Reviews (page 4 of 7)
Solid big 3
293/1001
I forgot that feeling when you couldn't tell what you're going to listen to just from taking a glance at the wiki page. This album went even fuhrer, I can't tell what I'm listening to even while I'm listening to it Boring vocals. Actually, I can't even call this vocals, half the songs he's just talking over music. Sometimes good music, sometimes not I'm Going to Spain deserves a special fuck you
как-то урывками слушала но впечатление осталось что это британский панк
Hm. Einerseits hatten einige Songs einen guten Vibe, andererseits haben die letzten drei mich ziemlich genervt. Ich müsste es mir nochmal anhören, um ganz urteilen zu können.
??? Niezly nowoczesny punk.
The Good: The Fall is an excellent miniseries you can see on Netflix, starring Gillian Anderson! The Bad: Scan should be spelled Scam… The Ugly: Techno meets punk… This is a period of music where you can tell the difference between what EU was listening to versus the US… US was all about Grunge and Indie round about this time, where EU was embracing techno… I was not in the EU at that time… So what are my thoughts? Well, somehow I keep imagining me in the middle of a PlayStation game as many tracks on this album could fit perfectly in a race simulation game. Not an unpleasant experience… kind of got me mentally drunk! People bitch about the singer’s voice… sure, it could be seen as annoying, but he’s just playing his part, and when you take 3 steps back, you realize that the band, as a whole, is doing an excellent job in creating this landscape for you… also, any band that is able of covering “Lost In Music” and making you smile is doing a killer job! So, though I hate techno, I am forced to give this a 3.5* rating… pulled down to a 3* as 4* is for those close to 5*… what?
Slet ikke så punk som det sidste album vi hørte. Der er ugidelig stemning i vokalen, og sjov leg med lyde i musikken. Det var tæt på at blive en lille 4er idag. Det minder mig lidt om Iceage til tider.
Have heard the Fall if not a full album before, so kind of knew what was getting., particularly his vocal style. What is it with Manchester bands and the “distinct” vocals, the rain? This is quite accessible, in a background music sort of way, so much so that kept it on all day where initially thought would struggle to get through once. Started to get and actually enjoy the non- singing northern old git vocal thing, the guy has his own thing going on and it’s interesting, can see why has a following and long career. 3 Star, - initially upon listening thought was going to be 2, then settled on 3 but liked it a whole lot more than I thought and kept listening, and as a grumpy old northerner if listen again might give it another, maybe
Grungy and odd.. enjoyed this but its a grower for suuuuuure. Guaranteed I listen to The League of Bald-Headed Men thrice before the week ends
The first half of the album was solid British Rock, as I bopped my head, and jammed out like a rockstar. The second half was quite disappointing, and seemingly performed by another artist altogether. "Ladybird(Green Grass)"
unapologetically northern
Overall, I get it. The band is influential, prolific, and eclectic. It’s not bad, just not something I’d come back to. My problem is that I only seem to like parts of their songs. Like, good music, but meh singing, that kinda thing.
This album is a goddamn mess. It's all over the place. The instrumentals are sub par. The vocals are exactly what you'd expect from a punk band though. Is there some songs on this album I'd listen to again? Sure. Does that make them good? Not really...If I were a critic I'd probably come in at 1/5 or maybe at best 2/5. I'm not a critic though, I'm just a middle aged dude who loves punk rock music, and from that perspective I give it
No strong feelings, I'd listen again, though.
Infotainment Scam literally got lost in the music. Seemed like the lead singer was just reading the lyrics, no singing, just spoken word. That made the songs similar early in the listen. Glam Racket is the best song, but three times on one album is pushing it. Liked the Fall well enough to give IS a (2.5*s)
I think they were building up to their best bits!!
An odd album but good enough.
I can see the appeal of this more than I actually enjoyed it. The monotone, seemingly drunken slurred vocal delivery paired with mostly stale arrangements just left me feeling indifferent here. It’s a cool vibe album, but I don’t match the vibe right now. A few solid guitar tones though. Always like that! Also wouldn’t be surprised to hear some of my favorite bands claim this as a major influence.
Infotaining, if not a bit samey throughout.
The Fall - The Infotainment Scan (1993) Back in 2018, when Mark E. Smith sadly passed away, many of my favourite radio and podcast shows dedicated time to celebrating his life and The Fall’s career. This exposure led me to dabble in the band’s vast discography, though, with 30+ bloody albums under their belt (plus compilations and live recordings), it’s hard for the uninitiated to find a starting point. That’s why I was glad to be assigned The Infotainment Scan today, though I was surprised the book picked the band’s fifteenth studio effort. Having listened to it, I was even more surprised to discover it was released in 1993, as it sounds like a complete antithesis to the grunge, Britpop, and mainstream trends of the time. With its playful fusion of post-punk, electronic, and dance influences, the album feels like a relic from the previous decade, albeit one that retains The Fall’s idiosyncratic edge. Tracks like “Glam Racket” and their disco-tinged cover of “Lost in Music” combine sardonic energy with danceable grooves, while “Paranoia Man in Cheap Shit Room” delivers unsettling, angular atmospheres. The polished albeit dated production with its cleanly layered guitars, groovy basslines, and bright synthesizers, offers an accessible sheen that contrasts the band’s rawer, earlier records. Mark E. Smith’s vocal delivery remains as polarizing as ever—abrasive, snarling, and rhythmically chaotic. His lyrics, meanwhile, are riddled with esoteric humour and biting social critiques, such as the sardonic commentary on cheap living and urban decay in “Paranoia Man in Cheap Shit Room.” This cryptic and fragmented storytelling is rich with cultural and personal references that hardcore fans may delight in dissecting, though casual listeners may find them impenetrable. When he stays in his lane, his confrontational style complements the jagged music perfectly, but on a few tracks, it strays into self-parody. While The Infotainment Scan has moments of brilliance, I wouldn’t call it essential Fall listening or a must-hear album in a broader sense. Its sound and experimentation showcase the band’s versatility, but I can’t help but feel that even devoted fans might not consider it among their best work. It’s less a great album than one with some great songs, and for the curious, there are more compelling points of entry into The Fall’s singular world. Did/Do I own this release? No Does this release belong on the list? Given the breadth of The Fall’s discography, it’s surprising the book selected this release—it’s a fun, inventive record, but hardly the most representative or groundbreaking example of their influence. Would this release make my personal list? No Will I be listening to it again? There are only some tracks I will return to intentionally.
Average album with average songs
🎶
Another new one for me - and another solid rock album. Wasn't moved by any particular song, but didn't want to FF anything either.
I often confuse The Fall with The Call. Not sure that it really makes any difference. I get the feeling that this isn't the favorite record of hardcore The Fall fans. Anyway... here's three stars.
This is #day119 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... there's something about this band that I find uneasy. I'm just trying to convince myself that it's something aside from Mark Smith's "caustic and cryptic, cut-up and spit-out poetry", but I can't find it. On the one hand, you seem to be getting weary of his delivery shortly, on the other, it's enigmatic in a weird kind of way. I can't remember any other band sounding similar. There's something almost beat-like about it. At the same time, Smith's vocals somehow find the right place in this avant-garde post-punk patchwork of "Craig Scanlon's scratchy guitar, bassist Stephen Hanley, and drummer Simon Wolstencroft's loping thump". The Fall is a challenging band, and I like challenging! I'm sure they have more albums to check out before you die, but, well, you know. Why not give this one a chance as well? This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day120.
3/4
Peak post punk
Not bad
Jag tycker det var lite speciellt. Inte dåligt men inte så jag föll helt och hållet heller. Lite kul sound.
Gött sound på musiken. På nåt sätt funkar sången emellanåt, men albumen skulle varit kortare. En svag trea
Why are people grudgeful and Service were good. Good chill, electronic punk vibe. Some songs seemed long and were a little too punk for my liking. But overall a decent album.
Feeling middle of the road with this one. It was fun and fine.
Dit schijnt post-punk te zijn, maar het is wel de eerste keer dat ik ook echt nog wat punk in post-punk terug hoor. Qua gitaren dan met name. Dat is wel verfrissend. Waarschijnlijk scheelt het dat het uit de heilige jaren '90 komt in plaats van de verschrikkelijke jaren '80. De zanger is een beetje The Streets-achtig dingen aan het zeggen, zonder het ritmegevoel van The Streets dan. Eigenlijk is 'ie maar wat aan het lullen met een soort lichte kreun in z'n stem. Een articulerende Dylan die nóg minder moeite doet om goed te zingen ofzo. Maar vreemd genoeg kan ik het wel hebben eigenlijk. Ik vind de muziek wel aardig, de zang ondanks alles wat ik zojuist schreef niet super irritant. Ik kan dit album dus goed hebben en ik vind het zelfs best wel leuk, bizar genoeg. 3 sterren haalt het wel. Met 50 minuten wel wat aan de lange kant voor wat het te bieden heeft. Veel herhaling. Overigens hoeft niemand dit te horen voor 'ie dood gaat, maargoed, dat geldt voor meer albums op deze lijst.
Too indie for me.
6.5/10 First Fall album I’ve heard, I only know them by a reputation of being difficult to listen too, but that was not what I experienced here. Basically well-crafted indie/alternative that took and built upon the best of the uk scene at that point in the 90s. Yes, the vocals were very much a mixed bag but this was enjoyable. Can really feel its influence on people like Damon Albarn and maybe even stuff like the Prodigy? Best: Light / Fireworks
2-3
Always like The Fall when I listen to them, not sure I like as much as some of the others I’ve heard…. Though you are never sure what you are going to get…. Solid 3 for this!
This was different than the last album I listened to by The Fall - this made me think a bit more about Sleaford Mods. I'm starting to get really curious about this Mark Smith guy.
3/5. Okay, maybe if I heard this first, I would have appreciate the other Fall album more. Not that much more to be honest because it's seems like they are either pushing boundaries or staying safe. Maybe I can see their change in sound by listening to their other albums but I'm not going to do that. The singer is both the best and worst part of this. Sometimes it really works, giving an Iggy Pop in a pop band and sometimes it's just a bad choice for vocals. The music is fun and accessible with danceable riffs and they do go harder than they have any right to be. Overall, there are more good than bad songs on this one so it gets an average score. After finishing it, it definitely sounds like LCD Soundsystem but a little more rock than electronic. Best Song: Paranoia Man In Cheap Sh*t Room, The League Of Bald-Headed Men, Lost In Music
I’m surprised how much I didn’t hate it
The Fall's FIFTEENTH album. It was an enjoyable listen, with some really cool songs and sounds, but I'm struggling to understand why I need to hear this before I die. I've been more impressed with their other works more than this one. The instrumentation is often good but goddamn the singer always just sounds like some drunk dude at the bar just grabbing the mic and ranting
90s alternative rock. Certainly interesting instrumentation. Creative covers of songs I mostly don’t know. Loads of talking over guitar riffs. Kind of fun. Long album. Great beats. The talking gets kind of old.
Not a fan of this group at all. But I've tried. Cover of Lost in Music? Strange Liked how different it was from their other albums on the list. Bit happy Mondays towards the end Ok
i mean it’s fineeeee but there’s better albums from the fall out there
I enjoyed this for the noise rock and grungy vibe of this, but not sure I'd listen to this too much again.
It’s a bit long to listen to one man constantly talking like that, but at least there’s some personality and character to it all
This album had some high points and some "meh" points. Does it belong on this list? Probably not. But ok listen nonetheless. 2.8/5 -> 3/5
Pretty cool album. Would be great to hear live in an english pub.
6/10 Great instrumentally but lacks lyrically and vocally in my opinion Favourite Song=Glam Racket Least Favourite Song=Light/Fireworks
Interesting almost punk mix of electronic, and blending of other genres.
This album was ok. I can think of some modern post-punk groups that do some of what the Fall is doing slightly better IMO (TV Priest comes to mind), but I can appreciate this album as an early version of that, even if I didn't dig every song.
I liked this ok, but the singer's drawl gets a bit tiring over the listen. I thought it was interesting to hear some like very 80s sounds on some songs, followed by some very 90s sounds on the next. Not bad, but seemed a little derivative by 93. 2.75/5
That hoary old chestnut about six monkeys and Shakespeare quite clearly isn’t correct. It fudges the time issue, for one thing. Nevertheless. Mark Smith clearly thought that there was something in it - if he goes through band members frequently enough, he’ll eventually come up with the perfect combination. This iteration ain’t it. But there are fun moments in it, like the (completely unexpected) second best ever cover of Lost In Music * *The best belongs to Dirty Three, of course.
This is ok, it's much more accessible than the previous Fall album I had on this list. Some witty lyrics and great guitar riffs. Vocals still prevent it from being really enjoyable, but I didn't hate it
Yup, sounds just like you'd expect early 90's post punk to sound. Nothing stands out as memorable, but it's not bad.
Favourite song - Glam racket
Moody music to play in the background
Uninspired talk punk
Lacks the wow factor of "This Nation's Saving Grace" but a decent post punk nonetheless
i think this is a thing where i’ve heard so many imitations that the actual originator of the style sounds boring to me now. i liked the instrumental parts a lottttt but the vocals were just monotonous to me…idk i’m surprised cos i thought i would like it more. “john cooper clarke, james murphy, grian chatton—it’s all the same bullshit.” — jane goodall
I love The Fall, choosing one album to be on this would be hard. Because as much as I love The Fall I do realise that they have some amazing songs spread over a lot of albums. This isn't probably the album I would choose, but it's not a bad one.
