The Fall - Cerebral Caustic (CD Box Set)

The Fall were an English post-punk band, formed in Manchester in 1976. The band existed in some form ever since, and is essentially built around its founder and only constant member, the late Mark E. Smith. Initially associated with the punk movement of the late 1970s, the group's music went through several stylistic changes over the years, but is often characterised by an abrasive guitar-driven sound and frequent use of repetition, and is always underpinned by Smith's distinctive vocals and often cryptic lyrics.

The band is noted for its prolific output: releasing over 25 studio albums, and more than triple that counting live albums and other releases. They never achieved widespread public success beyond a handful of minor hit singles in the late 1980s, but maintained a strong cult following. The band were long associated with BBC disc jockey John Peel, who championed them from early on in their career and cited The Fall as his favourite band, famously explaining, "They are always different; they are always the same."

Originally released in 1995 on Permanent Records, this set has been curated in conjunction with Fall expert Conway Patton and has notes by Fall guru Daryl Easlea. It has been mastered by long-time engineer Andy Pearce with art by Becky Stewart.

This box set includes alternative versions as well as an unreleased live show from Rennes, rough mixes and radio sessions from the era, plus 'Twenty-Seven Points' (that was also released in 1995), an album that consists of live recordings made in various locations between 1991 and 1995, but also contains interludes and two previously unheard studio tracks.

5xCD Box Set

Tracklist:
DISC ONE
Cerebral Caustic
1.  The Joke
2.  Don't Call Me Darling
3.  Rainmaster
4.  Feeling Numb
5.  Pearl City
6.  Life Just Bounces
7.  I'm Not Satisfied
8.  The Aphid
9.  Bonkers In Phoenix
10.  One Day
11.  North West Fashion Show
12.  Pine Leaves
DISC TWO
Peel Sessions / Rough Mixes
1.  Glam Racket – Star - John Peel Session #18 - 17/12/94
2.  Jingle Bell Rock - John Peel Session #18 - 17/12/94
3.  Hark The Herald Angels Sing - John Peel Session #18 - 17/12/94
4.  Numb At The Lodge - John Peel Session #18 - 17/12/94
5.  One Day - Pre-Release Rough Mixes
6.  Rainmaster - Pre-Release Rough Mixes
7.  Feeling Numb - Pre-Release Rough Mixes
8.  The Joke - Pre-Release Rough Mixes
9.  Don't Call Me Darling - Pre-Release Rough Mixes
10.  Pearl City - Pre-Release Rough Mixes
11.  Life Just Bounces - Pre-Release Rough Mixes
12.  I'm Not Satisfied - Pre-Release Rough Mixes
13.  The Aphid - Pre-Release Rough Mixes
14.  Bonkers In Phoenix - Pre-Release Rough Mixes
15.  One Day - Alternate Versions
16.  Bonkers In Phoenix - Alternate Versions
DISC THREE
Rennes April 95
1.  Intro. Tape
2.  The Joke
3.  Pearl City
4.  Birthday
5.  Behind The Counter
6.  Mere Pseud Mag. Ed.
7.  Bill Is Dead
8.  Glam Racket
9.  Feeling Numb
10.  I'm Not Satisfied
11.  Idiot Joy Showland
12.  Paranoia Man in Cheap Shit Room
13.  Edinburgh Man
14.  Don't Call Me Darling
15.  Hey! Student
16.  Life Just Bounces
17.  The City Never Sleeps
18.  The Chiselers
19.  Big New Prinz
DISC FOUR
Twenty-Seven Points
1.  Mollusc In Tyrol
2.  Return
3.  Ladybird (Green Grass)
4.  Idiot-Walk-Out
5.  Ten Points
6.  Idiot Joy Showland
7.  Big New Prinz
8.  Intro - Roadhouse
9.  The Joke
10.  M.H.'s Jokes / British People in Hot Weather
11.  Free Range
12.  Hi-Tension Line
13.  The League of Bald-Headed Men
DISC FIVE
Twenty-Seven Points
1.  Glam Racket / Star
2.  Lost In Music
3.  Prague '91 / Mr. Pharmacist
4.  Cloud Of Black
5.  Paranoia Man in Cheap Sh..t Room
6.  Bounces - Leeds
7.  Outro
8. A Past Gone Mad (aka Passable)
9.  Glasgow Advice
10.  Middle Class Revolt - Simon, Dave & John
11.  Bill Is Dead
12.  Strychnine
13.  War!
14.  Noel's Chemical Effluence
15.  Three Points / Up Too Much