1997 saw the sad demise of 'Strangled', our oracle and gateway to the band. This august publication told us most of what we needed to know in order to effectively follow the band, not always in a timely manner but hey. What information could not be gleaned from its pages could be obtained by means of a letter to the SIS offices or even by a letter to a member of the band.... accessibility to the band always appealed to me. The Stranglers seemed to have a relationship to their fanbase only bettered by The Jam!
After 'Strangled' folded, Marian Shepherd and Owen Carne picked up and created 'Stranglers 2000', what was to be a short-lived stop gap that filled the needs of the fan base between the cessation of 'Strangled' and the digital revolution that put paid to paper based/S.A.E communication across the board.
Running to just two issues at around the time of the release of the 'Coup De Grace' album they do make a good read and provide an insight into the dynamics within the band at that time. In a lengthy interview in issue 2, JJ opens his heart. Even without the benefit of hindsight the fact that the late '90's incarnation of the band were floundering is painfully obvious. JJ is in reflective mood looking back on a career that may or may not be over at that point. The writing on the album (mostly JJ's) questions the band's relevance and validity. Not that my opinion carries any weight, but at this point the band were at their lowest ebb, if there were any positives at this time it was only that the sole direction available was upwards! Anyway, see what you think.
Strangled 2000 Issue 1 (pdf): https://we.tl/t-dtK8vDJDNK
Great read, been listening to Coup De Grace album and personally think it's underrated
ReplyDeleteIn The End, Coup De Grace, Tonight, Shadow