Written by:
Smith - Birtwhistle
Initial Release:
Interim; Hip Priest/Voiceprint HIPP004CD
Date:
1 November 2004
Subsequent Releases:
Blind Man; Hip Priest FALLPROMO1CD - Single CD (one-sided), 2005
The Complete Peel Sessions 1978-2004; Castle CMXBX982, 2005
Fall Heads Roll; Slogan/Sanctuary SLOCD003, 2005
The Fall Box Set 1976-2007; Castle CMXBX1558, 2007
Official Live Recordings:
Interim; Hip Priest/Voiceprint HIPP004CD
Group on initial recording:
MES-Vocals; Ben Pritchard - guitar; Jim Watts - guitar; Steven Trafford - bass; Eleanor Poulou - keyboards; Spencer Birtwistle - drums
First Played Live:
Stourbridge; 29 July 2004
Last Played Live:
Bolton, 2nd November 2007
No of times known to have been played live:
106
Commentary
Despite a marvellous album behind them (The Real New Fall LP Formerly 'Country On The Click') The Fall had been written off; MES has passed his best, they were a shadow of their former selves.
Then a Peel Session, the final one as it sadly turned out; recorded on 4th August 2004 and broadcast just over a week later on 12th. One track stood out - this was it, Blindness.
A mighty drum beat with equally upbeat bass and guitars, MES at his best with random utterences, "99% of non-smokers die". not forgetting intermittent keyboards from the wife.
A massive favourite at concerts, gradually getting longer and longer; 12-minute versions are not unusual, in fact they are almost demanded.
There are three 'studio' versions (inc The Peel Session) that are very different.
The demo single released on Hip Priest is interesting in that it says that it is "Taken from the forthcoming album "COCKED""
This is The Fall at their magnificent best,; an essential listen for all.
Media
Blindness played on the Jools Holland Show 2006
Blindness : Chicago 30/05/2006
Blindness at Hammersmith Palais 1/4/2007