Reviews (page 2 of 7)
"This Nation's Saving Grace" is the eighth studio album by English post-punk band the Fall. The album is noted for its pop sensibilities, guitar hooks and John Leckie's accessible production. I'll agree to that. There was also a change in that guitarists Brix Smith and Craig Scanlon wrote most of the riffs as opposed to bassist Steve Henley who quit and then rejoined the band. Other bandmembers included group leader Mark E. Smith (vocals, violin, guitar, harmonica), Karl Burns (drums, backing vocals) and Simon Rodgers (keyboards, guitar, bass, electronic drums and backing vocals). Commercially, the album hit #54 in the UK and, critically, received lots of high praise. The album opens with the instrumental "Mansion." Eerie layered guitars, a prominent bass and loud drums. This sets the tone for the album. The prominent, forward bass continues in "Bombast." Add guitar slashes and Mark E. Smith's screaming and we're in post-punk heaven. Mark wants to "bring wrath to bastards idiots." I read one of them is Lloyd Cole. The band gets a hypnotic beat going in "What You Need." Guitar slashes. When this song came on I thought I had put on Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus." Very similar sounding. Mark actually had lived in and hated LA so they made a song named "L.A." They get a really groove going here. Brix on lead vocals. Mark also joins in making various random noises. This song has an anxious, nervous vibe. Oh, yeah, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers must have been in the studio during the recording. The most pop song on the album is "Paint Work." Acoustic guitar, bass and drums. And now, I hear the Pixies. Mark with scream of conscious lyrics, similar to Black Francis. An interesting song with home recordings mixed with the studio ones. "I am Damo Suzuki" is a fitting tribute to the Can vocalist with the same name. Eerie guitar keys, rumbling bass and idiosyncratic drum beats. I guess it's never a bad idea to throw in a little Can to the the album. Within two songs, I was like wow!, this is a really great sounding and probably a very important 80's album. I was right and the album got even better. Bass-forward, rockin' beats and grooves, catchy hooks, post-punk guitar riffs and slashes and, of course, the Mark E. Smith factor which gives it that weirdness factor from the lyrics and vocals to take it to the next level...this time in a good way. I heard a lot of other bands in their music including LCD Soundsystem, the Pixies, Depeche Mode and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. So, they were/are a very influential band. This is a fantastic album and I give it a very high recommendation.
This album goes so hard it actually managed to cut through my anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation for a few minutes.
Merry Christmas! Here’s one of the Fall’s best albums!
Yeah. This is really, really good. It’s one of this albums that started out with me liking and thinking “Ok, this is a 4 album.” As it went up, it grew on me even more. I was initially not excited it was an hour, but now I’m OK with it.
Those opening tracks are generational. I really like the way they write songs. The bands that came to mind when listening to this were Sonic Youth and Women. Favorite song: Paintwork Least Favorite song: Couldn’t Get Ahead
Something about Mark E Smith is just so.....entrancing. I mean, dude is pretty much just ranting into the mic with some killer post-punk instrumentation, and on this album is works out beautifully well. What a great listen
It's madness to try and define the best ever Fall album, but this one would be in most people's top five. The balance between Brix-imported poppiness and earlier groove and noise is pretty perfect.
A key album from The Fall. Mark E Smith and company had their footprint fully formed at this point. If you want to start with their long catalog, this is your album. 4.5/5
This rules. Very 80's. Proto pop punk with a tinge of The Cure? Whatever it is, I want more of it.
Good ol fall
Immediately struck by how influential this is. Elements of Radiohead, Blur, The Sugarcubes and The Pixies just in the first few songs. I remember there being a lot of critical acclaim and reverence for this band, but they almost never got airplay. So nice to get the opportunity to see what the fuss was about. This is very interesting. Their relaxed and irreverent vibe is a smokescreen for what is truly sophisticated music arrangement. Eclectic and different. This is very compelling. Not built for pop singles. Artistic and experimental, without being up its own ass. Very good.
„If it’s me and your granny on bongos it’s The Fall“ - Mark E. Smith (Legend)
Sweet! Det her er en overset punk perle. Der er så mange fede greb brugt, at den slet ikke følelse dateret. Jeg får associationer til Bonaparte, og Fidlar, men bare britisk. I starten nåede jeg lige at tænke: "Det her lyder som mild Duck Stab." Det her en en lille 5er så jeg helt sikkert vender tilbage.
Mark E Smith. Genius. RIP
Finally, The Fall album you need to select for a such a list. From post-punk scorchers (still rough around the edges, admittedly) to garage-rock-inspired excursions, from the catchy mock-synth pop of "L.A." to the full-blown delirium of "I Am Damo Suzuki" (a tribute of sorts to Can), Mark E. Smith goes to places his early fans didn't imagine him going, while preserving the abrasive, loony and somewhat disgruntled essence of his life project. The melodicism on the "pre-indie", borderline-folk cuts on the second side ("My New House" and "Paintwork") is also surprising and quite impressive, especially since it never waters down The Fall's true nature, once again. Of course, The Fall is The Fall, and as such it remains an acquired taste. That said, the short Brix-Smith-composed instrumental "Mansion" opening this LP will probably have a Pavlovian effect on many post-punk fans. What directly follows is admittedly filled with strange hairpin curves, but young (at the time) producer John Leckie--who had already guided Magazine into their *Real Life*, and later on production duties for famous records by The Stone Roses, Radiohead and Muse (!)--is here to make sense out of the mess. So even if you think The Fall is not for your ears, don't let yourself be daunted by the loose proceedings on the first side. This album really hits its stride with the fifth cut, "Spoilt Victorian Child", and if you like the latter, chances are that the music will never let you down after that. Because *This Nation's Saving Grace* is the sort of record that builds up its crazy-yet-inspiring artistry from one track to the next. There's a bit of everything for every weirdo out there. And yet the whole shebang is cohesive as f*ck. 4.5 stars out of 5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to the maximum grade. 9.5/10 for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: 136 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 371 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 219 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 278
Loved it!
Yep.
Spoilt Victorian child spoilt Victorian child spoilt Victorian child. Just great discordant grumpy joy.
Good beat, punk rock that's not too angry, I like it!
The Fall are out there!
The first time I listened to this, I was unsure as to how much I liked it--I knew that I did, but I was not sure if it was approaching a favorite status. The second time, I am positive that I love this. It reminds me of a UK Double Nickels on the Dime, which is an interesting statement for a post-punk band. The ending of this album is so, so good. Favorite track: Gut of the Quantifier
Loved it
it's got some real pop chops but it's kinda punk combined with avant/art rock lyrical musings that aren't really sung as they are declared. Some songs kind of remind me of Velvet Underground. So many catchy riffs... I really like it! Rollin' Dany is one song tha comes close to a conventional song, kind of sounds psychobilly. Other faves are Spoilt Victorian Child, L.A. Gut of the Quantifier, Paintwork, and I Am Damo Suzuki.
The Fall strikes again. It's hard to miss with dark, moody, British post-punk - especially with the bass mixed all the way up.
I've loved post-punk since I was like 13 but it took me until my mid-twenties to "get" the Fall. They grow on you until you wish every band sounded like them.
