Original personnel were singer/guitarist Hugh Cornwell (from Kentish Town, London), keyboardist/guitarist Hans Wärmling (from Sweden, replaced within two years by Brighton-born keyboardist Dave Greenfield), London-born bass guitarist Jean-Jacques Burnel and drummer Jet Black (real name Brian Duffy), a native of Ilford, Essex.
They began as a sinister sounding, hard-edged pub rock group, but eventually branched out to explore other styles of music. The Stranglers were, beginning in 1976, tangentially associated with punk rock, due in part to their opening for The Ramones' first British tour. The Stranglers were also associated with new wave music as well as gothic rock, but their idiosyncratic approach never fit completely within a musical genre.
In August 1990, founding member Cornwell left the band to pursue a solo career. In his autobiography, Cornwell states that he felt the band was a spent force creatively, and cited various examples of his increasingly acrimonious relationship with his fellow band-members, particularly Burnel. The remaining members recruited two replacements, including John Ellis, who had opened for the band in the 1970s as a member of The Vibrators, and singer Paul Roberts.
Interest in The Stranglers resurfaced when, in 2001, singer Tori Amos covered their song "Strange Little Girl" and titled the album it was featured on Strange Little Girls. "Golden Brown" was also used in the hit film Snatch by film director Guy Ritchie and extensively in the Australian film He Died With A Felafel In His Hand. Their hit "No More Heroes" was covered by Violent Femmes and used for the film Mystery Men. "Peaches", finally, also appears prominently in another British movie, Sexy Beast by director Jonathan Glazer.
The Stranglers had a critical and popular renaissance in 2004 (together with their first top 40 hit for 14 years - "Big Thing Coming") with the acclaimed Norfolk Coast album and a subsequent sell-out tour. The follow-up album, Suite XVI, was released in September 2006 (the title is a pun on "Sweet 16" and also a reference to the fact that it is the band's 16th studio album).
During the recording of Suite XVI Paul Roberts left the band to pursue his solocareer. Guitarist Baz Warne, who replaced John Ellis in 2000, became the main vocalist.
A quite rare Hugh Cornwell audio interview may be listened to on http://www.jasonwrightonline.com/
Nice n' Sleazy
The Stranglers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We didn't have much idea of the
Kind of climate waiting
We used our hands for guidance
Like the children of a preacher
Like a dry tree seeking water
Or a daughter
Nice 'n' sleazy
Nice 'n' sleazy
Nice 'n' sleazy
Does it does it
Does it every time
Nice 'n' sleazy
Nice 'n' sleazy
Does it does it
Does it every time
Nice 'n' sleazy does it
Nice 'n' sleazy
Nice 'n' sleazy
Does it does it
Does it every time
Nice 'n' sleazy
Nice 'n' sleazy
Does it does it
Does it every time
Nice 'n' sleazy does it
An angel came from outside
Had no halo had no father
With a coat of many colours
He spoke of brothers many
Wine and women song a plenty
He began to write a chapter
In history
Nice 'n' sleazy
Nice 'n' sleazy does it
Nice 'n' sleazy does it
Nice 'n' sleazy does it
Does it every time
The Stranglers's song "Nice n' Sleazy" is a vivid reflection of life on the edge, with lyrics that describe a group of people navigating an uncertain world with nothing but their instincts to guide them. The opening lines speak of a journey across uncharted waters, with the travelers using their hands as a compass to steer them towards their destination. This metaphorical image of a "dry tree seeking water" or a "daughter" searching for guidance sets the tone for the rest of the song, as we see the characters in the song searching for meaning and purpose in their lives.
As the song progresses, we are introduced to an angelic figure who speaks of brotherhood and the pleasures of life - wine, women, and song - as well as the importance of writing one's own chapter in history. The lyrics suggest that this figure represents a kind of liberation from the mundane existence that the other characters are trapped in, and that following his advice leads to a life that is "nice 'n' sleazy" but ultimately fulfilling.
Musically, "Nice n' Sleazy" features a driving bassline and pounding drums that perfectly capture the urgency and restlessness of the lyrics. The guitar riffs and keyboard flourishes give the song a distinctly 80s feel, while the chorus of "Nice 'n' sleazy does it" is a simple yet effective hook that will be stuck in your head for days.
Line by Line Meaning
We came across the west sea
We embarked on a journey across the sea from the west
We didn't have much idea of the
We were not sure what to expect
Kind of climate waiting
What the weather would be like when we got there
We used our hands for guidance
We relied on ourselves as there was no one to help us
Like the children of a preacher
We were like the pastor's children who have to always walk the straight and narrow
Like a dry tree seeking water
We were looking for something that would fuel us, something that will help us move forward
Or a daughter
A reference to women who are always seeking something new and exciting
Nice 'n' sleazy
Life can be good and bad simultaneously
Nice 'n' sleazy does it
It is okay for life to have ups and downs
An angel came from outside
Someone came from another place
Had no halo had no father
This person was not a traditional religious figurehead
With a coat of many colours
They had a personality that could not be defined by one thing
He spoke of brothers many
They talked about having lots of friends and likes socializing
Wine and women song a plenty
They liked to indulge in life's pleasures and enjoyed singing about it
He began to write a chapter
They started a new phase of their life's journey
In history
This chapter will be remembered by future generations
Does it every time
Life will always have its challenges and joys
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN JOHN DUFFY, DAVID GREENFIELD, HUGH ALAN CORNWELL, JEAN JACQUES BURNEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind