Grotesque (After the Gramme) [EXTRA TRACKS] [IMPORT]

The Fall

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 22, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Import
• Label: Castle Music UK
• ASIN: B0001E8CA0
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #78,888 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Full title - Grotesque (After The Gramme). 2004 reissue of 1980 album includes four bonus tracks, 'How I Wrote 'Elastic Man', 'City Hobgoblins', 'Totally Wired', & 'Putta Block', from rare non-LP singles. Castle.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best of Their Early Work???, March 19, 2005

By	David Vinson (Montevallo, AL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you were alienated by the bleakness of "Dragnet," then "Grotesque" may be what you're looking for. Not to say that I don't like "Dragnet," but it's a work that is tremendously un-fun, a spite-filled, icy collection of songs that require a similar mood prior to listening. "Grotesque", however, is noticeably upbeat and fun. Of course, we're talking about Mark E. Smith here, so I'm not suggesting that this is a pop record--far from it. "Grotesque" captures one of my favorite attributes of this very great band--their manic energy. "Pay Your Rates" and the single "Totally Wired" are good examples. MES screams like he's being choked on "New Face in Hell"; and it sounds great, and I swear there's a kazoo somewhere amidst the landscape of backing instruments. "Gramme Friday" reminds me of The Cure's early recording, "Grinding Halt"; it's bouncy and I dare you to refrain from dancing.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Rocking Time, March 1, 2006

By	Elaine Skillins "Skill" (New England) - See all my reviews

First off, the sound quality on the 2004 reissue is first quality and crystal clear.
If you love The Fall, and great Mark E. Smith vocals buy this reissue.
The CD starts off with a charging rocker 'Pay Your Rates' that hits several speed shifts, and a great opener, followed by 'English Scheme', a synth-keyboard driven rock beat and M.E.S. sounding like he's having a good time rapping along. Funny, toe-tapping and great vocals. The drumming is top notch. Next comes the classic 'New Face in Hell'. What a terrific song. It's hard to keep up with all that's going on behind M.E.S. This song cooks. The kazoo (!?) bridges the melody as it rolls and rises, cresting as always through the great M.E.S. vocals. Great guitar and drums.
Trance beat follows with ''C'n'C-S Withering'. Whatever this song is about, it is hypnotic. Great stuff. 'The Container Drivers' is another Fall classic. I love this song on the highway as the truckers fly by. Cowpoke beat, a funny song and a real pressure cooker. 'Impression of J Temperance' has sinister feel to it. Still, no idea what M.E.S is rapping about. Hypnotic and a sort of menacing beat. 'In the Park' hops along, bobbing and weaving around the drums. A funky little tune. Does anyone other than M.E.S. know what some of these songs are about? 'WMC-Blob 59' starts off with the garbled static-coughed, distorted vocals and noise M.E.S. always seems to treat us to on his CD's. Mildly interesting, I guess. Blessedly short, once you know the CD, you will hit FF on this one. 'Gramme Friday' is a medium speed riff and drum driven song with some funny passages. 'The NWRA' closes the CD with a finger-snapping beat that M.E.S. raps over as the bass works it's way into the geometry happening behind him. As it pick up speed, it swings. No one plays it like the Fall. There are 5 bonus track on the reissue. All great songs and makes it even more worth your hard earned cash. 'How I Wrote Elastic Man' is very funny and a song that will stick in your head. The interview with M.E.S. at the end is interesting and entertaining. A generous CD if you are a Fall lover. Enjoy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars nothing grotesque about this little gem, September 1, 2006

By	A. J. M. Mcdonald "avril" (the hague) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Grotesque represents the mighty Fall at their most grotesquely brilliant. Considering this band's immense and immensely impressive catalogue, it is hard to single out any particular disc, but under duress one would have to admit that this one is up there. A new face in hell, one of the Fall's best ever tunes, resides on this cd, as do a plethora of other classics: pay your rates, english scheme, container drivers ... actually, they are all great. Listen to this record, and to every other recording by this, my favourite band of all time. You will either love them or hate them, but if you love them, it will be deep and forever