Love 30

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"Love 30" is the B-side to The Stranglers' hit song "Golden Brown", featuring 4 minutes of bass and various shouts of what sounds like "Out!" in the background. Enthusiastic fans of the band have occasionally suggested that this track was underrated at its time of release because it (necessarily) coincided with the release of the A-Side, "Golden Brown" . However, despite this the track has not since been re-released. Most recently, Love 30 was requested by some avid fans of the band at the 'Wickerman Festival' in Scotland, July 2005.

[edit] Bootleg flexi

The track was released on a bootleg Russian flexi on the BudKon label (an unofficial record label which has released hundreds of limited-edition mono flexis by various artists, including many Stranglers songs) [1]

The cover of this flexi has been a subject of debate amongst followers of the band[citation needed]. The decision to depict a cow eating in a field, rather than something more obviously linked to the title 'Love 30' (for example, Tennis), has raised questions over the true nature of the B-side. However, it should be noted that many of these flexidisks have covers irrelevant to the content of the song, such as the cover art to the bootleg issue of Ice, showing a picture of a noose. [2]

It has even been suggested[citation needed] that the track refers more to 'Love' (in the emotional sense) around the age of 30; a point in one's life when much is reconsidered. Rather like 'Golden Brown', which despite its bouncy melody is reportedly an ironic look at the use and abuse of the drug Heroin, 'Love 30' can be considered on a number of levels.

[edit] CD issue

Love 30, since its 7-Inch roots, has been transferred to Compact Disc; featuring on the bonus disc to 'La Folies' alongside similar classics - although notably not making it to the main disc alongside its partner Golden Brown and songs such as 'Vietnamerica'. This track is one of the few Strangler songs not to feature vocals by any of the band. The apparent shouts of 'Out!' come from little-known 80s artist Martin Talbot, who never shared in the later fame of the band due to his only minor involvement. Talbot also appeared in many little known B-sides throughout the 80s, because he never managed to break through into the mainstream. He has chosen to step out of the spotlight and concentrate in a career in the adult industry. Information is now limited on Talbot due to the former artist wanting to focus only on his current career.

[edit] Criticism

There has been criticism of Love 30 by certain groups[citation needed], who have often claimed[citation needed] it as an over simplified ballad released in haste to be partnered with 'Golden Brown'. The Stranglers have since stated[citation needed] that they make every effort on every track they write and as a result Love 30 continues to be adored by fans despite the critics.