It’s alright, I’m Going to Spain is the standout for me
Enjoyable, Energetic, Entertaining Throughout.
Mark E Smith can get considerably grating during an entire album, however, the beats/instrumentation on this one fits his style very well.
Bueno
OK, nothing special, annoying vocals
This was not bad, but not a super easy listen either.
Listening to this at work and almost didn’t realize it was on which idk if that’s glaring or complimentary. Either way not interested in running it back
I’ll give The Fall credit they are nothing if not consistent. I have listened to three albums by them and they are all good but not great. Favorite songs were Glam-Racket, I’m Going to Spain, and Ladybird.
Never heard this album, nor this band's music before, and I was listening to alternative in the 90s. Though I'm not likely to seek this band out, I was ok with the music. The vocals were intriguing.
It’s a coincidence that I hear Sister Sledge absolutely make a masterpiece of Lost In Music and then hear an absolutely whelming version of it by this band, the very next album. Idk if that was intentional or not. As for the rest of this album, the bass hits, the drums kick, but the vocals are mundane and lifeless. Ultimately it’s hard to digest.
I thought the vibe got a little old, but this felt like a more accessible and fun Sonic Youth, kind of? Idk, I liked it.
3.5/5
Fine I guess, didn’t do too much for me. Musically interesting but the guys voice is not ideal
I didn't enjoy this one as much as 'This Nation's Saving Grace', but it was still not too bad. Just a little less memorable in my opinion.
I liked the last Fall album a lot, but man there has just been some god awful singing on some of these recent records. Sometimes it works but other times makes me wonder wtf they were thinking. The last album was much better I've actually gone back and listened a bunch. This has its moments but doesn't get close to the highs of the last one. I think a better singer would do this band wonders. It's like every song is Losing my Edge by LCD. Past Gone Mad rules.
I could imagine bumming a ride to the train station from a friend or five of mine, and they turn this on and insist that I really need to listen to The Fall, they’re so deep and were so ahead of their time and this album will change my life, I have *got* to listen, but like, REALLY listen, dude. And while The Infotainment Scan is a decent post-punk album with slam poetry vocals and totally cool guitars etc. that don’t stand out much once the song is over, and while it would also be rude to tell my friend(s) to turn it off, especially when I’m the girl bumming a ride from them in this situation, I don’t think I’ll be going out of my way to learn more about The Fall any time soon. Actually, this might be where I need to get out – both metaphorically from the thrill ride through the history of post-punk, and literally out of the car before this album is over and before I miss my train. But sure, dude, I’ll check out The Fall more, this is cool 🙄
It’s good but I feel like I’ve heard a version of this talkie British bop like 5x
Mad that a) this is their 15th album and b) it was considered their most accessible. The sort of dancey/indie rock mostly reminded me of primal scream but that was only a couple of songs really, it was all over the place. When it was just noises or repetitive dance I didn't enjoy it but then there were some more angular bits I really liked. Can't truly recommend it as an album given the number of parts I hated. I gave their other album a 3 and it was slightly better, this one would be a 2.5.
Preferred This Nation's Saving Grace, but this is decent. Accessible, and listenable. I can't really give this a 4, because some of it is a bit dull and noisy (I prefer the middle of the album). And the music is a bit uninspiring. Hometown hero.
Not as good as the nations saving grace, but still quite enjoyed it. He's got a very distinctive style. Thought the start of the album was way better than the end. It kinda fell away a bit I thought. Started sounding more and more 90s, bit dancey... 3
The singer is from England, and yet all I keep thinking to myself is how... French this whole thing sounds. It's not punk, really. But "punk" shouldn't be just one thing. You can't (and shouldn't) put any music style in to an easy to fit box. Anyway, maybe it wasn't as much French as smirky to me. The music backing it was pretty decent. I liked the fact that ultimately it wasn't easily classifiable. Still, the vocals kinda put me off after a while. So I doubt I will come back to it. Highlights: "Glam-Racket"
The Fall is another band that I don't mind, but I think gets far too much time on the 1,001 list. One album may be enough. When their debut album came up I really didn't know who they were but I have heard more of their stuff as I was listening to other post-punk bands and albums on this list. I don't regret giving that album a 2 and giving this one a higher score - I think this one is better. One of the things I have come to enjoy about The Fall is bassist Steve Hanley's pounding basslines, and he wasn't on the debut album. Lead Mark E. Smith is definitely an eccentric lyricist and vocalist; he may be a bit pretentious as I suggested on the debut album. But I don't mind it as much when the music is more accessible, which it is on this album on songs like Ladybird, Glam-Racket, I'm Going to Spain, It's a Curse, and The League of Bald-Headed Men. But again, how many places on the 1,001 list are we going to hand out to weird bands and albums? They went from weird post-punk to weird alternative rock so is the point they reinvented their sound in 15 years and that's why you need to hear the album? It's a 3, nothing more, nothing less.
The best song on this is a cover. Personally I don't think it's anything very special, but it's not terrible either. Mixed. More post-punk and alternative rock, with a raw and gritty sound. The overall energy and style make for an interesting listen. It did not grab me on the first spin, but it's worth a few listens to fully appreciate its quirks.
Did not like the other album from this group on the list but this one was okay. Kinda weird would give another listen
Very British. The vocals were not my favorite but instrumentals were cool.
Better than expected for a later stage album
The production on this is so dated and it's a pitty, cause I sort of like what they've written.
I hear this moving forward to bands like LCD Soundsystem, Yard Act and even Arctic Monkeys, but it's a pretty nascent expression, doesn't groove like its antecessors, and doesn't appear to have aged as well to my ears.
It was fine, some good songs but a bit repetitive
Expected to hate it. I didn't. 3/5
The Fall is one of those bands who have a vast and largely consistent discography, which makes it hard to know where to begin. So, thanks to 1001 for pointing me to this album. I do enjoy Mark E Smith's idiosyncratic vocal delivery but I can see why it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. It's like a drunk man under hypnosis.