Guitar hooks for days! One of my absolute favorite Fall albums. At least 5 songs on the album get stuck in my head every time I listen to it. I’m definitely a fan.
Clearly belongs to the top 5 of best Fall albums, includes LA and Paint Work and lost of other strong songs.
Thank f&%£ for The Fall.
À strange universe I am enjoying.
This really grew on me as I listened to it. It's just a fantastic album. Kind of a missing link in English music, in a way.
lovely
There are many picks to choose from if you want to get into The Fall and the majority of them are sensible and worthy. But, for my money (and probably everybody else's), This Nation's Saving Grace is the best place to start. It has everything: bombast, disorder, intellect, accessibility, you name it. Mark E. Smith and his ever changing band of ramshackle ruffians, chief among them his then-wife Brix, create an atmosphere that brims with confidence and conviction that becomes career defining. While I'm not going to say that once you've heard this album, you've heard all Fall albums, This Nation's Saving Grace is without question their finest hour.
Uncompromisingly original and interesting hooks galore, plus hordes of melodic moments that contrast with the spikiness and dark hues. One has always loved the quirky vocal style – repetitive and talky as it surely is – and the unforgettable voice. Plus, the hard, dark, and insistently edgy sound that still leaves room for hints of sweetness and melody. "Barmy" offers an unforgettable hook, and some likable chaos besides. "Spoilt Victorian Child" swings grittilly and intensely and (just a touch) ominously and offers even a hint of sweetness. "LA" is hella cool. So are "My New House" and "Paintwork." One likes their willingness to stick to their angles and ride these oddball hooks and often askew sounds and structures; that's what it means to be uncompromising, one assumes. The whole thing gets better as it goes along. That The Fall seems to have set up so many other interesting artists – Sonic Youth, Jonathan Richman, Yo La Tengo – secures their legacy. "Petty Thief" and "Cruiser's Creek" have much to recommend them, too, demonstrating how this just keeps getting better.
endlessly creative post punk simply beautiful - 10/10
A lot of bands are an acquired taste, and can take a lot of listening before you really get them. And sometimes even needing to reacquaint yourself in between albums. With The Fall, I often find myself needing to require my taste in between songs. This Nation’s Saving Grace is an exception; it caught my attention when it came out when I was in college, and quickly became one of my favorite records of the year. Yes, it is wildly uneven in its tracks for such a long record. But the highs more than make up for it! And many decades later, I still dive in, joining Mark E Smith in the weirdness.
Really a 4.5. Bears relistening.
There have been other albums that have stretched the definition of music, but I feel like they failed and just made noise. This is the album that successfully starched music while still making music. This feels mind expanding while still just being punk. I loved it.
My relationship with Mark E Smith has changed over the years. At the moment we're going through a good patch. This is refreshing post-Punk although quite late for '85. Good melodies with the usual Fall sneer.
A bloody good record by The Fall. I've never heard Cologne pronounced like that before.
Naar mijn mening een essentieel album. Toen ik the Fall voor het eerst hoorde, dat was ook dit album, voelde het als een soort missende schakel tussen alle andere muziek die ik al luisterde. Zo veel bands, vooral in de UK scene, die deze sound meer dan 30 jaar nog steeds proberen te maken (ook succesvol!), maar dit is de kers op de taart. Het gaat van toegankelijke nummers als Barmy vlekkeloos over naar een nummer als I Am Damo Suzuki, een scherp eerbetoon aan Can en een van de meest unieke zangers die er ooit geweest.
It grows on you
Awesome
Something a bit different - I like it
Scathing, ranting, hypnotic brilliance.
Haven't heard it before, love it.
Love the fall!
My favorite The Fall album with several post-punk classics on it. Mark E. Smith is screaming and talking about all of his frustrations as usually. And frustrated he is...
Never heard of this before but will listen again
Production: 16/20 Songwriting: 15/20 Innovation: 17/20 Bangers: 20/20 Emotional response: 17/20 =85 Syooooooperbo
Punk rock it’s good
Love the funky bass. Guitars could have been Johnny Marr. Perfect mix of early madchester-sound and more depressing post-punk. Best: Barmby, Spoilt Victorian Child, Cruisers Creek och My New House.
Listening to this album while driving on the freeway during the heatwave with my A/C being broken for some reason seems very appropriate. Great album. Even through its endless sarcasm and Mark E. Smiths' spoken word shenanigans, it just oozes with charisma, it's a very enjoyable and engaging listen. It's absolutely loaded with great hooks, as well. Favourite track: L.A.
Spooky mid 80’s punk. The album has a vibe to it that I was not expecting. Nice synths throughout, and yet never felt overdone.
went on for way longer than i thought it would, switched genres multiple times, overall not bad
bom p caralho hein tinha uma era que eu não escutava the fall, sai feliz dessa
It took some time for this epic journey to unfold and reveal its many layers. From an unassuming instrumental opener, the record covers a lot of ground, building with the pulsing post-punk of “What You Need” then moving to synth-inflected new wave, through Velvet-inspired collage and on to “Rollin’ Dany” rockabilly. I began my listen with bemused apathy, but over the course of this journey the album slowly, surely, won me over.
cool LP, will listen again
Reminiscent of slightly later Half Man Half Biscuit, although without the comedy value that HMHB brings. Decent enough. Never listened to the band before, despite very much enjoying the general style of music. I'll put it down to not knowing anyone who was in to their stuff at the time – no one to tape something for me. I'd listen again, although it's not right up the top of the pile.
Mansion - 3.5/5 Bombast - 4/5 Barmy - 4.5/5 What You Need - 4/5 Spoilt Victorian Child - 4/5 L.A. - 4/5 Gut of the Quantifier - 4/5 My New House - 4/5 Paint Work - 4/5 I Am Damo Suzuki - 3.5/5 To Nkroachment: Yarbles - 4/5 I am slowly realizing that I might be a sucker for post-punk. This has unpolished and somewhat experiment sound, which definitely helps this by playing into the punk aesthetic. Very groovy, though a bit repetitive at times. Overall: 4/5 Favorites: Barmy
I had heard about The Fall - they were adored by someone whose taste in music I trust, but I had always assumed he loved them just because he discovered them when he was a teenager. Listening to this album, I don't know if that was the only reason he loved them but holy shit I can tell that if I had discovered this as a teenager I would have gone wild over it. Hell, the British accent alone would have made me swoon. I still really like it. This is fantastic. I can't believe I've never heard "Paintwork" before.
Sweet old school, dark goth from 80s
Original and honest, dragy low trot
Lowkey angular.
