THE FALL
The Real New Fall LP (Narnack)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Almost forgot about the Fall. My mistake. Seems Mark E. Smith is not only still at it, but still has IT: surly, subversive, thinking bloke's punk with a gyrating beat spun in a uniquely hypnotizing manner no one has been able to duplicate let alone approach. It's easy to wander aimlessly through the massive discography (there's my excuse) which ranges from the utterly brilliant to ploddingly repetitious, but the gems generally outnumber the duds, and each release should be greeted with due respect. This one actually deserves it. Smith is in fine straitjacketted form, barking up a storm whilst the band (of the ever revolving door variety yet somehow always consistently punchy) play as if their lives are at stake - this may not be such a stretch with Smith at the helm. Amid the rousing rock there's even a beautiful ballad reminiscent of The Stranglers' "Golden Brown" ("Janet and Johnny"), and a nice cover of Lee Hazelwood's "Houston" for the old farts. Thanks.

© 2004 - John Sekerka