Wikipedia geeft aan dat Zappa en Captain Beefheart inspiratiebronnen voor The Fall geweest waren, en zo gek vind ik die gedachte niet. Het klopt soms van geen kant, maar als je aandachtig luistert kom je soms toch een achter de genialiteit van de band. Op dit album staan echt een aantal bangers, waaronder Ladybird, de spectaculaire cover Lost In Music, maar vooral Service vind ik geweldig. Ook moet gezegd worden dat er een hoop vreemde dingen op staan, maar goed, dat was te verwachten. Rating: 7/10 Highlights: Ladybird, Lost in Music, Service
Blijkbaar het zoveelste album van the Fall en niet met hun grootste hits. Wel een hele toegankelijke. Begint met een Fontaines DC achtig nummer dus die vibe is goed. De covers (oa Lost in Music) vind ik een beetje vreemd. Maar dit is eigenlijk wel een lekkere rammel plaat die toch goed te luisteren is (altijd een thin line). De 90's beats zijn ook nooit ver weg (bijv in Service en Past Gone Mad). Mooi dat ook een band als the Fall die elementen heeft meegenomen. Volgens mij is dit één van hun meest 'mainstream' albums. Misschien onder fans een unpopular opinion maar ik luister er wel graag naar. 7,5/10 Highlights Ladybird Paranoia Man in Cheap Shit Room
There are a few The Fall albums that I would consider an essentiel listen. This isn't one of them.
Great song titles. Interesting and somewhat engaging music. Apparently making a statement. Probably an acquired taste…
Some cool sounds and riffs and ideas, especially in the first half, but as the album drags on, the annoying vocals grate more and more, the monotony kicks in and turns to boredom, the more I understand that I can only rate this 3 stars
I really did want to like The Infotainment Scan a lot more than i did. Musically, this album is great for the most part even with a few very poor musical choices both composition wise and instrumentation wise. My main problem with this album is the vocals. It feels to me that the vocalist really didn't sound like he wanted to be there as he just felt so monotone and boring and really not that energetic. I would like this album way more if the vocalist had a better voice. Best Song: I'm Going To Spain Worst Song: Light / Fireworks
Album cover and title are really the worst. The album itself I kind of liked. Didn't know The Fall before so it was an interesting discovery.
The Fall’s The Infotainment Scan is a alright display of the punk genre. I feel like there is definitely worse punk alternatives out there, but thats not saying much. I maybe could listen to a song or two again. All in all, The Infotainment Scan is an alright album. Best Song: Past Gone Mad Worst Song: Im Going to Spain
What the fuck was that. What drug was this made for? I did enjoy it once the gummy kicked in.
A special two disc edition on Spotify, clocking in at two hours and six minutes? Oh have a look. Buddy, if you've ever wanted to dance like a pilled-up primate to the strains of the Fall, do I have the album for you!
Familiar with the band, not with this album. It didn't do much for me. It wasn't bad, just not terribly interesting. I guess a track here or there was a bit out there but for the most part it didn't have the energy that I was expecting. Clearly influenced by "Madchester'.
Still same feeling of earlier albums.
i did really enjoy this but didn’t find it exceptional
Reminded me of The Stooges a lot
its decent but nothing that interesting. im not sure why they recommended this one instead of the many other more respected fall records. 6/10
This album is a bit of a bummer. Dig the music but the talk/sing vocals are so monotonous. I listened through twice and was unable to figure out its inclusion on this list.
Cool dance elements. The sound grew on me towards the middle.
Liked it. I know OF The Fall but not sat and listened to any of their albums and this one I enjoyed twice through. There's a bit of baggy type early 90s influence and a bit of post-punk new wave, a bit of a Talking Heads meets Primal Scream vibe but also with Smith's distinctive vocals.
Post punk, alternative dance.
A 3 begrudgingly.. because no 2.5 rating. Was going through this - OK first 10 songs or so, but... what? ... this is a double disc? Geez.. not worth the time commitment. sorry
No real strong feelings here on this one.
Middle of the road. Don't hate it, don't love it. Not something I'll seek out, but won't act to turn it off.
You can really see what a huge influence this rambling was to James Murphy of LCD. It earns a 3. Not great enough for a 4, and not epic enough for a 5.
Interesting, but not overly so.
The music/melody is really good, but the vocals are incoherent.
2.7/5 Best Track: Lost in Music
No notable songs at all. Wasn't horrible, but another solid "Meh" from this list.
Hyviä biisejä - keksittyjä ja varastettuja. Solistin ideana on kuulostaa huonolla tavalla melkein hyvältä, mikä on ok, ja sanat toimivat sikäli kuin niitä jaksaa lukea mukana.
I've enjoyed The Fall over the years but I have never listen to an entire album by them before. It was okay.
Like it when I gets more dancey, but the more experimental stuff falls flat thanks to Smith's unexpressive drawl of a voice.
I really did not like the opening track here, but then there was a run of some pretty good stuff between Lost In Music and Paranoia Man in Cheap Shit Room. The end was pretty forgettable though. I had never heard of this Indie group, and doubt I'll revisit it, but it was a solid listen.
I suspect The Fall might be an acquired taste, I don't know how I feel the choice to yell over-enunciated lyrics over a backing track, albeit those backing tracks are pretty catchy. If I'm leaning any particular way, I guess it is towards like over dislike. 'A Past Gone Mad', in particular, sounds like something that could have come out quite recently, evoking Underworld or NIN. Listens: 1 Fave Track: A Past Gone Mad Rating: 3
Lost in Music er mjög töff og margt annað mjög áheyrilegt. Hitt er svo annað mál að minn innri plebbi í er ekki að dansa alveg við Mark E. Smith.
I don't really like his vocal style. It's too out of tune for my taste. And lacks energy. I don't like a lot of atonal singing.
Post punk, alternative dance.
Very janky album i didn't really vibe with it, not bad though
Post-Punk-Giganten. Der gesangliche Einfluss auf Protomartyr ist unverkennbar. 2,5
I really enjoyed the music. This is a very good example of post punk. Every modern British or otherwise talk-y vocal post punk band owes the Fall credit. Mark smith is fine. In 93 people still wanted a man to tell them about the world I guess. Sadly like so many social critics he became a cynical self important old man. Still I would listen to this again-uh. Still I would listen to this again-uh.
I felt this had vibes of "If Dylan tried punk" - vocals are a little whiny at time (just like Dylan) or sing-talking (which can be good). The songs were well composed and they fit the themes of the album for a coherent work.
Ladybird - 7.5/10 Lost in Music - 8.5/10 Glam - Rocket - 8/10 I'm Going To Spain - 8.5/10 It's a Curse - 7.5/10 Paranoia Man in Cheap S**t Room - 7/10 Service - 7/10 The League Of Bald-Headed Men - 7/10 A Past Gone Mad - 7/10 Light/Fireworks - 7/10 Why Are People Grudgeful - 7/10 League Moon Monkey Mix - 7/10 TOTAL - 76/120
Sometimes, all you need is one word for an album. For this album, that word is "Weird"
The vibes are cool. The songs are very minimal. I can't decide if its a punk dance album or a dance album with punk sounds. The second half really picks up the dance groove which I think is the best part.
Didn't know this band so nice find. Good music.
Some obscure post punk band from the UK. Apparently they've put out 31 studio albums over the course of their 38 yr history. But it's just not that great. The singing..... To quote wikipedia: "voiced through a "one-note delivery somewhere between amphetamine-spiked rant and alcohol-addled yarn."". It's a shame too, because the music, though repetitive, is not bad, but the weird ass vocals drag it down. Favourite songs: Service, It's a Curse, Ladybird, The League of Bald Headed Men, Lost in Music Least favourite songs: Light/Fireworks 3/5
Ok, the cover of Sister Sledge’s Lost in Music is kinda cool. Nice surprise. Overall, I get it. The band is influential, prolific, and eclectic. It’s not bad, just not something I’d come back to. My problem is that I only seem to like parts of their songs. Like, good music, but meh singing, that kinda thing. It’d be nice to enjoy a full song.
Si t’exclus la râpe à fromage qu’est le chanteur, on est quand même sur du bon
This grew on me. I don’t love it but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. “I’m Going to Spain” is a standout.
pretty fine overall, the alien techno song was definitely the best
Ok
I like it, I don't enjoy it.
Early 90s confused brit rock
This guy's voice sucks, but I liked the music.
Not an unfun album, but it sounds a bit dated production wise. Also not the best I've heard from the Fall so far. Still enjoyable.
Somewhat abstract punk, took a dance-ey turn at the end
I'm going to Spain was the standout, the rest was pretty unremarkable. Is that in part due to an apparent allergy to choruses? I started getting into some of the live stuff which isn't technically part of the album though so isn't reflected in the score
Fair. I'm not overly impressed.
Vocals suck but good shitsu
A relatively weaker Fall album I guess but still enjoyable.
Hey, guess what... another post punk album. I will say the first song has a catchy bass line. It carries through the album and is what sucks out to me. I can't hate in this one.
A good deal less profound than it thinks it is. But still an alright album.
I really didn't enjoy the last The Fall album that I got on this list, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It was much more accessible than the other album. It was also easier for me to fit this album into what was happening in rock at the time, which helped me appreciate how interesting some of the musical choices they make on this album were. I don't think I'll ever be all that into this band, but this album helped me understand their appeal a lot more 3/5
Dont have much to say on this one not bad but meh for the most part
Cool stuff. Definitely weird to have such a late career album from them in here though.
I listened to this whole thing and don't really remember any of it. I'm not sure what that says about it. I remember the machined drums kinda sucked, and the guitars sounded pretty good 2.5 stars, I guess.
November 17th, 2023 (later) Three stars for the audacity, though it’s starting to feel like The Fall is a British joke I’m too Canadian to understand. HL: “Why Are People Grudgeful”, “League Moon Monkey Mix”, “Lost in Music”, “I’m Going to Spain”
I'm generally on board with this type of music but it didn't stand out to me - maybe 1001 albums has been serving me too much post-punk lately. it took one or two tracks to get over the vocalists bizarre affect but once i did, i got into it. no songs really stood out over the others and it was good music to work to but it was not keeping my attention. 3.5 but rounded down.
It's-uh not my favorite-uh album-uh. The music-uh was decent enough-uh, but what-uh was that singer-uh doing with his voice-uh. He did not hit-uh a single pitch-uh correctly lol, and his-uh pronunciation was-uh... interesting to say the least-uh.
programmed since birth to enjoy the fall, it surprises nobody that i enjoy the fall, despite the drunk uncle reciting spoken word poetry vibes. 3.5
Et's a cyuhse-uh, that I like this music but that some of the songs are a slow drag through what I assume is a vocal affectation done on purpose. Past Gone Mad slaps
I enjoyed this more than the other Fall albums we've had, felt a bit more accessible (or maybe my musical tastes have matured over the course of the last 643 albums. Tough to tell.). I guess it's much later on in their career, so maybe they mellowed? Either way, this is a much easier listen than we've had before, but still not my favourite. Grubby post-punk. 3/5.
Hmm I feel like I’ve seen a lot about The Fall since I started this challenge. I’ve realized that I love post punk but I didn’t really care for this. I didn't like the singer's voice and I found the album unengaging overall. I did like "Why Are People Grudgeful," though.
Dang! Really like the atmosphere and vocals of the album
It seemed incredibly long, but it wasn't bad. I jammed to it over morning coffee.
It wasn't bad, but I found myself ignoring it.
It was fine
Was expecting to either love or hate this album, instead I feel quite indifferent to it, did not move me either way
KORREK
A bit experimental, but never went too far into the weird
I groaned a little when I saw the wiki description mention this being their most accessible album. I love The Fall and was just thinking, well why is this included on the list? Why not just throw a couple of their classic 80s albums on here and call it a day? But it turns out that even accessible Fall music is still pretty damn good, catchy post-punk with Mark E Smith blabbering in the back, a combo that never fails. I'm sure some of their earlier, more seminal work will come up on the list, but for now i'm pretty glad to have got my fix for today.
The music is pretty fun. The lead vocalists "singing" is sure different. Not my thing, but I do like the music well enough
By gad, verily. It has ephemeral whinging aspects. I got hit with a wave of nostalgia when I pulled this CD off my shelf, not because I remembered or even liked any of the music, but because the call letters for my college’s radio station were written in sharpie on the insert and disc. It hit me that I’d bought this at a sale the station had held one weekend in somebody’s garage at a house off campus. It was one of those sales that still haunt me— it only I wasn’t a broke college student I would’ve made out like a bandit. As it was I spent the $10 or so that I had and came home with this and pile of other choice 90s/early ‘00s indie rock and odd assortments. Some of the other discs I’ve actually listened to in the time since. Not this one. Probably played it once or twice when I got it over 15 years ago. Been collecting dust since. I’m pretty sure I got in the first place because it was on a pitchfork list of best albums of the ‘90s. Can’t remember if I already had other Fall albums at the time. Maybe Perverted by Language and/or This Nation’s Saving Grace, both of which I like more, though I can’t say I’ve listened to them all that much either. I can’t remember if I also knew that Pavement were big Fall fans. Maybe I did and that influenced the purchase as well. Anyway, I liked this album this time through more than I remembered or expected to. There are a couple songs that have been stuck in my head, and some lines that I found downright hilarious, including the ones quoted at the top of this review. Then there are moments, especially in the second half, where the music is very odd and it feels like someone left the tape running and Mark E. Smith rambled on unrehearsed about whatever popped into his head. There are bits that I can’t tell if I love or hate, like the cover of Chic’s Lost in Music, which sounds like someone drunkenly mumbling over the Rocky soundtrack. I honestly didn’t realize it was a cover at first— I thought they’d lifted portions from a disco song as some sort of post-modern statement, but that the rest was original material. And then there moments that remind me of my reaction to Tim and Eric bits— I felt like they were parody or supposed to be humorous but I felt like I was missing the joke. Is the joke it’s terrible on purpose? Like some of the ‘90s techno/industrial elements. My favorite songs hewed closer to the classic Fall post-punk sound, sometimes with little updates for the ‘90s. Anyway, I hated or was bored by half the material, but I actually really enjoyed about half of it. A mixed bag.
intressant men inte extremt bra
not bad not moving
Meh
La décennie des 90s est la plus insupportable musicalement. Bien plus que celle des 50s et leurs dinosaures ringos emmenés par exemple par Buddy Holly & The Crickets.
Enjoyable, but got a little repetitive for me after a while, despite Mark E Smith being a compelling individual. The group is fine, and I’ve heard them here and there over the years, but I have never felt the need to dig into their extensive discography. I got bored about halfway through this album and started skipping through. But after that I went back and listened to one of their other songs I remember liking (Blindness), and I still really like that one.
There were some songs that I liked but there were also moments that I actively disliked. I'm really neutral on it.
Good, solid, but not the most memorable thing ever A little post punky and 80s
Droned on a bit, everything merged into everything else, which is a shame as the mix was decent and there was the beginnings of something good in there.
I liked this a little more than I expected.
3,5
Nice sound, good basslines throughout. I liked A Past Gone Mad. Flirts with greatness at times.
12th September 2023 Listened during the day. Went to the gym, Jonesy round to do the garden and Chris came to visit. An eclectic record with a bizarre House ending. Mark E Smith is a legend for a reason.
Interesting. And what a catalogue!!! I'll have to dig into this.
Interesting enough that I'm going it another listen.
im going to spain is sick, the shoegazey guitar they snuck in was nniiiicccee a couple other small highlights but this album is mostly pretty uneventful
An interesting listen that makes me want to dig deeper into The Fall’s discography. With that said, I can’t say I *loved* this album, but I get it and appreciate their influence enough to spark my curiosity. The verdict’s still out…
Maaan List Papa (TM) really likes Brit pop/rock. This was cool, but my favorite moment was a couple songs in when the singer’s delivery clicked in my head as the guy who talks on Glitter Freeze by Gorillaz. And hey I was right, that feeling of music inter connectivity is the greatest
some songs are fire some songs are not his voice kinda wears after a little bit but its still good me thinks :D
Interesting. Definitely left me wanting to listen more...
Better than I was expecting
Standouts: I’m Going to Spain, The League of Bald headed Men, Why are People Grudgeful 3.5/5
3.75
Congratulations to proud parents David Bowie and Bob Dylan.
It started a bit shakey, but then it became much better
Not their finest. The sort of inspired moments you’d look for in a The Fall lp appear, however they are offset by less-than-fortunate production choices
Helt chilled out
Ehh it had good rhythm but I didn’t like it
Kind of average but OK.
first listen boooorrrrrriiiinnnnng
Not my favorite from them
Hurts the same as Dylan... Potentially decent song strangled by the vocals.
Post punk, alternative dance.
Fjörugt post-pönk. Alveg þess virði að skoða.
3.5 Enjoyable overall. Has a bit too much 80s style here and there to really be a winner.
I can hear Bloc Party all over this album. The Fall was clearly one of their influences, and in fact, a lot of 2000's post-punk was inspired by this band (at least based on this album). So I think the album deserves to be in the book based on how influential it was, but I do wish it were less infotainment and more entertainment.
Right from the start I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this album. This guy, especially in the opening song, Ladybird, sounds a lot like Ray Wiley Hubbard. His voice is unique, no doubt and awesome to this listener. I liked first three songs. Good upbeat songs that got me moving. First 3 may be may favorites off the album. Think I downloaded Glam Racket and Ladybird early in my listening process. Then the album changes and for me, not in a good way. I'm going to Spain was popish nonsense and several of the songs after that turned into techno/dance nonsense. Enjoyed It's a Curse. Very unique vocalization of the lyrics. Different and unusual, but enjoyable to me. Liked the song Service, especially the piano. The music in League of Bald man music was very good as well, but the lyrics, not so much. So at this point, I am thinking to myself, these guys are so close to very good album, but couldn't quite put it all together. There were many songs I liked, but didn't like parts of the song. Sometimes it was the lyrics. There was one song that insisted on a high pitched squeak, Paranoia Man in a Cheap shit room, which was annoying, but yet I still generally enjoyed this song too. Really enjoyed the music in 15 ways to Leave your Man. Thought Strychnine was a solid tune too. Didn't care for A Past gone Mad, Why are people grudgeful and WTF was the last couple minutes of the Mixer song. Speaking of WTF, instrumentals of several songs, same songs with 2-3 versions of the same song and of course the 7-8 versions of Lost in Music. They'd start to lose then pull me back in. Go from solid rockish/punkish sound to techno dance sound wasn't fun either. This was like 4 albums blended into one. I think if they took their best 5-6-7 songs off the album and put on one album, I would have really liked. I downloaded a few songs and may actually go back and make myself a version of this album, cutting out the techno stuff, instrumental stuff and songs I didn't like at all. A lot of writing to say there was a lot to this album I really enjoyed, then they do something to turn me off (techno/dance shit) then to bring me back in with a great riff/sound or lyric. I do think I'll check out other stuff and even revisit this album. 3.5 for me, but just too much I did not enjoy to give a 4. But I did enjoy many parts of this album. 3.5
Pioneer for stuff I like. Singer is intolerable
Music is sometimes quite nice but vocals are neutral at best. I don't know why this album on this list
Kinda like 80s synth, kinda random
This is probably my favorite 'punk' anything I've heard. There are good rythms and beats and actually has some replay value. 2.8/5
Pretty good album as a whole. Like many on here, they put all the bangers first but a decent listen when going on a walk.
It’s embarrassing to admit that my favorite Fall albums are collections, such as the A-Sides, and B-Sides compilations, as well as the outstanding Palace of Swords Reversed. Obviously, there are some great songs here, but on the whole for Fall albums, I really dig collections.
Cool album! Don’t know these guys too much but have heard some songs! Very different album for sure but really enjoyed it! Good sounds and wild tastes!
I do not have any strong opinions about The Fall
Based on everything I know about myself I should have hated this album. I'm still not sure I don't. Still, there was something compelling about it. I'm pretty confused about the whole thing. 3.5 stars.
Two year ago, I never heard of the Fall, now I get excited when I see another album on the list. Enjoyable! But don’t this one well enough yet. 3/5
A few songs stood out, but may not be best listening to whilst feeling like the dirt of a dog
Nothing amazing here, but some tracks are real good
fine but nothing grabbed me
The instrumentals are decent but he’s not much of a vocalist
Dit album begon erg teleurstellend. Typische Amerikaanse pop-rock muziek uit de '70s? Daarna kwamen echter veel modernere pop-rock-nummers en vond ik het nog best een leuk album.
This is an interesting album. I can see some of these songs easily fitting into a Trainspotting movie or something similar. But it is SOO LONG
This is possibly the most accessible album by The Fall - which doesn't diminish it in any way. Lost in Music is the obvious talking point. Who is lost in music though? And why? A celebratory experience like the Sisters? I get the impression that this is one of Smith's in-jokes and he's having a dig at his band at the time. It'a a rare feat to be aware of what's happening around you musically, but not be influenced by it. You wouldn't describe The Infotainment Scan as a Madchester album, but Smith is playing a clever game here. Or perhaps he was just pissed and didn't give a shit?
Pretty weird. Kinda Talking Heads like?
Experimental? But i don't get it lol
Being assigned an unforgivable third album by The Fall caused me great dread today. Turns out that those two earlier albums were the more unforgivable ones, making this one sound quite listenable. The Fall has gone soft in their third decade! Listenable, mind you, in that much of the time it was like being at a fairly decent instrumental concert while some obnoxious drunk guy in front of you starts pontificating loudly and obliviously to his friend the whole way through. I'm like, "Dude! Hey! Sit down! Save your slurry rants for after the show! This band is pretty good and I'm trying to hear them over you!" That said, I kind of liked this one.
Somehow I'd never heard of this band despite this being their 15th album. It's probably not anything that I'd choose to sit down and listen to, but something about the beat and generally forgettable vocals makes it fantastic background music for working. People say that EDM (which this isn't, but has some similarity with beats) is great for working, and I may understand a little why.
não muito empolgante
It's OK. I think you have to be in the mood for some weird. It's as if they go at great lengths to make it as out there as possible. And this is one of their most accessible albums!
Seems that I typically listen to The Fall when I'm drunk, sat in the kitchen of an after-party. Good times, but hangovers get worse with age.
It's bizarre to see it as a punk/post-punk album with so many electronic components and long songs, but it's not so bad.
Better than I expected. I like the guitar sound and most of the songs were engaging and edgy. Enjoyed it enough to listen to the whole album, so it was above average.
T3B 1. Lost in Music 2. It’s a Curse 3. Glam-Racket This is a unique one.
I want to like this album more. The first song is hard hitting, grungy, jangly guitar riffage, too cool NYC scene music (I don't know if they are from NYC, but thats what it reminds me if). The rest of the album oscillates aggressively between punk ethos, punk adjacent music. Its part punk, part new wave, part dance. Its what LCD Soundsystem wishes it was. Dude cant sing, but I'm happy he talks at me and puts “uh” to emphasize every last word. I really think this album is cool and sloppy, too sloppy. It makes me want to listen to everything the band has done, though. And that is a big deal. A win.
Inconceivably odd choice by the frontman here. I thought this was a perfectly okay indie rock album from the early nineties. It doesn’t quite have the gusto of some of the decades better examples…but this is fine.
70/100: Never heard of this band, never heard of this album. Although I didn’t really love it, I clearly see why this album is on this list. I’ve never heard an album like this, of course it’s one of the 1001 you have to hear before you die. Not everything new and novel is good though. This album, although definitely harboring a unique sound, overstays its welcome rather quickly. Glad I heard it but likely won’t listen again.
ok.
it's like british cake. i like it.
For some reason, though '80s alternative / post-punk is my favourite musical genre, this is the only The Fall album that I own and I got it in the 2000s., and I've barely listened to it. Don't know why The Fall flew beneath my radar, but it has. As for this album it is musically quite appealing especially the first 3 songs, but all throughout I find it likeable and accessible. Themeatically I can't assess it yet as this would take a few more listens, but the fact that it appeals to me in overall sound means the likelyhood that I will listen more is a good thing. For now I will give it a strong 3 stars with potential for a higher rating after more time.
Much more accessible than I thought it would be. Includes actual singing and melody. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Lost in Music Date listened: 20/09/22
This was more interesting and unique than expected. Would definitely listen again. 3 stars.
better than expected
Rock, dance. Alternativo
Seems to be divisive, but not awful, there's a lot worse on this list. The 'singing' style reminds of a current band or 2 that I forget the name of.
Maybe these guys are starting to grow on me now that we’ve had to listen to like five of their records but I didn’t think this one was too bad
OK album. I seem to like the older material by them more than this.
I like The Fall, but don’t love them. This album tracks with expectations. I do especially like the guitar style and Smiths “talk singing”, and can definitely hear some influence on Sleaford Mods style. PSA: check out Sleaford Mods.
I wanted to like this more then I did. It was ok.
Didn't love it, didn't want to turn it off. It's fine.
Ok, dit kan bij mij nog alle kanten op gaan. Ik ga het werk van The Fall nog eens vaker beluisteren
Totaal onbekend voor mij, maar ik heb me er goed mee vermaakt.
Nog nooit van gehoord maar positief verrast! Hoor er vanalles in wat lijkt op andere bands, en het is erg divers en weird wat het wel boeiend houdt. Leuk om eens gehoord te hebben.
Pop-rock de estilo noventero. Buenas bases y fácil de escuchar. Sin demasiadas estridencias. Ninguna canción reconocida
All new to me -- band, members, album, tracks -- so I had absolutely no idea what to expect. There are some interesting tracks on this, usually catching my ear because of rough textures and the like. Can't really understand what the lead vocalist is saying, so one day maybe I'll read the lyrics. I have a feeling there might be some gems in there.
Ovaj album mi je dao totalno drugu njihovu priču, više vuče dalje od tog svog hladnog post punkerskog zvuka, čak Mark i pjeva u nekim pjesmama onak na šta nisam baš previše navikao. Album nije loš, ni blizu, ali nije na nivou onih svojih klasika iz 70-ih i 80-ih. Definitivno ću se vraćat na pjesme kao što su I'm Going to Spain - It's a Curse, Service, Paranoia Man in Cheap Shit Room - Service. Taj potez pjesama je najbolji dio albuma. 3.5/5 /// Kakva Premier Liga, kakva La Liga, kakva Liga Legendi, kakva Seria A, sada znam koju ligu Ivan najviše voli, a ta liga je pjesma pod brojem osam.
Not sure why this one is on the list. Not even the best Fall album. I’ve a love/hate relationship with The Fall. They could make some good tunes, but Mark could be a total arse at times. RIP fella.
