September 2023

JJ Burnel 'Strangler In The Light' Book Event Rough Trade East 15th October 2023

 

To mark the launch of the English translation of 'Strangler In The Light' JJ is making an appearance at Rough Trade East in London's Brick Lane. Having posted this 48 hours or so behind Stranglers (Official) I would imagine that it is sold out.... it is a small space with lots of record aisles (as you may expect in a record shop!). Looking forward to getting my copy through the post.

Sunday, 17 September 2023

Soft Cell BBC Radio 2 in the Park Leicester 16th September 2023

 


Here's Soft Cell's set from yesterday's broadcast by Radio 2 as part of their 'In The Park' weekend in Leicester. In a 30 minute set they played most of what you would have expected them to play. Much more fun I think would have been to bamboozle the crowd, no doubt patiently waiting for the likes of Simply Red, Rick Astley and Kylie, to hit them with a 15 minute version of 'Martin', followed by 'Baby Doll' and rounded of with 'Sex Dwarf'. Oh well, I guess you can't have it all.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-8Fb2WxqTYR

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-QzTu1Q38RH



Siouxsie Sioux Inked... Again.

 


Siouxsie 2023.

'What in the world is happening?
What in the world could this be?
I'm on the verge of an awakening
A new kind of strength for me.'

Still cutting it at 66.

Lino print (29.7cm x 21cm (A4)
Black ink on cream art card.

Saturday, 16 September 2023

Ombudsmen 'Terms and Conditions Apply' EP Release

 


The second EP from Manchester band Ombudsmen is due to be released on 6th October.

In the band's own words:

'On our new EP "Terms & Conditions Apply" out 6th October, we reiterate in a different way (because everything's been done now) the best and worst ways to avoid getting stung when buying an electric car.

“Terms & Conditions Apply” will be available on all the usual streaming platforms as well as physically. All formats of course contain terms of use and conditions which require the upmost cooperation.'

I will post on availability of the CD release in due course. 

Shepherds Bush Empire London 12th November 1994

 


This one by request and I am very grateful to DomP for coming up with the goods, and a nice recording it is too. Having seen my arse at the Kilburn National gig in 1992 there are big gaps in the 1990's Stranglers' fossil record, so all the more thanks to those willing to fill some of the gaps!

With a preview of some of the tracks that would appear on the forthcoming 'About Time' album, here is 'Bodysearch' in West London.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-RoW1Mhh7jf

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-UDog9cDGY2

01. Intro
02. 5 Minutes
03. Sometimes
04. The Raven
05. Nice ‘N’ Sleazy
06. Money
07. Paradise Row
08. Straighten Out
09. Gain Entry To Your Soul
10. Still Life
11. Face
12. Always The Sun
13. Sinister
14. Duchess
15. All Day & All Of The Night
16. Brainbox
17. Tank
18. No More Heroes
19. Golden Brown
20. Hanging Around
21. Someone Like You
22. Down In The Sewer
23. Go Buddy Go

Monday, 11 September 2023

Nashville Rooms Review 10th December 1976 (Music Week 18th December 1976)

 


Here is a review that appeared in the UK trade publication Music Week. It reads quite positively I think, especially when you consider how in late 1976 the ultra-conservative record industry desperately tried to understand the new music i.e. punk in order to tame it and capitalise on it as quickly as possible. See what you think.





Saturday, 9 September 2023

Siouxsie Electric Proms 2007 and Jonathan Ross Show 2008 DVD

 


What a summer Siouxsie has with a tour that has gone down a storm. It could be the last time she takes to the stage and if it is, what a way to go out! From what I have read, the two Troxy dates were great and what a fitting venue for her with all of its Art Deco splendour!

So, on topic, here are two tracks that I put onto DVD some years ago from the time of Mantaray. These may be of interest to someone as if you blinked you could well have missed them.

DVD Global Image: https://we.tl/t-1MUyDDMsXV

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-0X6OlrXxH3