A new compilation of live recordings by The Fall captured between 1978 and 1981 is to be released next month.
Spanning nine tracks, Singles Live Vol One 1978-81 was curated by former The Fall members Paul Hanley, Steve Hanley, Marc Riley and Craig Scanlon and will be released via the Popstock label they established to put out archival live recordings by the band. The four former members of the group launched the imprint and series of releases amid frustration at a lack of recognition, consultation and compensation by other labels putting out reissues and compilation of the band’s work.
The material featured on Singles Live Vol One 1978-81 begins with the live lineup of The Fall that recorded debut album Live At The Witch Trials, and ends with the lineup that made seminal LP Hex Enduction Hour. The compilation will be released digitally and on vinyl, with the physical edition set to include a booklet containing sleeve notes written by Jarvis Cocker.
In the notes, Cocker writes: “This record brings back those days of inspiration and exhilaration. I know these songs by heart even though I never bought a Fall single back then; John Peel always played The Fall releases so I taped them off the radio. Sorry. I’m sure you’re familiar with them too. But to hear them live, in the heat of the moment, really brings back the spirit of The Fall. The giddiness and excitement. The palpable hunger to find something new to sing about and believe in. This music never gets old.”
Popstock will release Singles Live Vol One 1978-81 on May 9, 2025.
