Grotesque (After the Gramme)

Though the early Fall was light years ahead of its punk peers in terms of concept and musical adventurism, it still played by many of the loud-and-fast rules. And while that was a glorious noise, the band truly came into its own with 1980's Grotesque. Several of the band's longtime favorites are here. From the manic panic of "How I Wrote Elastic Man" to the brittle chug of "Pay Your Rates," the band proves itself one of the most singular voices in popular (and unpopular) music. Mark E. Smith's gifted lyricism and peculiar sense of humor guide the twin-guitar attack of Marc Riley (also on keyboards) and Craig Scanlon. Not since Ray Davies had British life been so observed—but where Davies found longing in Britain's past, Smith attacked its present. "The NWRA" (the North will rise again) is a rambling short story that ends with the attack "and you can stuff your aid." "New Face in Hell" catches a garage rock/Velvet Underground groove with a two-chord shuffle. "The Container Drivers" takes an even more battering approach with a rockabilly tune.