Thanks for that input. I really appreciate it. Mutant bizarreness is a good way to put it. I get the feeling I need to approach the Fall from that angle specifically. I’ll keep at it, and will check out 458489 and Palace of Swords Reversed and some of the Brix records. Listening to Prole Art Threat right now, the vid you posted…it’s on my comp but it never stood out until now. I’ve had it on repeat since I read your post, and I dig it. So much potential there for stuff I probably should like, but the immensity of the Fall catalog makes it a bit inaccessible to a relative newcomer. Thanks Doc.
You’re very welcome. Marky and SM—the two other Fall fans here that I know of—might have a different take, but I’d suggest doing Brix era first, then, if you’re still in the game, go backwards to the beginning. Then, go to the 21st century with The Unutterable up to Reformation. Stuff from the 90s and after Reformation is spotty—nothing awful, but nothing outstanding. There is a comp of 90s stuff called A Past Gone Mad that saves a lot of hassle, but even that is a bit ho-hum. And Dave Simpson’s book The Fallen, about all the people who have come and gone from the band, is worthwhile reading as a companion because it makes it all the more baffling.
I still can't get into them for some reason. I don't typically have any issues with sprechstimme (see: Devoto), but there's something about them I just don't find very interesting that I can't quite place.
It either clicks or doesn't. When people say they don't like the Fall, I never go into that, "Oh, you just haven't heard the right album yet" or something like that. They're not a group worth proselytizing about.
Oh, you just haven't proselytized about the right album yet.
Which album (non-compilation) would you use as an introduction to The Fall? I'm guessing something from the Brix years as that was their most accessible period.
That's actually a very good question. I would have to base my answer on the individual I was introducing the band to. Knowing what their tastes are first would make me choose from a early to later work.
I still can't get into them for some reason. I don't typically have any issues with sprechstimme (see: Devoto), but there's something about them I just don't find very interesting that I can't quite place.
It either clicks or doesn't. When people say they don't like the Fall, I never go into that, "Oh, you just haven't heard the right album yet" or something like that. They're not a group worth proselytizing about.
Oh, you just haven't proselytized about the right album yet.
Which album (non-compilation) would you use as an introduction to The Fall? I'm guessing something from the Brix years as that was their most accessible period.
Most people tell me to try HEH, which I've done, and also lots of others. It might just be one of those things that hits me one day. I don't DISlike them, I just can't get excited about them really.
Re: The Mighty Musical Observations Thread
Posted: 20 Jan 2023, 3:54pm
by Dr. Medulla
"Neighbourhood of Infinity" (god what a good title!) off Perverted By Language (another good title) is my favourite Fall tune. Or has been for a couple years.
Whenever these things happens—deliberate or misinterpretation—it's baffling to think that someone would declare their fandom is over because the subject of their love had made a point of recognizing some people as human beings.
Whenever these things happens—deliberate or misinterpretation—it's baffling to think that someone would declare their fandom is over because the subject of their love had made a point of recognizing some people as human beings.
Agreed.
Also, this underscores my belief that people just want to be outraged these days and they'll seek out any opportunity to express that outrage. How many people went to Floyd's Facebook page just to vent because they heard something was up? Anyone who is an actual fan of the band (and who would even be in a position to stop listening to them) would know why they created that logo to promote Dark Side's anniversary. Heck, it's one of the most iconic album covers ever. You can even buy Dark Side t-shirts at Target these days.
Whenever these things happens—deliberate or misinterpretation—it's baffling to think that someone would declare their fandom is over because the subject of their love had made a point of recognizing some people as human beings.
Whenever these things happens—deliberate or misinterpretation—it's baffling to think that someone would declare their fandom is over because the subject of their love had made a point of recognizing some people as human beings.
Whenever these things happens—deliberate or misinterpretation—it's baffling to think that someone would declare their fandom is over because the subject of their love had made a point of recognizing some people as human beings.
Agreed.
Also, this underscores my belief that people just want to be outraged these days and they'll seek out any opportunity to express that outrage. How many people went to Floyd's Facebook page just to vent because they heard something was up? Anyone who is an actual fan of the band (and who would even be in a position to stop listening to them) would know why they created that logo to promote Dark Side's anniversary. Heck, it's one of the most iconic album covers ever. You can even buy Dark Side t-shirts at Target these days.
It's suggestive as to how addictive faux outrage is, that people need that fix and the validation that comes from it. It seems a really sad existence, and I say this a person who isn't exactly bubbly.
