VII - THE FALL [Unknown Binding]

Back in 1986ish the Lough Press produced the now famous "orange" lyrics book - this treasured artefact of the Fall featured a range of songs from the band's early career and was interspersed with imagery from the Fall canon. Much loved by Fall fans all over the globe many have waited with bated breath for a second volume of Mark's words.

Fortunately the long wait is over the second volume of lyrics which is entitled "Mark E. Smith -VII" is now published. Also produced by the Lough Press in association with "Marquismanipulationproductions", this second volume is a stunning piece of work, and a must have for any hardcore Fall lover.

The production values on this limited edition second volume are superb. A range of full colour and black and white plates of relevant images are interspersed between 52 songs over 200+ pages. The A4 sized volume is packed with vital information, clues and images from across the whole breadth of Mark's work with the Fall.

There is no linear narrative here, instead a fabulous collection of archives in the form of pictures, drawings, copies of early lyrics, and other vibrant visuals stimulate and add to the reader's enjoyment and reflection on the words.

Starting with a detailed appraisal of current tour favourites "Wings" and "Blindness" the book dips into a wide range of artefacts from across the time-line of the gruppe. Fonts change, page structure is dizzyingly varied, and stark imagery adds great depth to this readers understanding of the form and function of the words.

It is not without humour, there is an exceptional middle section where Mark describes his writing technique which will have the Fall fan nodding and chuckling in appreciation of Mr Smith's work ethic. There are also clear dips into Salford's past with some nods to the drinking establishments of Mark's youth - including the infamous "Red Cow" on Albion Street in Pendleton - known for its omnipresent smell of urine and its limited selection of alcoholic beverages - "only beer and whisky sold here luv!" - long gone and much missed!

There are also some long awaited answers to questions that Fall listeners have clamoured for answers on - the true lyrics of "Bo Demmick" are finally unearthed, and we find out who "Dr Buck" really was. The source of much of Mark's inspiration and material is also uncovered. This is a fantastic insight into Smith's huge body of work and reveals much of the source material for the songs. I was particularly pleased to see the original manuscript for "The NWRA" reproduced here, for example. an early version of the recent "Tommy Shooter" is also unveiled which adds a great deal to the understanding of the song.

Including works from the highly talented Elaine Will and Suzanne Smith there are over 30 illustrations from a wide range of sources which capture the mood and time of the lyrics. This is a book you can dip into and enjoy whilst listening to the band's music.

Great kudos must go to Lough Press and Mark E. Smith for this second volume - it is an excellent testament to the exceptional talent of one of our greatest living poets