My Favorite Records of 2004 - #5 - The Fall The Real New Fall LP (Narnack)

It was only about a year ago that I got myself turned on to the Fall for real. I picked up a copy of This Nation's Saving Grace and, for the first time, knew the bliss that is Mark E. Smith's vitriol. As I worked my way though Grotesque and Totally Wired: The Rough Trade Years, I also began exploring their lesser-appreciated material at the radio station where I work - it must be said that 90s Fall is unappreciated for a reason. Even die-hard Fall fans will tell you that the Fall have been...spotty...since their mid-80s peak. So, naturally, I wasn't expecting a whole ton from this year's Real New Fall LP, I was just a bit intrigued by a new Fall record.

Imagine my surprise when the first swirling moments of "Green Eyed" began to press in from my headphones. Then my surprise at the marvelous drone of "Mountain". Then my fucking awe at the Fall nailing their shit to the fucking wall on "Sparta FC". Mark E. Smith sounds refreshed, energized, maybe a bit mellower but still pretty pissed off - and the songs have incredible energy. Holy fuck I can't come up with enough expletives to impress upon you how good this record is. Front to back, top to bottom, a great album with amazing songs.

Been a Fall fan in the wilderness? Pick this shit up now. Spitting, swearing and still smarter than you, The Real New Fall LP is kicking the shit out of #'s 4 & 6, just because it can. Open the goddamn box!