Fall - Wise Ol’ Man
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 21 / 2 / 2016

Label:
Cherry Red Records
Format: CDS
intro
Fabulous new EP from Peel favourites The Fall, which is one of the highlights of their career
The first quote that springs to mind with this EP is 'I Am Spartacus!', and indeed and ever so much Mark E. Smith stands tall and proud as one of the last genuine contenders from the age of punk and new wave. Around 1979 Mark E. Smith himself set the standard. To me the Fall's new EP comes very close to his mighty 1981 'Slates!' EP, bearing in mind and abridging the decades between them. The title track is quintessentially Fall-ish, features catchy backing vocals, and is strong enough to win a spin on traffic rush radio. 'All Leave Cancelled' - again with a tight driving beat possibly held unimaginable - also comes up twice. 'Dedication' sets the tone for even more frenzy. The Fall, just like Half Man Half Biscuit, have become an extremely competent backing band. If the brooding krautrock rush on 'Facebook Troll' couldn't prove enough,, the live recording of 'No XMas for John Quay' comes on offer. Quoting the Wise Ol' Man John Peel: "It's the mighty Fall." (Once again)
Track Listing:-
1 Wise Ol' Man2 All Leave Cancelled
3 Dedication
4 Wise Ol' Man (Instrumental)
5 Venice with Girls
6 Facebook Troll / No Xmas for John Quay
7 All Leave Cancelled (X)
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/thefallmusichttp://thefall.xyz/
https://twitter.com/fallnews
Label Links:-
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/CherryRedRecords
https://twitter.com/cherryredgroup
https://www.youtube.com/CherryRedRecords
live reviews |
Under the Bridge, London, 10/6/2014 |
![]() |
At Under the Bridge in London, Dastardly watches Mark E. Smith and the Fall make a caustic and abrasively triumphant set |
favourite album |
The Wonderful and Frightening World of The Fall (2010) |
![]() |
In our 'Re:View' column, in which our writers look back at albums from the past, Jon Rogers writes of the Fall's 1984 album, 'The Wonderful and Frightening World of The Fall', which has just been released in a four CD box set |
Hex Enduction Hour (2007) |
Live at the Witch Trials (2003) |
features |
Ten Songs That Made Me Love... (2018) |
![]() |
In 'Ten Songs That Made Me Love..' Jon Rogers writes about he went from being a so-so fan of the late Mark E. Smith's The Fall to an absolute fanatic as he reflects on his favourite songs by them. |
photography |
Photoscapes (2017) |
![]() |
Darren Aston takes photographs of The Fall at the Arts Club in Liverpool on the 21st January |
reviews |
Re-Mit (2013) |
![]() |
Incoherent but occasionally brilliant thirtieth album from the always unpredictable the Fall |
Ersatz GB (2011) |
Your Future Our Clutter (2010) |
Reformation Post TLC (2007) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Yardbirds - Interview with Jim McCarty
Johnny Cash - Video Vault
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
John Philip Shenale - Interview
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Man From Delmonte - Interview
Loft - Interview
Vapors - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Bryan Ferry and Amelia Barrett - Loose TalkIvor Game - When Will You Fall Into My Loving Arms?
Gabriel Moreno - Nights in the Belly of Bohemia
Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham - Big Blue Sky
Brooke Combe - Dancing at the Edge of the World
Bryan Adams - Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2024
Shaw's Trailer Park - I Thought I Saw You
Ringo Starr - Look Up
FKA twigs - Eusexua
Leon Bridges - Leon
related articles |
Imperial Wax: Interview (2020 |
![]() |
Following the death of The Fall’s legendary frontman Mark E. Smith last year the final, longest serving line up to back him have re-grouped to form new outfit Imperial Wax. Denzil Watson talks to them about their acclaimed debut LP 'Gastwerk Saboteurs' and future plans. |
Nicky Crewe: Feature (2015) |
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart