Epic obviously had the rabid Stranglers fan (the sort who would purchase a paper bag with the band-logo on it, to add to their collection) in mind when they produced these records. With this sort of devotion, picture-discs were sure to be a fast-seller.

The following are those released in the UK:

7" Singles

"European Female"/"Savage Breast"

Catalogue Number: EPCA 11 2893; Year: 1982

This record has an out-of-focus image of a "European Female" on the front, and a cartoon of the band on the reverse-side. It is pressed on a standard 7" piece of vinyl.

"No Mercy"/"In One Door"

Catalogue Number: WA 4921; Year: 1984

A 7" track cut in the middle of a piece of vinyl which has been cut to follow the shape of the enclosed picture. The image is that of the famous "Aural Sculpture" ear, from the album of the same name.

The reverse side has the band-photo from the normal single-sleeve.

"Nice in Nice"/"Since You Went Away"

Catalogue Number: 650055.0; Year: 1986

Another shaped picture-disc, this offering features a pair of hand-cuffs. As the single-title suggests, this graphic was inspired by the 198? arrest and inprisonment of the band (in Nice, France) on charges of inciting a riot during the ill-fated concert at the local university.

The reverse side shows the band picture used on the reverse side of the regular 7" and 12" release sleeves. The lyrics to "Nice in Nice" are also provided.

"Always the Sun"/"Normal Normal"

Catalogue Number: SOLAR P1; Year: 1986

A 7" track on shaped vinyl, which itself reaches 11" in diameter, making this a very impressive item. The front of this record features the same rendering of a Mayan sun-god image (printed in gold and black) as used on the cover of the regular (7" and 12") releases of this single.

The reverse side provides lyrics for "Always the Sun".

"Big in America"/"Dry Day"

Catalogue Number: HUGE P1; Year: 1986

Known as the "Big Burger Disc", this is another impressive (if not rather silly) offering. The cover on the regular releases featured a montage of images from the A-side track, and the US in general. These images are repeated here, only placed inside a burger-bun (plus lettuce, tomato, etc.).

The reverse side has lyrics to "Big in America", on a red, white and blue background.

"Shakin' Like a Leaf"/"Hitman"

Catalogue Number: SHEIK P1; Year: 1987

The front of this disc depicts a portable TV set. The screen shows images from "Shakin' Like a Leaf".

The reverse side provides lyrics to "Shakin' Like a Leaf", on a cloudy background.

"All Day and All of the Night"/"Viva Vlad"

Catalogue Number: VICE P1; Year: 1987

An uncensored version of the sleeve artwork from the 7" and 12" singles, featuring a "house of ill repute" with various images in the windows. This artwork was inspired by allegations of impropriety by a member of the British Conservative Government and replaced an earlier version which featured the prostitute in question (and was recalled by Epic prior to release).

No lyrics or further images are provided on the reverse.

Albums

"Dreamtime" (at left)

Catalogue Number: EPC 11 26648; Year: 1986

"Ten" (at right)

Catalogue Number: 466483; Year: 1990

Nothing overly remarkable about these issues, which feature the artwork from the regular album releases transposed directly onto picture-discs.

CDs

"96 Tears"/"Instead of This"/"Poisonality"

Catalogue Number: TEARS P1; Year: 1990

Now, this surely represents major marketing overkill, transfering the gimmick of picture-discs to the newer CD technology! As if watching a vinyl picture-disc spin at 45 rpm wasn't disturbing enough.