The Fall This Nation's Saving Grace LP

"In 1985, Mark E. Smith and The Fall unleashed their tenth and most complete album to date. Producer John Leckie gave the group a far more polished sound, horrifying Smith, who insisted the finished record was mastered from his sonically inferior cassette copy. Indeed, the sweet acoustic melodies of 'Paint Work' are rudely interrupted because Smith accidentally pressed 'Record' on his home tape deck, creating an abstract yet effective sound collage.

"The growing input of Smith's Californian wife Brix adds a melodic West Coast feel to The Fall's dissonant post-industrial rumble, allowing the group to veer from the catchy garage pop of 'Barmy' and 'Spoilt Victorian Child' toward more avant-garde territories - witness the pulsating electronic throb of 'L.A.' The raucous guitars and bludgeoning drums of 'Bombast' and 'What You Need' tread more familiar Fall territory, while 'Gut of the Quantifier' has Smith's usual vitriol accompanied by an attempt at rap - in a heavy Manchester accent. The album's crowning glory is 'I Am Damo Suzuki,' Smith's homage to the Japanese-born former vocalist of Can. Gently lifting melodies and rhythms from Can's classic Tago Mago, it is both harrowing and awe-inspiring.

"This Nation's Saving Grace saw The Fall gain wider acceptance, and is a great example of their ability to be pop without having to compromise their stance." - Chris Shade, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die