La verdad, con lo fan que soy del género del Punk, debo admitir que no conocía a The Fall. Está demás decir que quedé fascinado con "This Nation's Saving Grace". Con claras influencias de The Stooges, Sex Pistols e incluso The Cure (por sus tintes de post-punk), Mark E. Smith y compañía logran pintar un caos irónico que te conduce a un trance hipnótico y crudo. El sentido de urgencia de las composiciones es exquisito, siguiendo al pie de la letra el etos del Punk; subversión que incomoda pero que a la vez contagia. Completamente recomendable, no solo por su efectividad, si no también por su fisicalidad; no hay canción que no me haya hecho querer bailar. Estos son los LPs que da gusto escuchar de esta lista. No solo porque es una entrada interesante, si no porque también se nota la influencia que este trabajo en la escena alternativa pre-grunge estadounidense- Claremente Sonic Youth escuchó a The Fall, al igual que Pixies y otros. Pistas destacadas Mansion Bombast Barmy What You Need Spoilt Victorian Child L.A. Gut of the Quantifier My New House Paintwork I Am Damo Suzuki
INPUT = {"artist": "The Fall", "album": "This Nation's Saving Grace"} LINEUP = {"men": 5, "women": 1} FEATURED_ARTISTS = {"men": 0, "women": 0} TOTAL_MEN = 5 TOTAL_WOMEN = 1 WOMEN_PERCENTAGE = 17 OUTPUT = "Score adjusted accordingly. 4/5"
Interesting punk-esque alt new wave music. So much better than Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, etc.!
I liked this a lot more than the last album we got from these guys. Cruiser's Creek and Paintwork are standouts. All around solid record. Weird. Quirky. Rock n roll. 4
not for me...into more pop punk. Not sure if the rating is for me or for the public.
Definitely the best Fall album I've heard so far, great bass sections and has a sort if classic punk feeling yet still has the expiremental stuff you would hope for in post-punk, like every song here is good in its own right
I really liked the upbeat energy throughout this album. British punk that I actually found more than tolerable for once, yay!
marky smith lol
I had never really had The Fall on my radar before and I am glad it made it to the 1001 generator -- I liked this album mostly, a few misses -- but overall I was very pleasantly surprised!
I bought this album 20 years and I don't think I ever listened to it. That was a real mistake. Judging by the other reviews on here this isn't for everyone, but I can't imagine not enjoying it. Brilliant album.
Totally loving this, it has an unpolished and experimental sound as well as some Britpop sensibilities. Kind of reminds me of Blonde Redhead
Sarcastic post-punk filled with character, energy, and an ominous atmosphere. This is probably my third time hearing this album and it sounds better each time. I'm definitely warming up to their sound! 7/10
Love! Immediately adding to my playlist. Another band I’ll be diving into - thanks for the intro.
How had I never heard this before? This is exactly what I would have adored when I was in my late teens - early twenties Oh well I can at least adore this now so there's that
wel nog nice, veel tzelfde wel 3.5
I had listened to The Fall before, but that was years ago, and I wasn't ready then. Revisiting their work for the 1001albumsgenerator, has made me realized I kinda dig The Fall. This Nation's Saving Grace is an easier proposition for me than Live At The Witch Trials. Mark E. Smith's spoken or shouted vocals and sometimes jarring or angular instrumentation are still present, but this is the most balanced version of their sound I've heard so far. It's still off-putting and weird in the ways The Fall intend, but the songwriting is more focused than previous efforts and the production is better as well. I love the the variety of songs and the lo-fi sound. There aren't really any songs that sound like filler. This was a pretty solid listen from front to back.
The best post punk album I’ve ever heard. It’s a low bar.
That was pretty epic. Listen to it twice. Will listen to it again.
people on this website do not seem to like punk or electronic, both of which are some of my favorite genres. i really enjoyed this album and will keep listening to it.
Review - never given this band the time of day, in part because they've got so many albums I didn't know where to start, so this really helped. This is a good post punk album. A fun gothic vibe to a lot of the songs. You either get along with his voice or you don't, but it didn't bother me. Wouldn't go far as saying I like it, but it doesn't bother me. Think this is probably where the LCD Soundsystem guy got the idea to really enunciate the last letter of every line from. Rating - 7.5/10 Need to hear? YES
best fall so far
Waarom kende ik dit album nog niet?! Helemaal in mijn straatje.
Hell yea I love dit soort shit. "Klinkt als The Fall" is een van mijn favoriete dingen om te kunnen zeggen over een nieuw bandje (een ander favorietje is "Klinkt als Pavement", en die hebben dan weer toegegeven dat ze de helft van The Fall hebben afgekeken)
kinda cool
It's clear that American reviewers, on the whole, struggle with UK post-punk if the comments on here are anything to go by. However, having twice voted in Trump, there's no viability in their opinion left to slag off the mumbling rants of Mark E Smith. I have a few albums by The Fall on my shelves, but not this, so on the purchase list it goes. Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ ★★★★☆ (7/10) Total reviewed : 243 Already owned : 56 Purchased : 12 To buy list : 4 Nope : 172
I can understand why people may not like the vocals, and some songs to go on to long, but musically this is some top tier post punk.
Hard hitting and menacing guitars that bring about alot of anxiety and unease
Rating: 8/10 Awful vocals that somehow work and amazing instrumentally.
One of my favorite bands of all time- few bands have so many great albums yet have no perfect album (The Wonderful and Frightening World Of... is the closes to a 5/5) not certain why other than it always feels like something is missing and I can never pinpoint it. Pretty annoying as this has been going on for years. Oh, well I suppose it's fine if some things remain a mystery and for better or worse The Fall remain a full-on enigma- no other band has been as challenging as The Fall to my ears and few as rewarding- warts and all.
I was so close to absolutely loving this album. The atmosphere created by the instrumentals is incredible but lyrical it couldn’t keep up
You should seeeeeee my new house!
Post-punk.
I love this band. They have at least ten albums better than this and this is decent.
8/10
I was pretty meh until Paintwork, which was again. That song alone made me want to relisten to the whole thing, and it won me over.
timeless
Classic 1985 punk! I really enjoyed the album. I was fun. A lot of Bowie influences.
Let’s get punkyyy
I wasn’t expecting to like this but dang this was pretty fun. 4/5
Enjoyed more than expected!
Good punk album. Gave me Pixies vibes. A lot of fun at times, slightly annoying at others. Overall, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Fun, interesting post-punk, new wave. I dug it more than I expected.
Når det kommer til postpunk, så blir det vel ikke stort bedre enn dette. Det er en god skive, men det viser manglene ved postpunk som sjanger
This rips, and it’s also one of few over-an-hour albums I’ve encountered so far that didn’t overstay its welcome. I was sort of surprised when it ended! I like the Fall, the Fall is good.
A touch longer then needed, but MES is brilliant so I’ll let that slide.
An acquired taste. I love it.
Enjoyed this a lot, more than I thought I would. Great find and a day that makes following this list meaningful.
Fundamentales. Solo por L.A. y Cruiser´s Creek ya merece la pena. pero un disco de Mark E Smith, es necesario en cualquier listado. La excelente My new house, la velvetiana Paintwork, Barmy, What you need y la poderosa Gut of the quantifier La reedición en CD agrega los singles Cruiser's Creek y Couldn't get ahead, así como sus caras B. I am Damo Suzuki es un tributo al grupo alemán de los años setenta Can y su vocalista Damo Suzuki. El riff descendente en semitonos se basa en la sección final de Bel Air del álbum Future days de Can (una progresión similar también se ofrece en Don't turn the light on, leave me alone del álbum Soundtracks), mientras que el patrón de la batería se basa en Oh yeah de Tago Mago También está Mansion, el tema de apeetura de sus conciertos. Y por supuesto hagamos reverencias al productor John Leckie, que logró sacra brillo al sonido y un equilibrio entre accesibilidad y su identidad. Por aquella época estaban ellos y Pere Ubu, Wire... poco más.
