The Stranglers- Golden Brown (REACTION//DISCUSSION) 

Golden Brown one of the finest songs ever composed ✨ has a timeless hypnotic quality……

"Like coffee." Yeeaah, not that kind of brown. Just don't do it, kids!

I just adore GOLDEN BROWN. One of my favourite songs of all times, a very waltzy tune, that's how I've always described it.

One of the very few, Waltzes written about Heroin as far as I know anyway, the Strangles are awesome, from songs like Something Better Change and Peaches to this and Strange Little Girl they are so creative

_Nice and Sleazy_ has the filthiest bassline in history.

From the Guy Richie movie with Brad Pitt and others, Snatch.

there is a youtube video by the song writer about how this was a hit, but when it was a week away from No 1 a band member went public on the Heroin. The song was immediately removed from UK broadcast playlists and never reached No1.

The Stranglers Golden Brown entered the UK Top 40 on the 9th January 1982 and peaked at no.2 in mid February. The top ten of mid February was: 1 - The Jam - Town called malice 2 - The Stranglers - Golden brown 3 - Kraftwerk - The model 4 - Shakin Stevens - Oh Julie 5 - OMD - Maid of Orleans 6 - Soft Cell - Say hello, wave goodbye 7 - Meatloaf - Dead ringer for love 8 - Tight Fit - The lion sleeps tonight 9 - Christopher Cross - Arthur's Theme 10 Haircut 100 - Love plus one Other tracks in this week's Top 40 Daryl Hall & John Oates - I can't go for that Mobiles - Drowning in Berlin XTC - Senses working overtime ACDC - Let's get it up J. Geils Band - Centrefold Jon & Vangelis - I'll find my way home Depeche Mode - See you Toni Basil - Mickey Fun Boy Three & Bananarama - It ain't what you do its the way that you do it. Loved this Stranglers song and during the summer of 1982 I was in Spain with my folks and this was playing everywhere, so my association with this song is sea, sand and blue skies, however I believe the song may be about something different completely... drugs haha. Hope you enjoy this chart anyway.

I had forgotten how much I love this song. A harpsichord. Beautiful.

One of the most original songs from the early 80’s. Still love it, with the 13 beats (123,123,123,1234).

Heroin addiction has never sounded so good, lol. Great track, and so different to everything else, either by the Stranglers or by anyone. :D

Hanging Around, The Raven, walk on by, the man they love to hate, Five Minutes, so many great songs from this criminality underrated band!

This is just one of those songs, ya know? Never fails to put me in a good mood. For me it always reminds me of an upbeat french waltz or something like that.

I never tire of this song , it’s stuck with me since the first time I saw it on top of the pops in 1982, in my top 5 tracks of the 1980s

Some interesting softer songs : "Strange little girl", "European female" and "Midnight summer dream".

Love this song. There's something about it that is so dark and so yet so compelling. It really does feel like you're in a swirly dream

Definitely seek out their take on Walk On By.

THE STRANGLERS "WALK ON BY" & "STRANGE LITTLE GIRL"...TRUST ME ON THESE!!

I never tire of this song. Love waltz time. Melody flows so freely in 3/4.

You will really love this band!!! Down in ther sewer, No more heroes, Peaches, Hanging around, la foile, You should do this album as theres loads of cool songs on here a mix variety, the song la foile is great and cool. Walk on by should be your next reaction! Also la foile does mean madness in french and golden brown is about heroin and a girl - Hugh Cornell

A charming ditty this, and showing a softer side to the bank, musically at least. Lyrically, it's all about heroin. Nice lilting melody, good little guitar solo, but I particularly like those keys. Not sure if it's synth harpsichord, or an actual one, but it's my fave part. This softer side worked well for them, this was there best selling song.

One of my favourite songs ever this. Nothing else like it, even by the Stranglers (and I like their other stuff).

Always makes me think of the classic Guy Ritchie movie “Snatch”

Basically every song by the Stranglers I know is kinda different from each other, in my experience. Other recommendations: No More Heroes and Peaches; both are more in the sort of post-punk/new wave/pub rock vibe associated with their typical output, but are likewise very distinct from one another.

If I had to pick one post-punk harpsichord-driven waltz with semi-obscure drug references in the lyrics but then a promotional video that seemed to remove all doubt as to what it was about, given how out of it the lead singer in particular looked - it would be this one. Seriously, it's a classic. Delighted to see you give it some attention.

Have to admit that this song has a special place in the hearts of those of us who did our share of heroin back in the day.

JustJP + Golden Brown = instaclick I'd do "Peaches" next for another total change of style (and one of the catchiest hooks ever).

Wow, this is a complete blast from the past! Love The Stranglers. Lots of memories of this growing up.

This song is 100% about heroin. That vague "girlfriend" crap was just to keep it from getting it banned from radio shows. Unless of course, this girl is centuries old and has been, through the ages, traveling west. I saw them play at Reading Rock Festival in 1983. This song is a live banger, despite the harpsichord and odd time signatures (13/8 and 6/8)

First time I heard this was while watching Snatch, haven't stopped since

This is a proper tune. I just love listening to the old songs. Songs from the past 10 15 years... I cant do. Been listening to the Stranglers for decades.

