one queer thing: "golden brown" by the stranglers

our very first oddity: an experimental track that bends genres

Sorry, y’all. One of my red flags is that I like this kind of Facebook boomer-ass type of meme sometimes. Thanks, Brooke Hampton of the Facebooks. You a real homie.

hey everyone,

welcome to the second installment of "one queer thing," a thursday series where we celebrate the strange, the wonderful, and the lesser-known gems that resonate with the spirit of queerness!

but let’s get one thing clear—when i say "queer," i am channeling the profound definition offered by the brilliant bell hooks:

“'queer' not as being about who you're having sex with (that can be a dimension of it); but 'queer' as being about the self that is at odds with everything around it and that has to invent and create and find a place to speak and to thrive and to live.”

this series is about embracing that spirit of being at odds with the norm, about finding beauty and meaning in the unconventional, and about celebrating the creativity that springs from living authentically.

this will be a space for the misfits, the dreamers, and the innovators who refuse to be confined by societal expectations.

it’s for anyone who has ever felt like they had to invent their own place in the world and who continues to do so with passion and resilience.

this week’s queer thing: the track "golden brown" by the stranglers

Source: Wikipedia.

"golden brown" by the stranglers is a hidden gem that blends baroque pop, rock, and a touch of new wave.

released in 1981, this track stands out with its harpsichord riff and enigmatic lyrics. the stranglers are known for their punk rock roots, but "golden brown" showcases their experimental side, creating a sound that’s both timeless and delightfully strange.

the song’s hypnotic rhythm and unique instrumentation transport you to a different era. it’s a track that feels out of place yet perfectly in tune with its own weirdness. the lyrics add an extra layer of mystery and intrigue.

there's something incredibly captivating about how the track manages to be both eerie and beautiful at the same time. it’s a perfect example of how art that is at odds with the mainstream can carve out its own space and thrive.

for us harm reduction anti-drug girlies, i think “golden brown” is a metaphor for heroin. not the best, but ugh, this is still so good.

as we continue this series, i’ll be creating a running playlist of all the queer things i share, especially the songs.

each track will be a testament to the power of authenticity and the beauty of the unconventional.

you can find this evolving playlist on spotify, under the title “one queer thing.” it’s my way of sharing the journey with you, one track at a time.

give "golden brown" a listen on spotify, and let yourself be enchanted by its unusual charm.

it’s a queer, wonderful ride that’s worth every second. and don’t forget to check out the playlist, where this track and many more will be waiting to inspire and delight you.

until next week, keep it queer!

happy listening,

edgard