There's something to be admired in the sheer doggedness of Mark E Smith. I can take or leave The Fall personally. This one rumbles on musically and Mark rants about various bollocks and its all really whatever. I'll give it a 4 cos the instrumental at the start is beautiful.
Post-Punk with a Gothic vibe. I quite liked it.
I loved this. Looking forward to listening to it again.
Very weird and cool. Nice soundtrack to making pancakes. A little bit of velvet underground feel, animal collective, and the clash.
Easy to pick up and listen through the whole album
That was fun.
3rd and final album I got by the Fall. It's my favorite out of the 3. It's harsh and it sounds like they mean it. I don't like all songs, but quite a few. Favorite song: spoilt victorian child
4 1/2
O dziwo znowu mi się podobało. Może to tylko dwa chwyty powtarzane w kółko, ale potrafię docenić, w jaki sposób wybrzmiewają. W tej płycie jest coś, co robi niepowtarzalną atmosferę. Dla mnie naprawdę porządny rockowy album. 7/10
The Fall has a massive discography and I have only heard a few of her albums, but they seem very much like a band with which you know what you're getting. Not a bad thing either, they recognize what they're good at and stick to it. I can't say this was the most unique album ever, for them and in the grander scheme of post-punk, but it was definitely well done. I like the energy on this one, the grooves hit hard and the vocals are consistently strong. Very nice album.
The first time I encountered Mark E. Smith was when he tried to suffocate Joe Cornish with a plastic bag over his head on TV. He was joking of course, but was still kinda following through on it. "Vinyl Justice" was a segment on the Adam and Joe TV show, where Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish would arrive at a musician's house dressed as police, and call them out for crimes against music (embarrassing records in their personal collection). They arrived at Mark E. Smith's house dressed in protective riot gear. Because he's an unpredictable, dangerous lunatic. In "This Nation..." that sense of unpredictability is front and center. Chaotic, aggressive and wry spoken word from Smith is layered on top (or sometimes below) stuttering guitar and bass loops, sound effects and cymbal crashes. At one point during "Paintwork", it randomly cuts to an Open University lecture on red giants, apparently because Smith accidentally taped over part of the master tape at home and just decided to leave it in. There are tributes or references to Can, A Clockwork Orange, The Doors and The Twilight Zone thrown in the mix. At times it feels like rock, but other times it feels more psychedelic and experimental. But at its core is a real art punk energy, mostly down to Smith being behind the wheel. I guess that Adam and Joe segment is a good metaphor for this album. You start off prepared, dressed in riot gear, but by the end of the album Mark E. Smith has put a plastic bag over your head, is sitting on top of you and punching you in the ribs, all the while laughing his head off.
Their best on here
I enjoyed it
this nations grave mistakes, jiggling all over the place
I liked it, not gonna continue these reviews unless they pay me though.
So I’ve always been a huge fan of Mark E. Smith and The Fall, so much so that I can proudly say I saw them live in Boulder, Colorado about 20 years ago. That show will always stand out among all the bands I’ve ever seen live. They didn’t really do anything all that memorable performance wise, but just the fact that they’re such a legendary band and I got to see Mark E. Smith perform live before he passed away makes it unforgettable. Now, with that being said, I’m a little surprised to see this album on a top album list, because The Fall is one of those bands that isn’t for everyone, and listening to a Fall album is usually something sought out by someone who knows exactly what they’re looking for. Either way, the fact that this made it onto a top album list definitely outweighs all the crap that’s on there, such as Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.
Ok
Was decent as I like older punk music, but got a bit repetetive.
My first Fall album I've properly listened to! Really enjoyed a lot of the songs and unique style to their sound. Can see how influential they are to other more contemporary artists. Felt some of the songs slightly outstayed their welcome,but really enjoyed this and shall be listening to more!
Я долго, эмм, шел к этому альбому. Так долго, что послушал его четыре раза, и все равно будто бы шел. Говорят, это его поп-проект, и для меня это конечно пиздец интересное заявление, но допустим. Слушается отлично, но музыка очень настоенческая. На агрессивную осень. Лучшая песня - Mansion.
Can see how they were an inspiration for so many other bands. Styles changed throughout the album. Enjoyed listening to this one and trying to figure out who else might have been inspired by their works.
A very cool album indeed. Didn't listen very actively at the start and made my way more than halfway in, until I got to "Gut Of The Quantifier" - which made me realise I hadn't really been listening, that this was a great song, and that I should start again and listen properly. Great decision, ending up saving many songs. Very cool sound, L.A., Gut, Paintwork, Petty (Thief) Lout as my favourites. Album cover is cool too, pretty apt. Will definitely return to. 4.2*
Vocals lack clarity but the instrumentals are great. Almost Hi-Fi Rush vibes at points
I’ve spent years trying to get into The Fall and have always struggled — but maybe This Nation’s Saving Grace is the album that finally does the trick. It’s a really strong, catchy punk record. The opening side is brilliant — Mansion, Bombast, Barmy, and What You Need are fantastic tracks that set the tone perfectly for what’s to come. Vixen and Couldn’t Get Ahead are also standouts, and the addition of Brix Smith’s vocals gives the songs real texture and energy. The Fall’s sound is stripped back, simple, and raw, yet incredibly powerful, with sharp lyrics and strong themes. This album captures exactly what I imagine mid-80s Manchester must have felt like — gritty, restless, and alive. I really enjoyed this one and will definitely be giving it another listen. I think I’ve finally found my way into The Fall’s world. Favourite track: Barmy Least favourite track: The album does drag a little toward the end. At 16 songs and just over an hour long, it’s a hefty punk record. If it were trimmed down — dropping a track or two like I Am Damo Suzuki — it could easily have been a 5/5. Album artwork: I really like the cover — it’s busy, chaotic, and perfectly suits the album’s character.
This is the third consecutive day I've generated a 1980s album. Mark E. Smith sang just like he did in "Glitter Freeze" by Gorillaz. A versatile, catchy, and fun album. Favorite Track: "Paint Work".
Mark E Smith is a legend and the way he talks through the songs is great
Pretty raw, pretty fun, this was on my preferred end of the punk spectrum. Fave Tracks: Mansion, What You Need, Spoilt Victorian Child 3.6/5
Maaaan, fuck you for growing on me. Chunky punky scruggly sounds. Like a drunk and loose Dead Kennedys but British. Some songs still annoy the piss out of me tho.
This Nation's Saving Grace and Grotesque (After the Gramme) are the two records by The Fall that I own. I've always sort of enjoyed them, but I never felt the need for more. You can get your fill of The Fall through This Nation's Saving Grace and maybe something earlier to show a less poppy side. If their more accessible record doesn't strike your fancy, then there's little reason to dig further — most of the catalog is just Mark E. Smith ranting over a post-punk vamp anyway. You're either into it or you're not.
