The Fall
Slates LP

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 Fall's 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, it's the piercing chimes of guitar and marching drum grind of "Prole Art Threat" that elevates Slates beyond oddity. Truly one of Mark E. Smith's finest, busiest and most enigmatic performances, equally matched by a band at the peak of their powers.

NEW / Released in 1981 / Reissue 2021

Tracklist:

Slates

A1 Middle Mass

A2 An Older Lover Etc.

A3 Prole Art Threat

A4 Fit And Working Again

A5 Slates, Slags Etc.

A6 Leave The Capitol

Peel Session Four

B1 Middle Mass

B2 Lie Dream Of A Casino Soul

B3 Hip Priest

B4 C'N'C / Hassle Schmuck

Studio Outtake

B5 Medical Acceptance Gate