Paranoia Man In Cheap Shit Room

I took myself to see The Fall last night, in a basement venue within the student union at Leeds University. I have been to gigs on my own before, once in 1984 to see Marillion, and once in the 90's to see Dick Gaughan, but this was the first time for a good while.

Last time out, only 18 months ago, The Fall were serviceable: not a classic night, but they were OK, entertaining. The two occasions before that they were terrific - mesmerising even. Loud, repetitious, exciting. Last night was a far less edifying spectacle, Smith appearing to be completely pissed and barely capable of grasping the mic stand. The current band is tight and energetic, and reports of the new 'Ersatz GB' album are largely enthusiastic. A pity then that the live performance last night was so depressingly shambolic.

Still, Jamesie and I are off to York to see them on Saturday night, so maybe we will witness something different again.