I like the music and vocals even though I can’t put my finger on what it is that I find appealing. Maybe the strange little vocalizations at the end of certain words. Or words-uh.
Just a good post punk album. Enjoyed it all the way through.
I accidentially listened to the wrong The Fall album first and really liked it, and realized I already listened to it and I really liked it then, too. So then I listened to this one, and enjoyed it too. Maybe not quite as much as Live at the Witch Trials but enjoyed it a lot.
Not a band I’ve ever listened to before and didn’t think it was my thing. However quite enjoyed and given not familiar with I think 7/10 should translate to a 4
The Fall are very singular as far as post punk of its era with how they seemed to be very... well very freeform might be the right way to call their music. You have Mark E Smith doing his speech sing rambles and the rest of the band exploring sounds, it's the kind of ethos that can take you anywhere and it took these guys MANY places (it only stopped bc Mark died). I got The Infotainment Scan before this, but I had already heard this album before. I never listened to it much since The Fall's style isn't something I found myself relistening to much in the past but I was happy listening to this again after 4 years since I last heard it. Giving it some time to play like 2 or 3 times I started digging more of the playing and weird ideas going on, which is always a plus. It's a classic for a reason, especially songs like Bombast, LA, Barmy, Paint Work and I am Damo Suzuki
Vibey album with some fun songs. Usually not a big fan of punk rock, but this one was good. Favorite track: LA other picks: paintwork, barmy, spoilt victorian child
I liked this listen, but it was a bit overlong.. nice chill punkish sound, nothing overwhelming. Overall 3.5/5
This is an awesome record. I didn’t know it before. My test of awesomeness is if I need to acquire a record in vinyl that I don’t have. This one of them. It’s got swagger and doesn’t care if you like it or not.
Oozing with the sounds of the bands they influenced. I remember them! Shoulder pads #1 : ) I liked their raw, Violent Femmesie Rome Voidy I'd like you better.. never say never! sound. I had not realized their impact so strong from Sonic Youth to LCD Soundsystem too I love that!! 3-4
Len Houmous was once considered This Nations Saving Grace. He once thwarted a terrorist attack when his music was being played on the radio and it was so beautiful that they all laid down their arms. Magic. 4.2 7/16 Vixen
Impressive casual punk styling
Liked it
Spunky, vivid, alt-punk rock. Gives the Clash vibes. Some songs are boring but at its best it is inspired music. 3.8
I don't think about The Fall that much, but whenever I hear them I love it so much. This album is super solid front to back. Catchy post-punk at it's finest.
4/5 this shit is gas
Not bad, 80’s was a great time but not sure I would listen to it again
Really good post-punk album.
Somewhat off the beaten path, but very interesting.
Spikey angular guitar noise, bouncy grinding bass and snarling sarcastic vocals. What a horrible racket! And there's an incoherent mumbling crank drunkenly rambling all over it! Stupid rock and roll perfection.
buen rocanrol
4/5
Challenging the concept of singing.
i, too, was a spoilt victorian child
Mjög gott stöff! Hrátt shit.
Overall: 7/10 I'm having a tough time with this one. On the one hand, it's unique and there's some jams on here that I really loved. The lyrics are always pretty great and I love the guitar work. On the other hand, the songs get very strange and avant-garde at times. I love weird music but for some reason it's a bit of a turn off here. I also liked the short song Mansion that opened the album and it got me excited for what seemed like it was gonna be a goth rock album. Not at all. I don't know how to feel at all but I liked more than I disliked. I may need to listen to this one a few more times. Update: My second listen was much better, I think I mostly get what they're going for now. I still think it'll grow on me with time but for now I really like it. Fav Song: Spoilt Victorian Child Least Fav Song: What You Need
I need to dive into their discography
The kind of angry young men I can get on board with!
This is our third album by The Fall. I didn't care for their 1979 debut, Live at the Witch Trials. 1993's Infotainment Scan was better. So bouncing back to 1985 for this one. It's funny because sometimes if I don't like a band I'll be like "I don't know what the fuck he's singing about. blah!". And then other times if I like a band I'll be like "I don't know what he's singing about but I don't care, I like it anyway". So I'm not sure if the lyrics always matter as much as the vibe of the music. I mostly have no idea what he's singing about but I like it! Favorites: Bombast, Couldn't Get Ahead, Gut of the Quantifier, My New House.
I was skeptical when I saw a The Fall show up this morning because I assumed they’re punk, and most punk is so banal to me. Well they are punkish, but this album is more based in sass and groove. Far better than I could’ve hoped for. I really dig this!
So I actually really liked this. I only listened through the Yarbles song because that’s where the original album ended. Barmy was my favorite (and weird coincidence that BARM was a Connections word today! I’ve never seen that word before and had it twice in one day). But I liked the lyrics and all the guitar riffs and for post punk, this is pretty damn good stuff.
An okay album, I liked Mansion, Barmy and To NK Roach men: Yarbles.
In Paintwork I hear Wilco and Kurt vile and Courtney Barnett. I like that garage indie and soft punk kind of sound coming through. I also hear Stones, Velvet Underground, Elliot Smith, The Clash, some Kinks, and a little Leonard Cohen too. I like the vocals for how unbothered/untroubled they are delivered. But the suspense of the instrumentation makes you feel like he could flip at any moment.
It's good
Toca hoy escuchar una banda que tengo agendada hace tiempo para darle escucha consciente. Post-punk colgado, bailable de a momentos, pero introspectivo y oscuro al fin. Lo imagino para viajar en transporte público o amenizar cualquier trayecto. Gracias por la presentación. Hasta mañana.
I haven't really given these guys a chance before - not sure why. I really liked this one.
For some reason I have always had a thing for three things in music: a certain rawness that makes it more intimate and real. A feeling that the lyrics have some value, or at least the way the groove itself unfolds, and the bands own connection to what they put out. Maybe that is why I always had a thing for punk. It so often has these three elements, unapologetically. I sense all three of these things in The Fall and along with things like how it changes up and keeps things fresh and has good variety, how it veers outside of punk and back in... This is, despite the lead singers sometimes sounding drunk, makes this band rather special.
Really well recorded. Great sound.
Boy, I was not in the mood for this one today. I thought I only liked The Fall in small doses, and we just had Live at the Witch Trials. But, damn, a few songs in and I was grooving on this more than I ever had before. Loved the tribute to Can's Damo Suzuki. Fantastic.
Scrummy
I liked this a lot!
Never heard of this band before, but it felt like something that I'd like. I might give it a second shot.
