The Fall: The Infotainment Scan (Matador).
LOVE 'em or love 'em, they're back. Britain's spikiest, sharpest popsters The Fall return with The Infotainment Scan, perhaps the line-up's best delivery since 1985's indomitable Their Nation's Saving Grace.
The joy of The Fall lies in Mark E. Smith's obstinate, loud-mouth ego and jagged musicality. After 16 years in the business, they resolutely defy pigeon-holing. Even being dropped by a major label has served to pour new vitriol into Smith's perverse world view.
The Infotainment Scan is tight and energetic with the band pummelling through a distinctly '70s disco kitsch-edged set.
The Fall have always sucked in contemporary trends which they then mutate into a virulent lance aimed fairly and squarely at the boils of pop pretence.
The track Glamracket finds Smith taking swipes at the so-called '70s revivalists, while the cover version of I'm Going to Spain (a contender for Worst Single of All Time) fizzes along with mirth.