The Fall Album: “Infotainment Scan”

It's really bizarre to think that this LP has managed to disappear for the most part under the wealth of The Fall's other work. This is a great record, with inspired covers--particularly of Scratch Perry's "Why are People so Grudgeful?" It's a surprisingly upbeat record; Mark E. Smith even has a quasi-ballad with "I'm Going to Spain." Also recommended (if you can find it), The Fall's LP "Middle Class Revolt", also on Matador Records.

Some hardcore Fall fans sneer at this one, claiming the cover versions were better than the Fall originals. Rubbish! The opener, "Ladybird", is pure Mark E Smith whimsy wrapped up in a thunderous Hanley/Scanlon riff. "Glam-Racket" is a Bowie-Glitter hybrid that rattles the windows. "Service", with its Bach trumpet-style synthesiser and rumbling piano cords, is so evocactive of a dark English street you can almost feel the damp. Everyone will have their favourite cover. Their surprise reworking of Sister Sledge's "Lost In Music" opens up new dancefloor avenues. My personal fave is "I'm Going To Spain", a Eurovision failure that Smith turns into a pop masterpiece, while Smith's interpretation of Lee Perry's "People Funny Boy" is a faithful celebration of the strong bond between reggae and rock forged by Bob Marley. A classic Fall party album which makes you dance while diagnosing more symptoms of the English Disease.

Take away track twelve "The Monkey Moon Mix" and this is a perfect record. The first five tracks are outstanding culminized by the phenomenal "It's A Curse" which despite being about a minute too long is one of my all time favorite Fall tracks. The Infotainment Scan is the first release after Brix Smith either left or was booted out of the band and despite her absence the polished sound that she helped to develop is quite evident. One of the highlights is a cover song called "I'm Going To Spain" which if you surf the net can be found on a compilation record of the ten worst songs ever written. Personally I've never heard the origibnal bit Mark E. Smith somehow mangaged to take what apparently was a piece of crap and turn it into what sounds like an all-time radio classic (although ironically the song never really received any airplay). As I said one of my favorite Fall cd's and well worth the money spent.

Hey! Who's in charge? The samples you have provided for The Fall's "The Infotainment Scan" sure as heck ain't The Fall!