I love Mark's lyrics but I hate the way he sings, it's weird and quite forced, I mean the world don't need another The Clash. He should've just sing it normally, it would make the album so much more enjoyable...A 4 out of 5.
absolute kook music
Tough and abrasive but also dynamic and engaging. Great hooks everywhere, from the dark opening chords and big, bounciness of "Barmy" is nearly a singalong of pop hit proportions ("Paintwork" could be too but MES clearly had other ideas.) while simultaneously challenging the listener with wildness all about the edges; "I've got everything I want / except money" is an alt motto for the whole history of rock and roll. In "Bombast" is fierce and sets a tone for seriousness. "Spoilt Victorian Child" is classic Fall – substantive and not easy, but with clear moments of chiming musicality. "LA" much the same, a visceral-psychotic impression of the city perhaps? Just cool whatever it is. The way one hears predictions/echoes/resonances of so many other worthy but under-appreciated artists (Sonic Youth, Jonathan Richman, Yo La Tengo [criminally excluded from this book]) is testament. Second half of record is the stronger, for hooks, for a richer range of moods and tones. "Petty Thief" is rollickingly epic. "Cruiser's Creek" is a strong summation, with one of their grabbiest hooks. Bit of an acquired taste, but an acquisition that very much pays off. And a case can be made that MES has long been the coolest man in rock and roll.
DIY albums can be kind of dense and uneven, but there’s something special going on here. The melodies feel very natural. I’m totally getting the energy. I have listened to this album a bunch of times, and I still don’t completely get it. In a good way.
I enjoyed this more than I expected to. The vocals are an interesting style vs the rest of the sound but it works. I can see them experimenting because they're wanting to and not really caring who cares. Glad I heard it. I'll look into them some more.
Kinda alt rock stuff. Not every song is good but there are some slappers.
So much of the music I love today obviously has roots in the fall. Also an interesting listen. 4/5
An exquisite pop punk triumph in the later stages of a wonderful career.
Great
3.6 Conflicting. Some parts amazing, some parts not so good. What I do find fascinating is hearing the inspiration for so many good bands - you can hear LCD Soundsystem and Sonic Youth almost directly in some of these songs. Clearly an important release. The part that lets it down is a fair few songs just don't land too well, lots of different ideas, some of which work, but some of which definitely don't. Overall positive though.
A bit off-kilter and so very British, but I really enjoyed this one. Exceedingly creative. Favorites: Barmy, L.A., Spoiled Victorian Child, Yarbles
Some real interesting moments
Dang, this is really good. I’ve heard other Fall albums before, but this was my first time with this album. This is my favorite Fall album I’ve heard so far. Is this album a missing link between Velvet Underground and Yeah Yeah Yeahs? This album is not quite five stars for me yet, but seems like it might earn five on future listens.
A very odd album. I should say, odd in the niche that it occupies. It's like an abrasive post-punk band got so abrasive that they hit a wall, and riccocheted off it so hard they found themselves back at pop. Brain damaged pop. The lyrics sometimes seem like pure id, messily delivered, half-sung or shrieked. The music is just as melodic as it is discordant. They'll get into a riff or a groove and stay there for a while, synchronation and harmony being incidental. It's trancelike. Like, it's not entirely pleasurable. The first time around, I didn't get much. But I listened to it a second time, and by the third time I found myself fully vibing to some of this weird shit. Fav tracks: What You Need, Spoilt Victorian Child, Paintwork, I Am Damo Suzuki
This album sounds like Minutemen with gothic rock influences. The Fall has a darker edge than the often jazzy, upbeat Minutemen, taking its influences from The Cure rather than Talking Heads. I actually preferred the female accompaniment to the pair of songs Spotify added to the track list, which weren’t actually included in the original release. 3.7/5
This is the most forgettable list band that I like. This is the 3rd album I’ve gotten by them and I had no idea until I looked on Spotify and saw that I had saved songs previously from The Fall. This was another solid album. More saved songs. I make a frown face when I listen to them because I’m so locked in on the groove. 😠🤘
Not my first time listening to this, but I've never noticed before how much of Sonic Youth's poppier side comes straight from The Fall. I do enjoy this one, though most of the songs could be a bit shorter and still maintain their impact and aesthetic. That's to say, I like how the songs start, but once the themes have been established, they tend to drag on instead of maturing further.
Terrific-ah
Punk and post-punk promised repetition and this sticks to that. Interesting and fun.
Somewhere between Art rock and punk - The Fall lives happily. Some strange hooks that defy any pop sensibility and vocals that push you into near agitation makes this wonderful.
Generally speaking I'm not a fan of punk, but this was an enjoyable listen. Accessible and catchy riffs. Barmy and My New House the standout tracks.
Tunes!
Nice!
Good Like. Love the bass guitar
Great listen
Interesting punky instrumental album from the '80s not sure how I feel about it but a good album for sure I don't know if I'll ever listen to it again
Post punk has grown on me a lot
This is cool but I like other albums of theirs more. The second half is def better than the first.
I like what this guy is doing!
I love this album!!!!
Kiinnostava erikoisrikkilevy! Hauskaa painottelua kevyen ja sitten tosi painostavan sävyissä. 4/5
Not bad, some good raw punk Not a fan of this kind of vocals though
Liked it. Much more so than the reviews led me to believe I would.
3.5
The Best album from The Fall. I like it.
I actually really liked Spoilt Victorian child.
Rock indie ochentero. Oscuro.
This impressed me more than I expected it to based on reading the reviews here before my listen. this is such a fun post-punk listen. 4/5
Rock indie ochentero. Oscuro.
What a kickass brick of chaos
Dejlig smadret punk lyd. Men med en masse legesyge melodiske indslag. Det fungerer skide godt. Et stort stort 4-tal
Two Fall albums almost in row. I enjoyed this one, they are really growing on me.
To be honest, when I read that it was a post-punk album from the mid 80s, I already imagined the kind of thing similar to "The Cure" or "Siouxsie and The Banshees" (bands I really love) but Maybe it was a very gothic ideal thought I have regarding Post-punk in general. So I tried to neutralize myself when listening to this album and to my surprise, I was VERY wrong! The album moves in a more Iggy Pop direction and even reminds me a little of American punk-rock bands like X (los angeleeees). There's even a bit of rockabilly in the mix, which made me very happy. Anyway, one more album that proves two things: 1. Post Punk is one of my favorite genres 2. I'm very easy to please! I don't even remember the last time I gave an album less than 4 stars! Aaaah may it continue like this!
Three weeks later, another album by The Fall. Surprisingly, I liked this album better. Or maybe not. It always seems I like the second album I get introduced by an act. Not sure why, really Maybe because some of the songs were more punk? There were still a few songs that went on a bit too long (looking at you, "Paintwork"). It feels like the band were a bit more confident in their sound here. Definitely a step up. Will definitely come back to this one. Top songs: "Spoilt Victorian Child," "Rollin' Dany," "Petty (Thief) Lout"
This is the most accessible album by The Fall yet. I wonder if some fans of the band hate it because it's too poppy in that regard. There's still a lot of Steve Hanley bass (awesome) but also more looping guitar riffs (from Brix Smith?), which were kinda cool but made it feel more mainstream. Of course it'll never be mainstream with Mark E Smith's weird vocals - see Cruiser's Creek, but man what a rocking tune. The addition of Brix on vocals also made this feel more like the Pixies with Kim Deal's influence there. Very noticeable on the US/cassette additions of Vixen and Couldn't Get Ahead (not my favorites, but still decent). I felt immediately comfortable giving this album a 3 but it got better and better as I kept listening to it. I really liked Bombast (oh that bass), Barmy (great looping riff), Spoilt Victorian Child (feels like cool rockabilly), and LA (cool electronic sounding riff) - which are all from side one of the the original UK release. Killer stuff. The original side two wanders a little more with some longer tracks, but some of them have some killer moments - Gut of the Quantifier (second half, reminded me of Sonic Youth) and My New House (first half is neat rockabilly or something, but gets repetitive). Rollin Dany (one of the extra tracks) is a cool throwback 60's doo-wop homage. It might be closer to 3.5 than 4 but I'm rounding up because I didn't think The Fall had a whole album worth listening to other than greatest hits.
