The Fall
Grotesque LP (yellow translucent vinyl)

Bursting into the 1980s on a new label (the then-upstart, now-legendary Rough Trade) and with an augmented, audibly panicked lineup, The Fall's Grotesque is the true pure-bred Fall release from the Marc Riley era. Released in the immediate wake of The Fall's most beloved single (Totally Wired), the album carries over that righteously famed teeth-chattering, bolstered in no small part by the drumming of new addition Paul Hanley, brother of bassist Steve Hanley and aged only 15 at the time of recording.

"Pay Your Rates" negates the notion of easing into things, opening the album with pure jitter, guided by hornet-buzz guitars and Mark E. Smith's commanding shout, allowing for breath only during the brief, lumbering waltzes that appear at unexpected intervals. "New Face In Hell" is an entirely alien take on dancehall post-punk – a kazoo-driven rave-up that holds an unshakable position in the band's canon.

Many significant firsts surround Grotesque, including The Fall's inaugural production partnership with Mayo Thompson and the debut of Suzanne Smith's wonderful artwork, both of which would play key roles in the band's following phase.

NEW / Released in 1980 / Reissue 2023

Tracklist:

A1 Pay Your Rates

A2 English Scheme

A3 New Face In Hell

A4 C'n'C-S Mithering

A5 The Container Drivers

B1 Impression Of J. Temperance

B2 In The Park

B3 W.M.C. - Blob 59

B4 Gramme Friday

B5 The N.W.R.A.