The Fall – The Real New Fall LP (Formerly 'Country On The Click') (2003)

On last week's visit to Stamford, I sought out Rock On! Records, a tiny shop run by Ted Carroll, a name I knew from 1970s punk (ish) record label Chiswick Records.

If you're a vinyl lover, it's an absolute treat, but sadly for me, not too many CDs. Apart from a superb Fall section, and while I gave the several live albums a swerve, there were enough studio releases to persuade my credit card from my wallet.

This 2003 release by Mark and the gang was one of those picked up at a very fair price, and while it's not thought of as the band's most creative period, there's lots to get excited about. Green Eyed Loco-Man kicks off in a solid rock style, with the tone stepping down a bit for the catchy and enjoyable Mountain Energei.

Theme From Sparta FC #2 is probably my favourite 21st century Fall, and while this original version (#1) is sound, it does feel a bit plodding compared to the single version, and the high energy continues in MES's statement of hatred for the countryside in Contraflow.

We get into the world on bonkers named tracks next, with the inexplicable, and average Last Commands Of Xyratholep Via M.E.S. before the gentler side of MES emerges, accompanied by a Pentangle-like guitar on Janet, Johnny and James, while The Past #2 is little more than an MES rant (not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Open The Boxoctosis (you're just making words up now, Mark) is another solid rocker, followed by a cover of Lee Hazlewood's Houston, a cowboy song which drags a bit, but does anyone else think he's actually heading to Euston (for a train back to Salford?). And the album feels to run out of steam from here on. Mike's Love Hexagon is nondescript, and although Proteinprotection is brighter and livelier, it's a disappointing end in the over-electronicked Recovery Kit.

However, this is, overall a very good listen, with more than enough top moments to remind us why we love The Fall. If you're cautious about 21st century Fall, you could do worse than start here.

Link to album tracks

4* - just, possibly not the band's finest hour, but there's plenty here worthy of the Fall