Since 1976, The Fall has released over 20 albums and a countless amount of live albums, extended plays, and compilations. Mark E. Smith, the leader/mastermind of the group has fucked with my head with his cryptic lyrics and inimitable vocals for the past two years. Without a doubt, The Fall is one my favorite bands of all-time.
Slates was released as a mini-album in 1981 by Rough Trade as a 10 inch record. It's 23 minutes and 46 seconds long. For 6 tracks, it's an essential record for any fan of the Fall. The first track is "Middle Mass". It's a great opener with a sharp-edged guitar tone, an amazing bass riff, and Can-esque drumming. To top it off, Mark E. Smith sings I mean shouts, "The evil is not in extremes, it's in the afterlife." The thing I love about the Fall is Smith's surrealism lyrics. After all, he has stated H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe as his influences.
Every song on Slates, well actually every song the Fall has made, are all well crafted. The tunes are played in perfection and you can't even tell if they've improvised. Everyone in the band knows how to create a masterpiece. It seems as if they share the same brain. Most of the songs seem to carry the same formula. A kraut-rock drum beat, a sharp guitar tone, a catchy bass line, and cynical lyrics from MES.
If this is the first time you have ever heard of the Fall, please do yourself a favor and listen to them. If not, you're missing out on one of the greatest post-punk bands ever existed.
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