Stranglers – Scruffy Theory

Song of the Day (The Chain): The Stranglers – Golden Brown

Day 21. As discussed in yesterdays post, Massive Attack’s Angel was featured memorably in the soundtrack for the Guy Ritchie move Snatch. While looking at what else is on the soundtrack for todays entry, I couldn’t choose anything other than Golden Brown by The Stranglers. Mainly in tribute to keyboardist Dave Greenfield who sadly passed away back in May.

Golden Brown is an unusual song with a strangely baroque feel. The composition is centred around a looping harpsichord riff, eccentric time signature (3/4 but every fourth bar is in 4/4) & lyrics dealing with addiction, desperation & dependency. An unusual radio & chart hit, it appeared on Top Of The Pops & reaching number 2 in the UK Pop charts.

Golden Brown texture like sun
Lays me down with my mind she runs
Throughout the night
No need to fight
Never a frown with Golden Brown
Every time just like the last
On her ship tied to the mast
To distant lands
Takes both my hands
Never a frown with Golden Brown
Golden Brown, finer temptress
Through the ages she’s heading west
From far away
Stays for a day
Never a frown with Golden Brown
(La la la la la la la la leeeah)
Never a frown
With Golden Brown
Never a frown
With Golden Brown

Keep up to date with the Song of the Day (The Chain) Spotify playlist.

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RIP Stranglers keyboard player, Dave Greenfield

Dave Greenfield, keyboard player with the Strangers has died at 71, after testing positive for Covid-19.

His band members paid tribute to him.

On the evening of Sunday May 3rd, my great friend and longstanding colleague of 45 years, the musical genius that was Dave Greenfield, passed away as one of the victims of the Great Pandemic of 2020.
All of us in the worldwide Stranglers’ family grieve and send our sincerest condolences to [Greenfield’s wife] Pam.
Jean-Jacques “JJ” Burnel, Bassist

We have just lost a dear friend and music genius, and so has the whole world.
Dave was a complete natural in music. Together, we toured the globe endlessly and it was clear he was adored by millions. A huge talent, a great loss, he is dearly missed.
Jet Black, Drummer

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Dave Greenfield. He was the difference between The Stranglers and every other punk band. His musical skill and gentle nature gave an interesting twist to the band.
Hugh Cornwell, Singer/Guitarist

Greenfield’s organ and keyboard playing gave the Stranglers a unique sound among the furore of three chord, guitar/bass/drums punk combos crowding the late ’70’s music industry, prompting comparisons to ’60’s psyche-rockers The Doors.

Greenfield wrote the bands biggest hit, Golden Brown, which reached #2 in the UK charts in 1982.

Hs impressive and energetic playing can be seen and heard on this Top of the Pops performance of another hit single, No More Heroes.

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