The Fall Album: “Perverted By Language”

In its own way, PERVERTED BY LANGUAGE is a transitional album. It is the first album to feature Brix on guitar, and it moves back towards more poppier material that would reach fruition with the next two albums. However, it plays like the Fall's quintessential album. Though Brix's influence is felt (she sings lead on "Hotel Bloedel"), it is more subtle here than on later albums, and so those Fall fans who don't care for her period in the band will not be alienated. In fact, much of this material is far from peppy, aside from the gleefully stupid opener "Eat Y'self Fitter" and "I Feel Voxish." Songs like "Garden," "Tempo House," and "Hexen Definitive/Strife Knot" are longish in the way some songs from HEX ENDUCTION HOUR and ROOM TO LIVE were. All and all, a great representation of what The Fall were about in this period, and with 5 bonus tracks from singles, including the classic "Kicker Conspiracy."

In my opinion, this is one of the best recordings from what is perhaps rock's most uncompromising band. Filled with the kinds of droning dirges and black humor that is their trademark, this makes for a most satisfying listening. Like a fresh pint of Guinness or a really good, strong cup of espresso, once past the initial bitterness as it begins to go down, the music here is energizing and deeply satisfying.

Highly recommended.

I think I love the fall more than anyone right now, wait a second its 2001 not 1984, am I going backwards?

An enjoyable romp through early video performances of Mark E. Smith and company. Songs include "Wings," "Kicker Conspiracy," and "Totally Wired."