Disco de The Fall: “BBC Radio 1 in Concert”

A shortish review in case you (like me!) had not heard of the release before.

It appears to be an offical BBC release intended for export only ('Windsong International') from 1993 and consequently the sound quality is very good (especially for a live recording).

The concert (which was actually on 25th May '87) lasts for 34 minutes (see track listing below).

Hard to imagine who cared about The Fall on Radio 1 back in 1987 other than John Peel (RIP) so perhaps the concert was broadcast on his show at that time. It is certainly broadcast quality stuff.

The particular Fall line-up at this Nottingham Rock City concert (which I was actually in attendance at!) was:

MES - Vox,

Craig Scanlon - Guitar,

Steve Hanley - Bass,

Simon Wolstencroft - Drums,

Brix E Smith - Keyboards & backing vox.

The crowd pleasing set consists of:

Australians in Europe (7.42) [B-side to 'Hit the North'],

Shoulder Pads (5.05),

Ghost in my house (3.08),

Hey Luciani (4.57),

Terry Waite Sez (1.37),

Fiery Jack (4.21),

Lucifer over Lancs [sic] (5.11).

A strong live record ... and one where you can actually hear what MES is singing - no Smithy strops in evidence but none the worse for that! Just like I am there all over again.

Classic stuff. Buy!

Though this live lp is not atrocious, it is lacking in anything that would make it a necessary purchase, particularly musical energy. Nothing on here betters or even equals the original (though the version of "Australians in Europe" is good on its own terms). Completists will need this, but otherwise pass.