1976年にマンチェスターで結成されたイギリスのポストパンクバンド、THE FALL。創始者であり唯一の不変のメンバーであるマーク・E・スミスを中心にギター主体のサウンドとスミスの独特のヴォーカルと歌詞により、高い人気を誇ります。

本作は彼らが らのデビュー・アルバム『LIVE AT THE WITCH TRIALS』(1979年)とセカンド・アルバム『DRAGNET』(1979年)に加えて、当時の全シングルも収録。そして本作の目玉、アウトテイクやテイク違いが納められたDISC4、極初期のライヴ音源が納められたDISC5-12には、多くの初出音源を収録!

中でも1977年5月に行われたマンチェスターでのライヴ(DISC5収録)は、恐らくTHE FALL初ライヴの音源とのこと。

発売・販売元 提供資料 （2022/10/11）

Other than the Grateful Dead, has any other rock band compiled as many box sets, live albums, and live gigs as the Fall? Many of their studio albums have been re-released in multi-disc editions, alongside numerous boxed anthologies of singles and chronological overviews. Cherry Reds 12-disc 1970s is the definitive collection from the first decade. In addition to the studio albums Live at the Witch Trials and Dragnet (both received multi-disc reissues), every other studio recording from the period is on disc three, and the outtakes on disc four. The remaining eight discs are live, most unreleased, all from the U.K. and remastered by the Falls longtime engineer Andy Pearce. Disc five, North West Arts - Manchester , was captured at the bands first gig with the lineup of vocalist Mark E. Smith, guitarist Martin Bramah, bassist Tony Friel, and drummer Steve Omrod. It reveals the Fall as a shambolic, intense punk band. The performance is just 26 raw minutes and the sound is decent. Highlights include "Frightened," "Repetition," and "Race Hatred." Disc six, Manchester Musicians Collective - Band on the Wall - 13/11/1977 (previously released as the terrible-sounding Manchester 1977), offers the bands first lineup change with keyboardist Una Baines and drummer Karl Burns. Most of static crackle and tape distortion from the original is minimized while the musical fidelity is marginally improved. "Psycho Mafia" and the drunken "Dresden Dolls" are especially satisfying. Discs eight through eleven are drawn from 1978 performances and showcase the dawn of post-punk. The first of these, Mr. Pickwick’s - Liverpool 22/08/78, appeared in 2002 as Liverpool 78 but is much cleaner here. Disc nine, Carlton Club - Warrington 13/11/1978, sounds like it was audience-recorded on cassette, a real disappointment. Discs 10 and 12 -- Institute of Technology - Bolton - 04/12/1978; Prince of Wales Conference Centre - YMCA Building - London 15/09/1978; and JBs - Dudley 3/11/1979 -- were both unissued. They showcase the addition of bassist/guitarist Marc Riley and keyboardist Yvonne Pawlett (who replaced Baines) and Bramah (who left to form Blue Orchids). Check "Rebellious Jukebox" and "Mess of My" on disc ten. Disc 11 also offers killer highlights in a two-part "Spectre vs. Rector," "A Figure Walks," and the truly tribal "Rowche Rumble." Disc 12 includes new bassist Steve Hanley and second guitarist Craig Scanlon. The formers intensely melodic playing would identify the bands trademark sound -- as much as Smiths voice -- for the next 20 years. Check the slide guitar craziness on "Flat of Angles" and the Cramps-esque rockabilly on "In My Area." 1970s includes a 60-page booklet with interview quotes new and old, rare illustrations, notes, and discographical info. While its size and price may designate it for hardcore fans, its noteworthy that few post-punk bands were as influential as the Fall. 1970s is a massive testament to their origins, yet sounds as radical now as it did five decades ago. ~ Thom Jurek

Rovi