This is so brilliant in so many ways. One thing sticks out: in the verses, there’s no reverb on the vocal. None. Now that’s confidence. Why wasn’t this song in trainspotting? is another thought

Had a bad time with Golden Brown happy to report been CLEAN for 30yrs and counting

You can't help but be happy! I am anyway, so glad you're doing more Stranglers, nice reaction too.

Another amazing gem. This song has been covered and/or used in soundtracks so many times, it's probably the song most people who have never even heard of the Stranglers seem to know best.

"Golden Brown"!!! Classic Stranglers!! Glad you are jumping around for there music is really diverse from album to the next.

Hi,JP. ' La Folie' was a concept album focussing on the diversity and folly of love. All the tracks have some aspect of love about them, just not in the conventional sense. The opening track 'Non Stop (Nun)' is well worth a listen. It sets the tone and is almost Beach Boys like with it's upbeat keys. It soon changes though, LOL. The Stranglers always paved their own way and were never afraid to depart from a successful formula. My favourite band. I could suggest many a track from their impressive catalogue but I think you'd enjoy the discoveries more if you do it yourself.. Kind Regards.

Rumour is that it was planned to licence this song for an advertisement for Hovis, a major baker known for its wholemeal bread. However, they thought better of it when they learned of what the song was actually about.

There is disagreement among observers as to which time signatures best represents parts of the song. The main body of the song has a triple metre waltz rhythm, with beats grouped in threes, but the instrumental parts add an extra beat to create a phrase of thirteen beats. The thirteen beats appear in the sheet music as alternating bars of 6/8 and 7/8,which has also been described as three bars of 3/4 followed by one bar of 4/4.

wow to finally be able to subscribe to you and like you been watching you a long time and really enjoy your show

Loved the way you compared Sometimes to Golden Brown as being strangled and then passing out haha, brilliant. I can't wait for you to hear more Stranglers and hear how flexible they are as song writers. You won't love every song, but you'll appreciate a band that experiments with their sound. Enjoy.

Fabulous music

Dreamy guitar solo.

Such an amazing atmosphere, cool jazzy groove.

"Nice 'n' Sleazy"...their best...The bass is so-o-o-o dirty. It's a must!!

When you're into this. I think Man mountain by Bow wow wow is another great 80s song to check out. Just like this one, it was totally different from the rest in pop music ;-)

I found some time ago an interesting cover of "Golden Brown". It's by The Wurzels - English band who played folk/bluegrass/country type of music. Their sounds cool and solid (even without that characteristic keyboards) :D

Justin what a cool song to do. Love this one from way back I play it on occasion. Hope you like it. Love you

Hi Justin! Nice reaction to a song that's just like its theme : intoxicating! I don't know if anyone mentionned it in the comments, but I think the "Tied to the mast" line may refer to the adventures of greek hero Ulysses, who asked his crewmate to tie him to the mast of his ship before encountering the Sirens, so he could listen to their chants without jumping into the sea (killing himself in the process). Nice use of references and metaphors on this one ! Peace !

Was played at my best friends funeral

My favourite Heroin song

It's definitely not a road I would not recommend, but it's a banging of a tune 🎉🥳

Such a phenomenal song

I speak both French and Romanian. In Romanian, it would mean the sheet (of paper, as in the Italian folio). In French, think of the famous Parisian burlesque palace, Les Folies Bergeres. Madness, craziness, lunacy, zaniness, any and all of these.

I was heavy into Brit music in 1982 but can't recall ever hearing this song. It's nice. The only Stranglers tune I know is "Always the Sun", which is very nice.

The movie Snatch turned me on to this one. Love it

Love the timing of this song. I remember this coming out, I was 13, luckily my sister is 7 years older than me!

Our c’est la folie. Got to number one in the U.K. Great track. Saw them live a few times. Their cover of Walk on By is the best cover of a song ever. Try Nice n Sleazy.

I could never hear this song the same after "Snatch," where it sends a chill down your spine. A lot like "Stuck in the Middle With You" after Reservoir Dogs.

I thought he was singing Gordon Brown

One of my all time fav songs😍

I know nothing of La Folie in a Stranglers context. Indeed, the late seventies arrival of punk prompted me to look further afield for music (I've always preferred musically pretentious to musically inept). For that very reason I remember enjoying this song when it was released as 'different', and musically interesting. One of the things that looking further afield brought me to, was the musical trope called 'La Follia', 'Les Folies d'Espagne', 'La Folie' etc. which is a chord sequence or basso continuo used as a basis for improvisations by many, many composers (Corelli, Vivaldi, Handel, Salieri, Bach, Lully, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, even in a Levi's advertisement in on UK TV). The harpsichord is the principal keyboard instrument of the baroque; the Folia theme exploded during the baroque; I wonder if the Stranglers were referencing this piece? Anyhow, how about trying out a version of La Folia (perhaps the Apollo's Fire version of the Vivaldi-it's pretty spectacular, and would make a change from your more customary seventies fare.They translate 'La Folie' as 'Madness'. Could this be what the Stranglers meant by extolling the virtues of heroin?

