Favourite Al*** by the Fall

I've only ever owned Grotesque, so that has to be my fave!

Nigel

I am shamed into saying I have never owned any - nor ever listened to much more than the odd track on the radio. I never really understood John Peel's ardent love for them.

Ah, "Slates".

"Hex" is my fave though. Mind you the Rough Trafe singles box and the Peel box are rather good. Fall since around 1989 has been mostly poor and entirely predictable IMO. Look at those recent photos. Man talking to himself in pub anyone?

I know what you mean, Mike. I can't remember what came after "Bend Sinister" but that's the point when I stopped religiously tracking new Fall releases. I'll report back on the new album after I've played it - as I say, the online samples sounded promising - certainly more experimental, and better produced than their last few efforts.

CD shipment has been delayed getting to NZ. Grrr.

Can't wait though as the cuts I've heard sound like it's a really strong album...

Favs, in no order -
Hex
Grotesque
Slates
Witch Trials

Long live MES.

It's always early to mid period Fall for me although I still buy the odd new one if the reviews persuade me to enquire further. My top three are (in no order):-

The Frenz Experiment
This Nations Saving Grace
Perverted by Language

Anyone else read M E Smith's "autobiography"?

Have a good one

Ron

Witch Trials is the only one I've ever heard so keen to get some recommendations.

My top 3:

This Nations Saving Grace
Hex Enduction Hour
Slates

The new cd is very good and it is a "return to form". I will also recommend the book The Fallen: Life in and Out of Britain's Most Insane Group by Dave Simpson.Dave Simpson has spent two years of his life tracking down everyone who has ever played in The Fall. You can buy it from gbp. 1.43

quote:

Originally posted by ROTF:
Witch Trials is the only one I've ever heard so keen to get some recommendations.

Grotesque, Slates, and Hex Enduction Hour would be a good start. Then try This Nation's Saving Grace and Bend Sinister.

Thanks

Grotesque is certainly one of their best, as is 'Hex'. I seem to be the only one who likes 'Room to Live'. And don't rule out the live albums: 27 Points is pure gold.

Regards, Willem

Yes, I've read MES's book Renegade.

Great read if you like MES's sensibilities.

And being a NZ'er, I'm always fascinated in stories about growing up in the UK, esp. life Up North.

Found them through The Tube around the time of This Nation's Saving Grace. The other albums I have are: Bend Sinister, Frenz Experiment and a singles collection; I'd choose Bend Sinister from the three 'studio' LPs.

Ha, Brix Smith is on TV as I type.

Cheers,
OW

First listen to the new one. It sounds like a cut or two above their recent efforts, but falls short of being a "stunning return to form". The greater degree of experimentation is welcome, but it still feels heavy and relentless compared with Grotesque, or DraGnet. I'm sure some people will love it though.

May I recommend the compilation '50,000 Fall Fans Can't Be Wrong'? When it came out, it covered their entire catalogue and contains all their gems (which there are a great many, both singles and album tracks).

Also useful liner notes giving a brief write up of the albums should you wish to explore further. This would be a good starting point for someone who wished to expore the wonderful music of the Fall.

Thoroughly recommended. Try this one first ROTF.

Ghettoyout'.

quote:

First listen to the new one. It sounds like a cut or two above their recent efforts, but falls short of being a "stunning return to form". The greater degree of experimentation is welcome, but it still feels heavy and relentless compared with Grotesque, or DraGnet. I'm sure some people will love it though.

Just had my first listen to the album tonight and i totally agree.

Overall, it sounds almost too good production wise...

My absolute "fave" - the first album I ever bought by The Fall, originally on 10" vinyl. I think it is probably almost worn out, the amount of plays it had back in the day! I notice it is now available on CD. 6 of their finest together in one place.

Mark

Been listening to Witch Trials, Dragnet and Grotesque - beginning to like this lot a lot.

Grotesque, followed by Slates. Brilliant stuff - they don't make 'em like that any more (not even The Fall). Of the latter ones I think Extricate is the best.

Interesting that out of the squillions of albums The Fall have recorded, the same ones keep coming up.