Cerebral Caustic

The Fall was an English post-punk band formed in Manchester in 1976. The band has continued to exist in varying line-ups ever since and was essentially built around its founder and only constant member, the late Mark E. Smith. Although the group was initially associated with the punk movement of the late 1970s, their music has undergone several stylistic transformations over the years; however, it is often characterized by a raw, guitar-heavy sound and the repeated use of repetition, and is always carried by Smith's distinctive vocals and often cryptic lyrics.

The band is known for its enormous productivity, releasing over 25 studio albums - a number that more than triples when live albums and other releases are included. Beyond a handful of minor hit singles in the late 1980s, they failed to achieve widespread commercial success, but managed to retain a loyal fan base with cult status. The band maintained a long and close relationship with BBC DJ John Peel, who strongly supported them early in their career and described The Fall as his favorite band, famously stating, "They're always different; they're always the same."

This box set contains alternative versions as well as an unreleased live recording from Rennes, plus rough mixes and radio sessions from the time.

Also included is "Twenty-Seven Points" (originally released in 1995) - an album consisting of live recordings made at various venues between 1991 and 1995, but also including interludes and two previously unreleased studio tracks.

This set was compiled in collaboration with "Fall" expert Conway Patton and includes accompanying texts by "Fall" guru Daryl Easlea.

The mastering was done by longtime sound engineer Andy Pearce; the artwork is by Becky Stewart.