It seems only yesterday that we were mourning the loss of Mark E. Smith, but never one to forget the rough-cut genius of Messrs. Smith and co, Cherry Red continue their theme of re-releases from this northern powerhouse, otherwise known as The Fall. This time it’s the turn of 2003’s 23rd studio album The Real New Fall (Formerly Country On The Click). This release sees both a 1 LP vinyl version, a fairly conventional 12-track affair and a 5-CD variant, comprising a whopping 67 tracks – stick that in your pipe and smoke it! Some would say a great album made even better.
This kicks off with ‘Green Eyed Loco-Man’, comprising mechanoid beats and a thundering bass line, topped off with Mark’s familiar vocal, that wraps you in its warmth and familiarity. Then onto ‘Mountain Energei’, which contains the attractive narrative of one man’s attempt to obtain a mortgage, a tale that is none more relevant today as it ever was: “Mr Blairstow and Mr Partridge they said to me, to get a mortgage you need an incomeletterrrrreeeerrrrr, I thought it was free…”. I chuckled to myself as this met my ears. When I describe this presentation as containing a passion, be you a fan or just someone who overhears these words as they fall from an open window, this is a treat.
Perhaps the most remembered track from this album is ‘Theme From Sparta F.C.’, for not only does it conjure the best imagery from the title alone, but Mark’s words leave you joining the dots to catch their meaning. The gentle melody soon blooms into something full of energy, rock guitar and delicious rhythm, and put together, this is certainly one of Smith’s finest moments, full of primal intent, where modern-day gladiators do battle on the football field: “…We live on blood. We are Sparta F.C…” and suddenly Rome is not all that far away, in imagery at least. Only track 3 and the rhythm of this album is so special, that to start explaining just how good it is, simply isn’t enough.
This re-released edition is excellent on its own, but as a collection, it just takes the whole presentation skyward. It had a rocky start to contend with. Originally, promotional copies were sent out, but Mark was unhappy with the mix and decided it needed further work. This original version can be found on the CD box set, with this presented in all its naked glory, the sound mix demonstrating the artistic ear that Mark E. Smith had. Close, but obviously no cigar. I tracked down a promotional version of the album that was finally released on the 23rd October, 2003 and found it amusing that it noted “Promotional Use Only – Anyone Abusing This Will Have Mark E. Smith To Contend With And May God Have Mercy On Your Soul!!”. I have never seen anything quite like this on promotional items, and it made me smile. As well as containing these 2 versions of the album, the box set also comprises B-sides, a live presentation recorded at the Knitting Factory, New York – 2004, as well as session versions. These along with hypnotic rhythms and vocals, the likes of “…open the box, open the box, open the goddamn box…”, sung with the vocalist’s indifferent touch, I have to say is moreish and can be carried with you throughout the working day. Perhaps the slightest trigger allowing lines to be recalled, hopefully not at an unfortunate moment.
I can’t rate this collection more highly, containing all the elements to make my perfect release. From remixes to alternate versions, both live and otherwise, this should make an exquisite Sunday afternoon, in the garden shed, music room, or out on the road, it could become your favourite waste of time. Did I say waste, it’s The Fall, never. I’ll leave you with the words taken from the band’s website, on the date of Mark’s passing was written, “Loved and missed, every single day. Gone but never forgotten.”
