LP – Reissue On Black Vinyl

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

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