Live (X Cert) cover

Live (X Cert)

The Stranglers

69 min · 18 tracks · new wave

A raw and energetic live performance that captures the anarchic spirit of punk and new wave in the late 1970s.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    (Get a) Grip (On Yourself) Start here — Opening the album, this track sets an electrifying tone with its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics about societal disillusionment, making it emblematic of their punk ethos.
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    Hanging Around — This song exemplifies The Stranglers' signature blend of catchy melodies and cynical commentary, reflecting both their musical style and lyrical boldness.
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    I Feel Like a Wog — A provocative track that showcases the band's willingness to tackle controversial themes, its punchy delivery and defiant attitude resonate strongly within the punk landscape.
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    Do You Wanna? / Death and Night and Blood (Yukio) — This extended track combines a sense of urgency with darkly whimsical lyrics, illustrating The Stranglers' unique ability to fuse humor with existential themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album captures The Stranglers' raw energy and improvisational style, making it a distinctive live document of its era.

What we noticed

  • The album features a raw sound with minimal production, capturing the energy of live performances without studio enhancements.
  • Tracks often blend into one another, with abrupt transitions that maintain the momentum and intensity of the performance.
  • Vocals are delivered with urgency, often overlapping with instrumental sections, emphasizing the chaotic spirit of punk.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • high-energy live performance vibes
  • raw sound with biting wit
  • dynamic pacing throughout album
  • engaging sing-along moments
  • wave-like emotional shifts

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer polished studio recordings
  • seek predictable song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Captures the raw energy of The Stranglers' live performances, beloved by dedicated fans.
Themes
societal disillusionment· punk rock defiance· controversial commentary
Career context
Released in 1979, 'Live (X Cert)' arrived after The Stranglers' breakthrough with their debut album, 'Rattus Norvegicus', which established them as key figures in the UK punk scene. By this point, they had solidified their reputation for provocative lyrics and a distinctive sound that blended punk with elements of new wave and rock.
New to The Stranglers? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 (Get a) Grip (On Yourself) Start here 4:08
  • 2 Dagenham Dave 3:29
  • 3 Burning Up Time 3:26
  • 4 Dead Ringer 3:03
  • 5 Hanging Around 4:41
  • 6 I Feel Like a Wog 3:32
  • 7 Straighten Out 2:52
  • 8 Curfew 3:47
  • 9 Do You Wanna? / Death and Night and Blood (Yukio) 5:38
  • 10 5 Minutes 4:33
  • 11 Go Buddy Go 5:40
  • 12 Peasant in the Big Shitty 3:38
  • 13 In the Shadows 4:25
  • 14 Sometimes 4:46
  • 15 Mean to Me 2:20
  • 16 London Lady 2:18
  • 17 Goodbye Toulouse 3:09
  • 18 Hanging Around (Different version) 4:01

What to play next

No More Heroes
Listen next

No More Heroes

1977

Continues the punk energy with a raw edge, building on the live performance vibe.
Rattus Norvegicus
Go back to

Rattus Norvegicus

1977

Sets the stage for the band's energetic style and themes explored in Live (X Cert).
Full The Stranglers discography Where to start with The Stranglers Artists like The Stranglers
new wave

If this landed

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Another Music in a Different Kitchen

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Buzzcocks

Combines energetic punk sound with sharp lyrical commentary on relationships and disillusionment.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata