Live in Cambridge 1988 showcases
the Fall at the height of its popularity, following the charting success of the band's cover of
the Kinks' "Victoria." About half the set list comes from
the Fall's then-current LP
The Frenz Experiment. The pop-tinged keyboard parts and fast-paced rhythms made the band sound at times like a punkish version of New Order, a sensation that breaks down on songs like "2 x 4." This CD is presented without recording details and band credits, but one can assume the lineup is the same as on the LP, including singer
Mark E. Smith's wife
Brix Smith (her backing vocals are easy to identify), who would divorce him and quit the band only a few months later. The clean interpretation of "Victoria" -- why mess with your best hit? -- illustrates the approach of the band at this time: more accessible, but still sweet and sour (e.g., "Oswald Defence Lawyer," with its nursery rhyme-like motif). The band was in good shape and the sound quality is excellent. Highlights include the violent "2 x 4," "Bremen Nacht," "Hey! Luciani," and the medley "Mr. Pharmacist (2nd Half)/U.S. 80's-90's." Fans of this period of the band will be delighted.