The Classic Album Series

The Classic Album Series highlights records from the past, forgotten, overlooked and cherished alike, selected for their influence, relevance and worth.

In this edition, writer, musician and filmmaker Chris Wade looks at The Stranglers' first two albums, Rattus Norvegicus and No More Heroes, both released in 1977 amidst the punk rock boom in the UK. Seen as the dirty old men of punk, the great outsiders of their time, the fact is that The Stranglers were one of the most commercially successful groups of the late 1970s. Their music has stood the test of time, and these two albums especially still pack a punch. The book explores the creation of both records, and also includes interviews with those who were there, such as the late producer, Martin Rushent.

Chris Wade runs the acclaimed music project Dodson and Fogg, which has featured such guest stars as Toyah and Scarlet Rivera. His non fiction work includes The Films of James Woods and A Portrait of Catherine Deneuve, while his comedy audiobooks have been narrated by such people as Rik Mayall and Nigel Planer. He makes documentaries on film history and surreal art films, including the award winning,
The Apple Picker. He has interviewed such people as Oliver Stone, Debbie Harry, Sharon Stone and many others.