Liked it more as it went on. Pretty good.
Thought it was gonna suck. It was actually pretty good
The music of The Fall veers wildly between sublime genius and borderline unlistenable, often within the same album, and in the case of the track Paintwork, in the same song. Mark E Smith famously took the master tape back to his hotel room and then accidentally recorded part of an Open University lecture on stars over part of the song. They kept it in, and somehow it all works. This is a pretty good starting point for anyone who is Fall curious.
The Fall are a band I've been meaning to listen to for years but never actually got round to it other than a few of their most popular songs. I expected to like it and I did. Mark E Smith's ramblings won't be for everyone but I think he's great to listen to. Fav tracks: I Am Damo Suzuki, Barmy, Paintwork
Actually, I like it. Wasn't really expecting to like it as much as I did. Maybe it was reading all the bad reviews, but I went in with low expectations. Having never listened to them (to my knowledge anyway), I was happily surprised. It was abstract, improvisatory, complex while also repetitive allowing me to find all the different sounds and moving parts. I wouldn't say I loved it and not all the improvisations sounded all that great musically, but it satisfied the artist and poet (however low-level that may be) in me.
I have to admit to never listening to The Fall before, even although I am very aware of Mark E Smith. It’s quite telling that he has a whole Wikipedia section for ‘personality’ lol. And what a pleasant surprise this was. I wonder if this is their more accessible stuff because Brix was involved? Anyway, it’s getting a 4. Glad I listened
Highlights: Barmy, Spoilt Victorian Child, My New House
Eclectic and energetic, with vocals that wouldn't work with most other bands.
Mansion - 3 Bombast - 2 Barmy - 2 What you need - 2 Spoilt Victorian child - 1 La - 3 Vixen - 3 Couldn't get ahead - 1 Gut out of the quantifier - 1 My new house - 1 Paintwork - 3 I am damo suzuki - 4 To nk roachment - 4 Petty lout - 3 Rollin' Dany - 3 Cruiser's creel - 3 2.44 Overall an incredibly annoying listen with a few hidden gems. I am damo suzuki was easily the best track and has been added to my rotation
4.3 - This record kicks ass. Simple, sharp guitar riffs, Naked Lunch-esque lyrics, interesting tertiary sonics. Standouts: “L.A.”, “My New House”, “Paintwork” (sounds like a cross between Jon Richman and Robert Pollard).
I was surprised that I knew a few songs and started the songs more every time I heard them again. Good album, have to watch remember this one. Favourite songs: - Barmy - Spoiled Victorian child - new house
It’s probably 3.5/5 but honestly better than anticipated. I’ll give it a 4 to revisit.
Fängt mit einem guten Intro an. Düsterer Prog-Rock, sphärisch. 4/5
I love it out of the gate -- strong start. This one is a keeper
very good stuff
Yet another example of the idea that if you put Mark E. Smith on an album, it’s hard for it to miss.
Crunchy
Musically interesting, lyrically dense; much better than I expected, but still far from perfect; probably a band that will pop up again, although there is (in my opinion) more deserving artists. A tricky one to score, but for the music and the influence, I'm going to round up, rather than down.
the fall are very good. also very cool. very good and very cool.
Pretty decent punk.
Ret tæt mellem en 4'er og en 5'er faktisk. Den er rigtig fed!!
Kom først til at høre den i en 20-minutter-længere udgave på Spotify som havde ekstranumre ikke kun til sidst men også i midten af pladen, smh. Hørte den igen As God Intended. Elsker begge udgaver tbh.
Al principio 10 después me cansa
I am familiar with The Fall sort of by osmosis from my other half who is a huge fan of them. I've even been to see them live a couple of times before Mark E. Smith passed away. There are a couple of tracks I like but I've never listened to a whole album, so it was interesting to listen to this one. It's sort of as I thought: There are a couple of tracks I like, a lot I tolerate. I like the "vibe" but it's not something I'd necessarily put on myself. But I appreciate their commitment to being outsiders so I liked it more than an average amount. Basically, what I'm saying is: I'm giving it four stars even though I might not listen to it again!
This is excellent album. It shouldn’t work but it does. Never feel like I know The Fall due to varying styles and breadth of career but would say this is a great place for anyone to start.
This is more like it. Some catchy riffs, some awesome vocals. This is good stuff. Never heard it before and glad to have discovered this now.
I’m a sucker for mess, that’s why I watch Vanderpump with my girl. This is messy and I’m here for it, Mark Smith’s vocal delivery is all over the board, at times he sounds drunk, difficult to really understand, other times poppy and energetic. The band follows suit with their poppy energy shifting to gloom, oftentimes in the same track like on Barmy. It ran a little long but there is a lot to like on Nation’s Saving Grace though I do think it needs a proper listen, I had to run thru it again bc the first listen didn’t truly sink in, a second listen at home with a pint hit much better than the drive to work listen. Great post punk release here. 4 stars
Catchy guitar patterns in repeat and overlayed with murmling vocals. Very entertaining.
I consider this revord to be a must listen ,if you want to get introduced to the new wave,post punk era/genre. Great guitar hooks, great drum rhythms,following the classic,and,at the timw,modern, beat. Love the album.
I quite liked it. It was scatty but stumbled upon greatness at times. Got boring by the end though.
Favourite tracks: barmy; gut of the quantifier
I loved this post-punk record. It sounds so refreshing and new that it is hard to believe that it was made in 1985. Then I saw that the great John Leckie produced this album - it's not a wonder that this album sounds so great.
I really enjoyed this album - I hadn't heard it before! I enjoy a bit of post-punk and I can see how this music could have influenced other bands I love like The Pixies and Blur (and reminds me heaps of the local pub bands I used to go listen to in the mid 00s). I really like the repetitive riffs in each track allowing room for other sounds to be layered and I quite enjoyed the drunken mumbling too! I'll be going back to listen to other albums (there is a few!) Fave track: Mansion / Petty (thief) lout
Album 274 of 1001 The Fall - This Nation's Saving Grace Rating : 3.5 / 5 Favorite Track : My New House Enjoyed much more than I expected. Nice background noise for what turned to be a morning of sad news. _______________________________________________ This Nation's Saving Grace is the eighth studio album by English post-punk band the Fall, released in 1985. The album emphasizes Brix's pop sensibilities and guitar hooks.
8/10
Great stuff. Why have I not heard them before?
I like punk/post-punk/new-wave/goth/etc music and so this is right up my alley - that said, the first almost half of the album is way better than the second half. It started to seem a bit repetitive. I think maybe it just goes on too long, and they should have refined it a bit more.
