Palace of Swords Reversed

Many more compilation albums by the Fall – or at least released under their name – followed Palace of Swords Reversed, looking back at the early 80s run of the band from the perspective of 1987. Yet it remains a handy introduction to that particularly strong period, with some of Mark E. Smith’s most compelling performances and a real sense of art/garage rock catchiness thanks to players like Craig Scanlon, the Hanley brothers and Karl Burns. Among their all-time highlights here: “Totally Wired,” “An Older Lover,” “Kicker Conspiracy” and “Pay Your Rates.”