The Stranglers “The Stranglers” 1977. 4-song 7″ EP on marbled pink vinyl. The writing on the back sleeve is delightful: “THIS is the Stranglers’ first EP. (The initials ‘EP’ stand for ‘extended play,’ which means you get four songs on a seven-inch platter, and you spin it at 331/3 revolutions-per-minute.) Two of the tracks contained herein – ‘Hanging Around’ and ‘(Get a) Grip (on Yourself)’ – originally appeared on Rattus Norvegicus, the Stranglers’ first album. ‘Something Better Change’ is a key tune on the second album, No More Heroes. Last but not least is ‘Straighten Out,’ which does not appear on either album. It goes without saying that this EP should be played as loudly as conditions permit. NOTE: This EP has a special label; viewing the lable while the record is revolving may result in slight dizziness (especially if record is rotated at speeds in excess of 78 rpm).” (I played it at normal speed and can confidently say I did not get dizzy.)

The Stranglers have been around for, like, ever, having formed in 1974 as a pub rock band and then were propelled to commercial success with the rise of punk rock in the mid-70′s, opening for the Ramones and Patti Smith while they toured the UK. “(Get a) Grip (On Yourself)” was their first single, hitting #44 on the UK charts and “Something Better Change” hit #9 (this single was a double A-side with “Straighten Out” in the UK and was also released with “No More Heroes” as its B-side.)