Nosferatu is a 1979 album by the Stranglers‘ Hugh Cornwell and Robert Williams, who was a drummer in Captain Beefheart‘s Magic Band. The album cover features a still from F.W. Murnau‘s 1921 film of the same name. The album is dedicated to the memory of Max Schreck. The inner sleeve features song lyrics on one side and a lifesize Hannya Mask (by K.Kaneko) on the other. One track is named after Japanese monster Mothra.
‘Guest’ musicians on the album include Ian Underwood from Frank Zappa‘s band and David Walldroop. Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh of the band Devo play on the song “Rhythmic Itch”, and “Wrong Way Round” features a cameo from Ian Dury as a fairground barker (listed as “Duncan Poundcake” on the album credits). Members of The Clash sang banking vocals on the track ‘Puppets’
Hugh Cornwell was advised to start a solo career in case of The Stranglers breaking up due to the end of the punk rock scene. A cover version of Cream’s “White Room” was the only single to be released from the album. “Wired” was included on the Stranglers’ “Don’t Bring Harry” EP.
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