Live At The Witch Trials - Fall (The) > Reviews > No Xmas for John Quays

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Catches the youthful sound of Mark E Smith
Disadvantages:	The Drums sound to mechanical in places

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

This was the first Fall album I ever bought and I now have all of them. The Fall frontman Mark E Smith has always been a lyrical genius and the likes of 'No Xmas for John Quays" prove this here, 'The X is Xmas is a substitute crucifix for christ' is spit out with impressive venom. With repetition a permanent fixture in The Fall's music down the years the last track 'Music Scene' is excellent. It made me laugh the first time I heard this as they leave in all kinds of vocal cues that most bands would mix out. That is the beauty of this band, no sell out. 'We are The Fall the Northern White C*** that talks back' another sneering Mancunian lyric which should be enough to make you buy this CD alone.