Bend Sinister

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The Fall's work with producer John Leckie is among the group's most respected. Here, the scabrous guitars are tuned and layered, the keyboards add texture, and singer Mark E. Smith adjusts to the new sophistication by using his voice as another instrument in the mix. The group's danceability is pronounced, and "R.O.D" shifts between a surf tune and a post-punk new wave nightclub number. Steve Hanley's bass riffs drive many of the songs, recalling Joy Division on "Gross Chapel—British Grenadiers" and the hypnotic "DKTR Faustus" (which also features Smith and then-wife Brix trading maniacal vocal riffs). "Shoulder Pads #1" and "Shoulder Pads #2" rant at the world outside while whistling to upbeat grooves that are more in line with a beach party. "U.S. 80's-90's" turns in a spy-movie riff to a moderately hip-hop–influenced beat. The cover of The Other Half's psych-pop "Mr. Pharmacist" lets the group simply rock out. "Living Too Late" illustrates how Smith can talk his way out of a song as long as the band keeps the groove chugging along. One of The Fall's best.

via Apple Music