The Fall - "Ersatz GB" CD

So the Fall are an English institution. I'm not as much of a fan as I probably should be, and I don't care to count the band's many, many albums they've recorded since 1979. Suffice to say, The Fall are prolific. And, did I say legendary?

 Led as always by ascetic frontman Mark E. Smith, The Fall's umpteenth album, "Ersatz GB" begins with the taut and aggressive proto-Krautrock of "Cosmos", whereas Smith sneers his way through a tangle of spiky punk-edged guitar and drums. "Taking Off" is more atmospheric, while "Nate Will Not Return" is a claustrophobic assault, with Smith's streetwise storytelling at the forefront.

"Greenway" is a gruff and heavy rocker with Smith's formidable anger palpable. "Happi Song" is a sweet and soft middle point, with keyboardist Eleni Poulou taking over lead vocals. From there, it's back to Smith and company's sweaty, dirty rock with electronic elements around the edges. This is a superb album, and I really need to look at this band a bit closer, no doubt about it. (Cherry Red/MVD Audio)

  The nearest to an official Fall site