Between this and killing joke, I think I'm really starting to get fully into post-punk. This is less hardcore than killing joke but I think I might like it even more. The bass in each song is killer and the production blows the vocals out of the water throughout the entire runtime. There's also an interesting country/western vibe on a couple of the tracks which was fun. Barmy was probably my favorite but most every song was at least pretty good, spoilt victorian child and rollin dany were also standouts. Even though I think I like this more than killing joke I'm not sure if I'm going to give it a 5 because looking back killing joke was probably only a solid 4 and I got overexcited because I finally liked a post-punk album.
Idk what's going on here, though a few songs have catchy riffs (e.g., "Barmy", "My New House"). The reference to Damo Suzuki is very appropriate - the album does sound a bit like a post-punk, dark version of Can (though with more cohesion and without the 15-minute tracks).
There's a lot here to like. 1hr runtime gets to be a grind near the end though. Some gorgeous moments.
Really enjoy this. Loving the experimentation, and also the goth- and noise rock influences in this.
I was completely unaware of The Fall. Post-punk with some bluesy garage rock moments.
Really liked this one, other things I listen to seem to be derived from this
Scrappy and mean, but weirdly listenable. A hidden gem.
Mega weird. Sometimes it's genius and sometimes it's like MES has scientifically worked out the quickest way to totally ruin whatever the rest of the band is doing. I'm not surprised everyone leaves The Fall. But having said that, there are a few songs that really stick with you and you can see the scale of influence. Spoilt Victorian Child combines being very funny with being brilliant, which is rare.
I started out a little unsure, but when I got to Spoilt Victorian Child and Guts of The Quantifier I was all in
It was a fun album. The songs were pretty catchy and I could imagine myself listening again. Some songs were a bit repetitive but that's not the end of the world. I quite liked Petty (thief) Lout. Reminded me a little of the Cramps and the Doors if they were a mash up.
Bruyant, insolent, pesant, dansant. Dans mes cordes.
Chilling and haunting especially in today's world where everything has been politicized and made controversial through media bubbles. We need more moody rock like this.
I really dig the sound of this album, and it carries throughout the whole record. Not every song hits or works, but more often than not I enjoyed listening and will probably revisit. "Barmy" and "L.A." are highlights.
I don't know much about The Fall to be honest, only 3 or 4 albums, but what I've heard I really liked. No one sounds like The Fall and Mark E Smith's delivery is so uniquely defiant.
One of my favorites from the Post-Punk genre. MY NEW HOOOUUUSE
My first time listening to this post-punk classic from 1985 and I enjoyed it. The gothic delivery flirting with a garage feel in the music is enough to make this album stand out.
This album had an amateur sound I found very charming. The albums monotone vocals laid out over catchy guitar riffs contrast creates a unique sense of identity. I could see how this album inspired a lot of DIY punk albums even within the last several years. It has a more laid back energy than something like the Sex Pistols, trading in the raw emotion for a dancier , more palatable kind of style. I can't say if that's better or worse but I can say is the ideas presented in this album have been expanded upon in so many different ways in the last several decades I can't imagine myself going back to this anytime soon. Immediately bands that possibly draw influence from this come to mind that have Violent Femmes, Neutral Milk Hotel, hell even some Artic Monkies (much more polished but still does the monotone voice over catchy guitar parts) . Still enjoyable and since it's older and ahead of the curve I'll round up a 3.5 to a 4
I'm excited to hear I am Damo Suzuki and hoping to get some Can krautrock influence on this. Have this on also while working in the background but this seems like a MUCH more enjoyable punkish sound than what we've been hearing most of the time. Much more rhythmic and fun. Digging the first few songs. What You Need really stands out to me. If I just randomly heard this I would've thought it was LCD Soundsystem. Can definitely see the influence from this on Losing My Edge and Yr City's a Sucker specifically. Damn L.A. fuckin rules. Reminds me of another song but can't put my finger on it. Damo holds up! Kinda sounds like Bowie a bit in this one. Love the shoutout to Vitamin C in it what a great song. This song has some serious dissonance and darkness to it. My kinda shit. Last song is a crazy one. Really like it though. This was surprising to me after seeing it was a punk album after a string of duds, but damn I really, really enjoyed it. 4.5 in my mind and I can't bring myself to bring it up to a 5 so 4 it is. Good job the Fall you have restored my faith in punk even if it's not traditional punk.
The Fall is a band I never heard until this list came out! So glad I got to know them! Better late than never. Standouts: Barmy, Couldn't Get Ahead, Cruiser's Creek, The Nkroachment: Yarbles, Others: Mansion, My New House, Paint Work, I Am Damo Suzuki. 4/5 Rating:
High art uskomatonta menoa ja pää porisee punkissa..
swear i've heard this before, yet i haven't
Structurally wonky but sonically beautiful. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that bands I enjoy were inspired by this album. However, I don’t think it’s one I will go back to often. 7/10
Those are some really solid post-punk jams right there. The production in particular is surprisingly sophisticated for the time and the genre. But the songwriting and performances are good as well. Are they fantastic? Nah. But it's still a really solid album. Objectively, this is probably a 3-star album. But I found myself tapping my foot and bobbing my head more often than not and, well, this is my kind of scene. Sometimes, we can throw an extra star at something just because we like it, right? 4 stars. Thanks for the good times.
Thought this was just as good as Live At the Witch Trials, but I question whether this list needs two albums by the Fall.
Suprisingly listenable
Listened on a previous list and was indifferent. This time i really thought it had a lot of interesting things going on. Shows me again why one shot at each of these albums doesn’t always do justice.
4,5.
Mark E. Smith is from Prestwich, where I'm from. Despite this, I didn't really know much about him or the Fall. I'd heard many of the songs on this album in various pubs round Prestwich, and unknowingly did a memorial tour a while ago. Some bewildering pubs, but then you listen to the album and it all makes sense. Greatly enjoyed the majority of the album. I expected more of a difficult listen as I'm not really sure what post-punk is. This must be quite an easy entry into this kind of music. Lyrics are fun and poetic, and at times baffling, and I don't mind the production at all. Paintwork and Spoilt Victorian Child were my favourites.
Didn't really know the fall before this, but really enjoyed it. Very 80s sounding (the good kind), but also quite unique sounding too. Maybe reminded me of joy division a bit if that's not blasphemy... Great bass and drums and really interesting vocals I think LA, couldn't get ahead and paintwork were my favourites. Will listen again
I did really enjoy this, but something about knowing too much about the dunedin sound and the people that inspired it just makes me think about how much of a wanker these people always are. wah wah i'm more artsy than everyone else wahh wahhh. people that do stuff that's a little different and act as though it's wholly unique piss me off
sick vibe!!!
Sounding more late ‘70s Brit punk than ‘80s. Still there’s so much to digest here musically and though the composition is simple the lyrical content and messaging here weighs HEAVY. I’d never heard a lick from this band but I’m definitely going to be putting some of their tracks into rotation.
Don't think this is an amazing Fall album, but it's got a few hits on it.
I dug it. I dug alls of it. 4 new houses out of 5 🏠🏠🏠🏠
Punk ochentero. Un 4.
Rock indie ochentero. Oscuro.
Brought me back to high school