Customer Reviews

Middle Class Revolt (Bonus CD)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of my all-time favorite Fall discs, and I own over twenty of 'em. It's funny how many bad reviews have been written about this album by critics and so-called 'fans'. So, to set the record straight..this album rocks! I was very inspired by the more streamlined and (almost) poppy approach, and high energy level displayed by one of The Fall's best line-ups. From the opening punch of '15 Ways' to the outright strangeness of 'Junk Man' & 'Symbol Of Mordgan'(The latter featuring some strange call-in radio recordings) this album displays a wide range of what Mark E. and the ol' gang can do. The rhythm section of Hanley and Wollstonecroft never sounded better, and probably have never been recorded better. This album has great production, among the crispest and clearest of any Fall album, and a beautiful guitar sound.It features some of the most uplifting Fall cuts too..('Surmount All Obstacles' f'rinstance), just in case you thought they were always sour and misanthropic. Maybe that's what turns some folks off to the album...but give it a listen won't you? If 'Behind the Counter' and '$500 Bottle of Wine' aren't worth the price alone, I'll be a Pat-Trip Dispenser...but every cut has something good going for it. Love To All Fall Fans Everywhere!

I still cannot figure out why so many negative reviews abound concerning this CD. "Middle Class Revolt" is nearly the best Fall record I have, and have almost all. It's different than most of their later stuff. I'll grant that. It bears no resemblance to The Fall's early styles; sure. It certainly won't sink in upon first listening. But musically and lyrically it is one most the coherent efforts of Mark's long and protean career. Try it!

I love the Fall. I think Mark E Smith is parts genius and parts total freak! The Fall have the ability to rock out big time, or scare the living hell out of you ( Sometimes all in the same song!). Middle Class revolt has some pretty good songs on it, but it also has quite a few forgetable ones. The fact that it is a double cd does help, by adding a few Peel session recordings as well as original mixes and re mixes of the album. Personally I think Middle Class revolt gets eaten alive by Fall classics like Hex Enduction, This nations saving grace, pretty much anything they recorded in the eighties on the Beggars Banquet label. If you are looking for really cool Fall albums, check out their first two. Live at the Witch Trials and Dragnet.
Thanks. Big "D"

In the early 90s the Fall start to get frustrating, and Middle Class Revolt is a good example of how. The high points are very high, but the low points just seem mediocre. And before the 90s, I wouldn't think of much the Fall did as mediocre. Awful, occasionally, but usually intense and good. Not...boring. There are a few songs I just skip through every time I put this album on. But there are others I keep pushing repeat for. I guess that's life. Still four stars, because I can't imagine living without a couple of these songs. But....just barely four stars. And the bonus disc is at least as strong as the album itself, and gets just as much play in my car stereo.

It may take some more time to absorb becuase of the seemingly haphazard feel, but MIDDLE CLASS REVOLT is their best in a while. From inspired (?) covers of "War" and "Shut Up!", to great originals like "Hey! StudenT", "$500 Bottle of Wine", and the title track, there is very little weakness on the album.

I bought this album for "Hey Student!" reminiscent of their early days. Can't recall the rest of the album. I love them nevertheless.

This is a very weak recording by the band now resembling a solo career by Mark E. Smith. The melodies are missing, the guitar work is weak, the synthesizers resemble poser techno, and the feel is bad overall.