45 84 89 B Sides

As the title implies, these are the b-sides of singles released between 1984 and 1989. As one of the 20th century's most productive bands, The Fall never skimped on its lesser-known tunes. This particular period of the band's career was fertile and often the most well-regarded. Mark E. Smith and company had the Midas touch: if not always commercially, then at least artistically. The highlights are many and diverse. "Living Too Long" takes The Velvet Underground and scrapes together its own peculiar take on "Lady Godiva's Operation" until the repetition completely seduces you. "Lucifer over Lancashire" bops with a nod toward Smith's beloved rockabilly and psychedelic overtones. "Mark'll Sink Us" is a slow blues. "No Bulbs" is a hilarious romp that observes "At the end of my tether, I destroyed years of hippie craft as he searched for a belt." "Shoulder Pads #1b" remains the chirpiest tune in the Fall catalog, no matter which version. "Australians in Europe" is full speed ahead. "Tuff Life Boogie" is pure '70s-styled boogie after going through the punk era. "Petty Thief Lout" is ingenious Smith invective.