The Stranglers - Rattus Norvegicus

12 year-old me played (my sister's copy of) this LP to death. I know every second of music and every inch of the sleeve intimately.

Yep, I know many of the lyrics are just embarrassing.

Yep, I know it's essentially a prog-rock album, with added sneers.

Yep, I know it sounds like The fucking Doors at times.

Yep, I know the opening track sounds like a punked-up Moondance.

But Hugh Cornwell's guitar sound is *chef's kiss*.

And Jean-Jacques Burnel's bass sound, changed bass sounds forever.

And it takes me back to being 12 again.