THE FALL 8211 Slates (Reissue) 8211 LP 8211 Black Vinyl

LP – Reissue On Black Vinyl LP edition compiles the six tracks from the original EP release, their March 1981 Peel session and an early 80s studio outtake. Liner notes by Brian Turner. If The Fall truly is a cult band, then Slates both benefits from and reinforces such shrouded obsessions. In presenting these six particular songs as a 10-inch EP, the inherent and attractive difficulty of The Falls sound is made physical, framing the urgency of their singles from this period (notably How I Wrote Elastic Man and Lie Dream of a Casino Soul) alongside lengthy rumblings normally restricted to long players. The tumbling and phased Middle Mass begins on an incredible high note, segueing into the snake-charm hypnotism of An Older Lover Etc. Slates, Slags, Etc. is built on stretched VU-inspired riffing, complete with ace feedback bleed that doubtlessly went on long after fade-out. Ultimately, its the piercing chimes of guitar and marching drum grind of Prole Art Threat that elevates Slates beyond oddity. Truly one of Mark E. Smiths finest, busiest and most enigmatic performances, equally matched by a band at the peak of their powers. Tracklist: SlatesA1 Middle MassA2 An Older Lover Etc.A3 Prole Art ThreatA4 Fit And Working AgainA5 Slates, Slags Etc.A6 Leave The Capitol Peel Session Four B1 Middle MassB2 Lie Dream Of A Casino SoulB3 Hip PriestB4 C\’N\’C / Hassle Schmuck Studio OuttakeB5 Medical Acceptance Gate