The Fall – Ersatz GB (2011)

This one is the third and final one of my Fall purchases from Rock On Records in Stamford a couple of weeks ago.

It's apparently the band's 29th studio album (in a mere 33 years of recording).

Once again, expectations of this period of The Fall aren't high, but I'm always prepared to be surprised. Even as MES aged and his powers and health waned, he made sure he was surrounded by more than adequate musicians, and there isn't a note out of place here from bassist Dave Spurr, drummer Keiron Melling and (uncredited) guitarist, now House of All stalwart Pete Greenway.

Which is just as well, as MES 's contribution to opener Cosmos 7 doesn't go much beyond mumbling, however, Taking Off sees Smith more vocal, and although it won't go down in Fall legend, it's decent enough.

Nate Will Not Return is in much the same vein, with a long run of rhyme, showing Smith could do it if he tried, and there's a rockabilly feel to the undistinguished Mask Search. Greenway has a driving riff, and starts with MES channelling his inner Dodgy, and it's the band at its heaviest and perhaps Smith at his growliest.

Eleni Poulou (the then Mrs Smith) pretty much gets a solo outing on Happi Song, not quite managing to pull off a Nico impression.

Monocard is slower, more repetitive, and less interesting, as is the drawn out Laptop Dog. I've Seen Them Come is more upbeat, but at a tad over 6 minutes, really doesn't offer much, leaving Age Of Chang to wrap up, and if you're hoping for a grand finish, the 'down a telephone line' opening doesn't bode well, but a thumping bass and Smith with a megaphone make for a decent conclusion.

It's not a classic Fall album, and will inevitably be remembered as part of the fag-end of the band during Smith's decline. But it's still The Fall, and at their worst, they're still better than most.

Link to album tracks

3* - probably for Fall completists only, but while Smith might be fading, the band are spot on.