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/
Uptown
The Stranglers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gotta change my situation
I'm gonna pick a steed who's been built for speed
Who's a flat-racing sensation
I'm racing Uptown gotta saddle up
So I take my seat I'm off to the meet
Don't know when I'm getting back
I don't care who wins as the race begins
I'm racing Uptown gotta saddle up
I'm racing Uptown gotta win that cup
We're all meeting at the track uptown
We're all meeting at the track uptown
I'm racing Uptown gotta saddle up
I'm racing Uptown gotta win that cup
You gotta rein in strong if the race is long
You'll be hoping for a place
Can you believe your luck
You're uptown and stuck
But every jockey won the race
We're all meeting at the track uptown
We're all meeting at the track uptown
I'm racing Uptown gotta saddle up
I'm racing Uptown gotta win that cup
The Stranglers' song "Uptown" is a fast-paced, energetic track that expresses the desire to escape from one's current situation and seek thrills in a high-stakes horse race. The lyrics portray the singer's eagerness to hit the racecourse, where he plans to select a speedy steed and compete against other jockeys in pursuit of the coveted cup.
The song is full of imagery related to horse racing, using terms such as "saddle up," "built for speed," and "rein in strong" to create a vivid picture of the race track. The singer is focused solely on the excitement of the race, claiming that he doesn't care who wins as the competition begins. This suggests a desire for instant gratification and the need for a temporary escape from reality - a common theme in many punk and post-punk songs from the late 70s and early 80s.
The repetition of the phrase "We're all meeting at the track uptown" reinforces the sense of community and shared experience that comes with attending a sporting event. It also adds to the overall feeling of anticipation and adrenaline that the song conveys.
Overall, "Uptown" can be interpreted as an anthem for those who seek adventure and excitement, even if it means taking risks and stepping out of their comfort zones.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna grab my crop gonna grab my hat
I'm preparing to go horse racing by grabbing my riding crop and hat.
Gotta change my situation
I need a change, so I'm going horse racing to escape my current circumstances.
I'm gonna pick a steed who's been built for speed
I am going to choose a fast horse that is designed for racing.
Who's a flat-racing sensation
I want a horse that is known for being excellent at flat racing.
I'm racing Uptown gotta saddle up
I'm excited to participate in the horse race uptown, so I'm getting ready to ride my horse.
So I take my seat I'm off to the meet
I am mounting my horse and heading to the horse racing event.
Don't know when I'm getting back
I'm not sure how long the horse race will last, so it's unclear when I'll return.
I don't care who wins as the race begins
I'm not too concerned about the outcome of the race because I'm enjoying the experience as it starts.
It's a pleasure at the track
Being at the horse racing track is a fun experience.
I'm racing Uptown gotta win that cup
Although I'm having a good time, I still want to win the cup at the horse racing event uptown.
We're all meeting at the track uptown
Everyone is gathering at the horse racing track uptown.
You gotta rein in strong if the race is long
In a long race, you have to control your horse well, so it doesn't tire out too quickly.
You'll be hoping for a place
If you can't win, you'll settle for a good finish or placing in the race.
Can you believe your luck
It can be a stroke of fortune to just participate in a horse race uptown.
You're uptown and stuck
Although the racing event is enjoyable, you may become trapped at the location.
But every jockey won the race
This line is likely sarcastic or ironic, suggesting that no one actually won the race.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JET BLACK, HUGH CORNWELL, DAVID GREENFIELD, JEAN JACQUES BURNEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind