Have I mentioned that I like The Fall? One of the latest purchases is this 1988 album, originally the soundtrack to a Michael Clark ballet, (possibly following on from their OGWT appearance together - the dancers apparently pulling ribbons from each other's arses) and there are many great Fall songs on this often overlooked album.
Opening with the anthemic New Big Prinz (effectively Hip Priest take two), which some days might be my favourite Fall song, then into the guitar riff of Overture, all is going well until the ill advised attempt at Blake's Jerusalem (MES joins the list of pop stars who have slaughtered this song - looking at you Messrs Bragg and Lake), saved only by the relentless Steve Hanley bassline, and improving as it proceeds.
Normal Fall service is restored with the fantastic duo of Kurious Oranj - a bouncy reggaefied, melodic song - and Wrong Place, Right Time - much more traditional Fall fare. Guide Me Soft is a minimal vocal performance with barely any accompaniment besides Craig Scanlon's acoustic guitar, while the bizarrely titled CD Win Fall 2088 AD has Smith intoning over a techno-style reprise of New Big Prinz, while it's back to Hanley bass / Scanlon guitar work on Yes, Oh Yes, an instrumental interlude with occasional Smith shouts. Van Plague? has the feel of a gentler Fall song, not a classic, but listenable, while Bad News Girl (an indication of the state of the Smiths' marriage?) has a slow beat and simple melody, with Smith barking over, before an unexpectedly jolly ending.
But if you're waiting for another classic, wait no further. Cab It Up is a fantastic song, which seems to capture the best of the band - driving bassline, simple theme, catchy chorus. Last Nacht reprises Bremen Nacht from the previous album, but without its impact or power the album ending with Big New Priest, a welcome call back for New Big Prinz.
Probably not considered one of the Fall's finest albums (of the many 'Fall albums ranked' sites on the internet, I only found one placing this in the top ten), there's still lots to love here.
4* - a solid effort by Mark and the band, with a couple of classics
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