Live at the Witch Trials
The Fall · 1979
144 min · 41 tracks · alternative rock · punk
Gritty post-punk energy collides with sardonic wit in a raw, unfiltered live performance.
Why this album works
'Live at the Witch Trials' is significant for its influential role in the post-punk movement, helping to define the genre's aesthetic with its experimental approach. It received positive critical acclaim upon release and has since been recognized for its impact on subsequent alternative rock bands, cementing The Fall's legacy within the UK's music landscape.
- Best for
- long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys wave-like pacing and builds
- Context
- Released in early 1979, 'Live at the Witch Trials' was The Fall's debut album, capturing their early sound as they emerged from the UK punk scene. This album laid the groundwork for their unique blend of punk and art rock, showcasing frontman Mark E. Smith's distinctive vocal style and lyrical perspective during a formative period for the band.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Depeche Mode· David Bowie· Duran Duran· Radiohead· Bryan Adams· The Cure· Blur· Manic Street Preachers
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Frightened 5:02
- 2 Crap Rap 2 / Like to Blow Standout 2:04
- 3 Rebellious Jukebox Standout 2:55
- 4 No Xmas for John Quays Standout 4:38
- 5 Mother-Sister! 3:20
- 6 Industrial Estate 2:00
- 7 Underground Medecin 2:08
- 8 Two Steps Back 5:03
- 9 Live at the Witch Trials 0:51
- 10 Futures and Pasts 2:36
- 11 Music Scene 8:00
- 12 Bingo-Master’s Break-Out! 2:22
- 13 Psycho Mafia 2:14
- 14 Repetition 4:55
- 15 It’s the New Thing 3:27
- 16 Various Times 6:39
- 17 Dresden Dolls 3:37
- 18 Psycho Mafia 2:20
- 19 Industrial Estate 1:47
- 20 Stepping Out 2:45
- 21 Last Orders 2:21
Disc 2
- 1 Rebellious Jukebox (Peel session) 3:00
- 2 Mother-Sister! (Peel session) 3:07
- 3 Industrial Estate (Peel session) 1:45
- 4 Futures and Pasts (Peel session) 2:35
- 5 Put Away (Peel session) 3:34
- 6 Mess of My (Peel session) 3:13
- 7 No Xmas For John Quays (Peel session) 4:14
- 8 Like to Blow (Peel session) 1:47
- 9 Like to Blow (live) 2:05
- 10 Stepping Out (live) 3:09
- 11 Two Steps Back (live) 5:51
- 12 Mess of My (live) 3:24
- 13 It’s The New Thing (live) 3:48
- 14 Various Times (live) 4:59
- 15 Bingo-Master’s Break-Out! (live) 2:48
- 16 Frightened (live) 5:35
- 17 Industrial Estate (live) 1:53
- 18 Psycho Mafia (live) 3:01
- 19 Music Scene (live) 9:26
- 20 Mother-Sister! (live) 3:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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