This was a huge hit single back in 1982 and remained a radio hit for many years afterwards…still gets played as an 80s classic. Yes it’s a harpsichord and an organ together. The noticeable difference with the Stranglers and other British punk bands is that they had the keyboards. Sadly keyboardist Dave Greenfield passed away last year from COVID ☹️

Nice and Sleazy, Peaches, No more Heroes...........

I love this song! The part where they do that syncopation is so unusual but it just *works*

"Always the Sun" - the greatest song by the stranglers. give that a listen. you won't be sorry.

People shouldn't write such beautiful tunes about heavy drugs. I just love it. Next: "Duchess" or "No more Heroes". The Stranglers were very versatile in styles.

And 'La Folie' is definitely French! Their bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel is originally French, and he even sings the album's title track in French 😀

I first heard this song the day my grandfather died, so it's had a weird sort of trajectory with me through the years. With my grown-up head, however, I appreciate the music and, perhaps because I had to work a bit harder to get there, it's now a pleasant groove for me.

Would love to see your reaction to Walk on By (long version) by the Stranglers. As a long time fan it’s great to see how other react to my favourite songs👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I always alliterate La Folie with foliage. It’s not correct but it feels right somehow. Staying in the shade, keeping a low profile… If you’re out there on a limb you don’t advertise

You don't look a year older Justin! Great band, great track, great reaction - as always. Peace and Blessings my man!

Played at My best friend funeral

Always loved this song, ever since it came out. Great band. I'm not sure they could ever really have been regarded as punk. There was so much more to The Stranglers.

Love this take. FULLY recommend listening to the jazz version by Dave Brubeck. Beautiful take.

The madness.

Golden Brown was about heroin as stated by lead singer Hugh Cornwell. He said "we would have had number 1 with the song if the bass player big mouth Burnell hadn't told the press what the song was about" Soon after the song was removed from all the playlists. Hugh Cornwell said " I would have waited till the song got to number 1 then told the press" R.I.P. Dave Greenfield Keyboard player 1949 -2020.

one of my fav pfe afe

Great song,The Stranglers were the first big band I saw live, so many great songs to choose from check out “Walk on by”

Dave Greenfield first hit on the Harpsichord since the 18th century lol and its a Waltz

You should listen to down in the sewer, it is aggressive and has many layers to a 7 minute song 👍👍

first song i ever remember hearing on the radio must of been about five

I'd recorded this song off the radio in the Summer of '85, having absolutely no idea whom it was by - and I absolutely could not believe it when it reappeared on a 'Best of The Stranglers' album I bought 6 or 7 years later! I would've _never_ guessed it was them! 😄 However, I _was_ a bit shocked when I learnt another 8 years or so later that this "golden brown" stuff was actually heroin 😳

Many years ago, listening to this and the Hell's Angel opposite with a needle hanging out of his arm suddenly frowned, listened to the words and asked er - is this -what I think it is about.--???!

Great song.

Yep you got me. High from East Coast of England.

This was their biggest hit here in the UK. I've always liked this due to its unusual style and pacing. No More Heroes is worth checking out as well, another of their UK hits.

This is the first song I remember hearing on the radio

This is my all-time favorite Stranglers song! SO beautiful! But, it’s an ode to the most evil drug on the planet…so rather bittersweet.

You all forget one of there best singles ever Skin Deep.

Speaking of relaxing and blissed-out, definitely check out the title track, La folie... beautiful stuff.

The end of the somg is some of the greates beat in music history

Yes, la folie is basic French, the duality between Cornwell and Burnell, Ha... great duo backed by another great duo on the rythmic side. Many great albums

I just tried "La folie" with detect language in google translate, it also picked Romanian with English translation of *_The Madness_* Wikipedia says: The album's French language title literally translates to "madness". In various interviews, the band related that this referred to "The Madness of Love" and that conceptually, each of the songs on the album was intended to explore a different kind or aspect of "love"

One of the most underrated bands ever.

Justin, don't get trapped. La Folie is one of their minor albums. It includes one magnificent gem and it's called Golden Brown (their biggest hit). Go back to Rattus, their debut album that shows enough faces of the band to discover and enjoy. Or tuck into The Raven, maybe their best album when it comes to composing.

The Stranglers are so little mentioned it's a real shame, a really powerful band at the time when rock turned into punk, but they were much more than that, really

Romanian, being a Romance language, surrounded by Slavs, has mainly Romance influences - and a particularly strong intellectual relationship with French - although if you can speak Romanian, you can get buy easily in Italian and Spanish

Nice .. check out "Walk on By"

it just grabs you and pulls you in...