Taking Sides: The Stranglers VS. The Tubes

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I just finished reading ex-`Gler frontman Hugh Cornwell's autobiography, "A Multitude of Sins" and was somewhat surprised to find out that the Stranglers and the Tubes were actully quite friendly with each other. Both associated with Punk Rock, though neither quite credibly punk themselves. Both accused of needless libidinousness and rampant misogyny (more so the former than the latter). Both notorious for bouts of onstage nudity (more so the latter than the former, but it did happen regularly during performances of "Nice'n'Sleazy" for a while). Both prone to entirely unPunk jamming tendencies and dubious "concept" album shenanigans. Both responsible for fistfulls of great singles. Both cleaned up and embraced cleaner pop sounds later on (both with limited success).

Personally, while I love the Tubes (the first album especially), I have to go with the Stranglers. Better music. Better sound. More endearingly thuggish and obnoxious (earlier on, anyway). Simply a nastier bunch of gents. And there's no arguing with JJ Burnell's bass. Less schticky. Less concerned with nyuck nyucks.

And you? "Bring On the Nubiles" or "Mondo Bondage"?

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Saturday, 27 November 2004 05:29 (twenty-one years ago)

does that tubes dude's glasses say CUNY?

default for the stranglers, since i know only 2 tubes songs ("talk to you later" and the other pop hit of theirs).

Eisbär (llamasfur), Saturday, 27 November 2004 05:34 (twenty-one years ago)

then again, if the tubes did ANYTHING as licentious and just NASTY like "peaches" i may reconsider!

Eisbär (llamasfur), Saturday, 27 November 2004 05:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Points of comparison, maybe, and I love "White Punks on Dope," but come the fuck on: Stranglers all day every day in a massive walk.

But more on Hugh's book, please! Share some nasty stories!

briania (briania), Saturday, 27 November 2004 05:38 (twenty-one years ago)

How about they unite and call themselves the "Tubestranglers"?

MC Transmaniacon (natepatrin), Saturday, 27 November 2004 05:41 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh, the glasses say "Quay" per Fee Waybill's onstage persona "Quay Lewd."

briania (briania), Saturday, 27 November 2004 05:43 (twenty-one years ago)


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