In my head The Fall was just Mark E. Smith snarling tunelessly over a punky racket, but it seems I did them a disservice. The music is more interesting and varied than I imagined (in this 90s iteration at least), and there are some funny lyrics, like this one: "I do not like your tone. It has ephemeral whinging aspects."
Musically pretty cool, but I can only handle so much of the whole talk singing thing
Don't recall what I said about The Fall before. But I remember them being on here. This record came out in 1994. I like the odd lo-fi mix of electronic drums, ratty guitars, and don't-give-a-shit vocals. Some of the guitar lines, in particular, are catchy and melodic, which takes up some slack from the vocals. I like that in a band. The guitar tone is cool. It sounds like the earliest iteration of Amplitude (but it's obvs not because Amplitude was just a glimmer in Mr. Amplitube's eyes in 1994). That's a longwinded way of saying the guitar tone is hottt. How can I give this record 3/5 stars when I just gave the same thing to a Temptations record with at least one career-defining hit? Because there are 1001 of these damn records and consistency is out the window at this point. And because we've clearly established by now that my bias toward noisy white dude rock is crippling in an exercise like this...
This was kinda shitty, but I also kinda dug it. It's like a little Talking Heads, and little punk-rock, and a little 80s New Wave all crammed together with some Wesley Willis level psychotic musings.
Cool album
Another one of these bands I feel like I’ve been hearing about since college radio days of the 90s but never got around to. And hearing it I can definitely see the point. The vocals are not to my taste. I’m a fan of more than a couple acts where the singer can’t (or just doesn’t) really sing so I guess that’s on me. But it wore on me after a while, though I liked a lot of the music and thought it was all interesting.
2.5/5. There are some parts of this album that are decent, and there are other parts that are not. Some of the songs I somewhat enjoy listening to, but then others I just keep asking why it going on for so long.
Surprisingly sprightly, cohesive, gauzy, even--dare I say it--pop. Truly a remarkable band. At times they sound like Go-Betweens by way of, well, The Fall. The rest of the time they just sound like The Fall, which can be said of pretty much no one else.
C’est bon, ca court bien mais ca se repete en bout de ligne. 3.75
The textures and percussion in this one are what really caught my attention. I had those first glimmers of interest before I fully come to appreciate a type of music that I was previously too far removed from to click with. The introduction, Paranoia man in a cheap shit room, Service and the outro to A past gone mad. Seems like an entry album for sure.
3.5/5
It's... Ok... Made good background music. I can see how this would have a major influence on lcd Soundsystem who I think really perfected this genre. I can appreciate it, but wouldn't seek this out.
I like this a lot, the grooves are really addicting and they work well with the Iggy Pop style vocal delivery. Unfortunately got sick of it about halfway through, wanted to hear some real singing. Was ready to give this 5 stars after the first couple songs but I got slowly worn down by the end.
The Fall were incredibly prolific and I’m not familiar with the rest of their work. This album is a perfectly fine new wave/post-punk album. I enjoyed the driving guitars and the unique vocal delivery but don’t really see what sets this album apart from earlier new wave bands, especially in the early nineties.
Lots of great Segways in this album. Started out electronic with some instruments and full on electronic by the end. Some strange lyrics that didn't really speak to me but all in all not bad. Can see this one being influential with the electronic music of the late 90s
Clangy
Very much like early Stranglers. Some good riffs and rhythms going on under Mark E Smith's eccentric nonsense vocal delivery. Apparently they were John Peel's favourite band. Better than most of this week's drivel, though not really my cup of tea.
I wonder if they have more Fall albums in the 1001, this wouldn't be my first choice. Not my favourite version of The Fall, some great moments though, and listening The Fall is always good and better than listening to most other things I guess this is a pretty accessible version of The Fall
прослушал половину. постпанк. музыка ничего, интересно аранжирована, состав инструментов, эффекты, но вокал отстой полный...дослушал до конца, не так уж плохо
Band was alright. Hate the genre title though. Post-punk implies punk is dead. Not to me dammit haha
Great fun, really interesting and I would definitely revisit.
A good album let down by a couple of low light tracks. Still love Mark E Smith though because he's a maniac
Lots to like on here - not many bands sound anything like the fall and that’s to be applauded
Well well well... I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the vocals. Pity Smith didn't do more accessible Fall albums. I will listen to this again. Not quite 4 out of 5.
Interesting.
Kinda grunge Brit pop, just ok
I have to say, the style is a tough reach for me. I see it, I can understand it, but it doesn't touch me. That said, a coworker of mine is HUGELY nostalgic for The Fall, and this album in particular, so I have to give them major credit for being so influential.
This album was alright. I've heard a bunch of the Fall before and while I like Mark E. Smith's vocal style most of this album doesn't do that much for me. But it's not bad either. Would probably do 2.5 but I'll round it up to 3.
This was a bit of a surprise to me, actually quite enjoyable! Eclectic mix of music from guitar stuff to slightly dancey kind of tunes! Won’t be for everyone, but definitely worth a listen! I’ll probably get this for the collection
English post punk. Pretty good. The instrumentals are fr fr amazing throughout. The instrumentals get an easy 8.5/10 for me. HOWEVER, add the lead “singer” and it’s a 4/10. The rest of this post is just going to be a rant because of this guy. The lead singer really just pisses me off. The dude’s voice and stupid fake accent was charming for the first track but quickly becomes a gimmick that is hard to ignore. It’s a damn shame because the actual music is soooo good but you can’t hear it because the dude is just talking shit over it the whole time. Like not even singing. Just talking shit. I’m Going to Spain and It’s a Curse are examples of this travesty. Like bro just stfu. Actually it’s just the whole album. He doesn’t shut up. Just sing man, your voice isn’t that bad. So unfortunate man.
Boring and repetitive though has some nice elements
A fun and sexy time
Enjoyed the first half of this especially, it got a little grating near the end: in particular I wasn't always a fan of the vocal style. Shoutout to the Sister sledge cover
Some good songs but his voice can grate on me. Favorite songs were Paranoia Man in Cheap Shit Hotel Room, The League of Bald Headed Men and Why Are People Grudgeful. All of those tracks are great, but for every one of those theres a "Light/Fireworks" type track thats just annoying.
This was fine but unexciting to me
To begin with found this a little all over the place but as the album progresses- I think i'm starting to get it. 2nd time through its making more sense and is actually quite interesting if not my usual thing. Enjoyable without being something i'll rush back to. 3/5
Significantly more listenable than Live at the Witch Trials, with a few experimental songs that were quite enjoyable. Overall good album.
Did I think it was good? Yes Did I like it? No. Its hard to separate personal bias when rating an album but I'm trying. I give it a 3 for these reasons
Interesting experimental stuff. 5/10
like cake but without horns and they're british