Pitchfork

[Posted Wednesday, October 1st, 2003 02:00:00 Pitchfork Central Time]

Manchester post-punk icons The Fall are about to release their latest platter of throbbing rhythms and ranting, Tristan Tzara-like lyrics on Action Records in the UK. Entitled The Real New Fall L.P. (Formerly Country On The Click), the album will be released on October 27th, to the delight of modern punk fetishists, obsessive record collectors and original scenesters who remember hanging out with Fall singer Mark E. Smith at the Rough Trade shop in Kensington Gardens in '79. When reached for comment, the notoriously crotchety Smith reportedly muttered, "Sod off you monkey-racheting elastic carbuncles!" We have no idea what that means either. Gullible readers should be aware that the preceding quote is fake, and also should ponder this question: how do you keep a gullible person in suspense? I'll tell you tomorrow. In the meantime, here's the tracklist for the new record:

01 Theme From Sparta F.C.
02 Protein Protection
03 Mountain Energei
04 Contraflow
05 Green-Eyed Loco Man
06 Last Commands of XYRALOTHEP Via M.E.S.
07 Boxotosis
08 Ho(e)uston
09 The Past
10 Recovery Kit
11 Mike's Love Xexagon
12 Susan Vs. Youth Club

The Fall have been plying their trade without cease since the mid '70s, through countless albums, labels and line-up changes. The only true constant has been the obsessive and inimitable mien of Mark E. Smith, whose deadpan, unspooling vocals paint dystopic portraits of the malaise of the Manchester working class, and backing music that emphasizes accentuated dissonance more than melody. They also have several live dates scheduled. My advice? Ingest many dangerous, illegal drugs first, and try not to look like a bloody yuppie, all right? Put the cell phone on vibrate, at least. The dates:

10-01 Manchester, England - Bierkeller (w/ The Public Fringe)
10-02 Manchester, England - Bierkeller (w/ Dr. Freak's Padded Cell)
10-08 Leeds, England - Irish Center
12-07 London, England - Carling Academy