Suite Xvi [Import]

Stranglers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 18, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI Europe Generic
• ASIN: B000GG4T3W
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #236,660 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The 2006 Opus from the Band that was Named Best Punk Band in the UK (Over Media Sensations the Sex Pistols). This Album Marks the Beginning of "Stranglers Mk Iii", Following the Very Amicable Departure of Lead Singer Paul Roberts. Vocal Duties Are Now Shared by Founding Bassist Jean-jacques Burnell and Guitarist Baz Warne. The Menininblack also Return to the EMI Fold Where They Began their Journey Over 30 Years Prior and Keep the Darkness Perpetuated with their Unique Brand of Aggressive Rock.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All Hail The Meninblack !, February 12, 2007

By 

Vincent Priceless (Glen Cove, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suite Xvi (Audio CD)

Less in more - now that it's "The Stranglers four" again - everything you loved about the vintage Stranglers sound is here, and then some...JJ's growling bass & vocals, Dave Greenfield's swirling, analogue keys, Jet Black's muscular, drum-machine-on-steroids drumming, and newest member Baz Warne's edgy Telecaster twang? Dare I say it's enough to make H.C. proud - plus those great Stranglers harmonies & a healthy dose of old-school punk attitude too - all add up to this record being a refreshing blast of rock & roll! Take some of the aggression of "Black & White", the psychedelia of "The Raven" & mix with a dash of "Dreamtime" melody, and you just might begin to get a feel for some of the music here, at least that's my initial impression, though this record is still growing on me. Lots to listen to here...old fans of the band will not be disappointed...and to those new comers? All I can say is, if this were the first album by one of those dime-a-dozen "punk" bands of today, the media would be hailing this as an album for the ages.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Stranglers' best ever?, October 14, 2006

By 

Dean W. (Kansas City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suite Xvi (Audio CD)

I want to start off by saying I have NO idea why the Stranglers are virtually unknown in America. There are so many of their songs and albums that I listen to and think, "I just know other people would love this." Suite XVI could be one of the greatest CDs of 2006, and most of America will never hear it. This saddens me.

I didn't know what to expect from Suite XVI. As mentioned previously, lead singer Paul Roberts is gone. I was very happy that the band elected not to replace him (how could you find a replacement for Paul Roberts?). But I also wasn't sure if it would be the same with JJ and Baz sharing vocal duties.

Well ... suffice it to say they've got it covered! The opening salvo is "Unbroken" and "Spectre of Love" (the first single). Both these tunes are classic Stranglers. "Summat Outanowt" is in a similar vein. JJ's bass playing on this track is indescribable--it's some of his finest work since "Down In The Sewer." "See Me Coming" is one of the highlights, in my opinion--truly a kickass song. But after that comes "Bless You (Save You, Spare You, Damn You)" which has to be in the all-time top 10 greatest Stranglers songs ever written. It's a gorgeous ballad and features some "Golden Brown"-esque harpsichord from Dave and bluesy guitar work from Baz. Absolutely beautiful.

I was a little skeptical when I first read reviews that said this album was better than "Norfolk Coast," because that was an amazing comeback album. But I have to agree--Suite XVI blows it away! That's not speaking ill of "Norfolk Coast" or Paul Roberts; it's a testament to what an amazing band the Stranglers are. If you're not familiar with them, do yourself a favor and listen to as much of their music as you can (starting right here!).

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Return Of The Stranglers, May 3, 2008

By 

Mike B. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suite Xvi (Audio CD)

The most unexpected surprise of 2006 was the Stranglers CD "Suite XVI". Like many fans, I hadn't given them much thought after Hugh's departure in 1990.

If you're new to the band, that would be lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Hugh Cornwell. He had dominated the group for 10 albums (starting with 1977's "IV Rattus Norvegicus"), and they were one of the best bands ever. To replace him was unthinkable, but that's what they did. Who could possibly fill such big shoes? I'm sorry to say that I didn't even try to find out - I just assumed they weren't as good anymore.

Then a friend gave me their 2004 CD "Norfolk Coast". It was a strong effort, and about 2/3rd's of a good album. I was intrigued enough to buy the next one myself. "Suite XVI" is their 16th studio album and 100% fantastic - no bad songs.

All the signature sounds are here. The 3 remaining original members have never been better. Before I mention the others, I want to single out Dave Greenfield. If you play keyboards or enjoy listening to them, you simply must acquaint yourself with this master. His playing is as integral to the Stranglers sound as Ray Manzarek's was to the Doors. There's no imagining these pieces without him. With 30-odd years experience, I think he's become the number one greatest rock keyboardist of all time. Bar none. No one can touch him. As for the other two, Jean Jacques Burnel's bass is typically forceful, and Jet Black pounds the drums with youthful vigor. Burnel sings more than he used to, and shares vocal responsibilities with snarling Cornwell sound-a-like (and new recruit) Baz Warne. Warne is guitarist, too. Both sound terrific, and the songs are first rate.

The Stranglers may have started as a punk band, but they soon became more than that. As the years progressed they became as polished as Roxy Music, and amassed more British and European hit singles than any of their contemporaries. To chart their evolution, look into their "greatest hits" CD "Peaches". "Suite XVI" features a nice balance of songs - some fast and punky, and others more smooth and slow.

I still can't get over how good it is. If you're an old fan who lost track and gave up on them - trust me, you need to have this. If you're a newcomer, check this out - and then buy their first 6 albums!