Podcast Summary: Jokermen Podcast Episode - "The Fall: GROTESQUE (AFTER THE GRAMME) // John Tottenham: SERVICE"

Release Date: July 2, 2025

In this special hybrid episode of the Jokermen Podcast, hosts Matt and John delve deep into The Fall's album "Grotesque (After the Gramme)"—a quintessential record for fans and newcomers alike. The conversation intertwines album analysis with broader discussions on gentrification, literary pursuits, and the enduring influence of The Fall on contemporary music.

1. Introduction to "Grotesque (After the Gramme)"

Matt opens the discussion by positioning "Grotesque" as arguably The Fall's most iconic album, especially resonant with dedicated fans. He remarks, "It's kind of impenetrable to people who aren't British or have experience of living there in the '70s" (07:08). John concurs, highlighting the album's rich tapestry of themes rooted in late 1970s Britain.

2. Album Artwork and Its Significance

The duo examines the album's visual presentation. John notes the significance of the color sleeve, crafted by one of Mark E. Smith's sisters, stating, "It perfectly captures the title. Yeah. Contents too." (02:09). They discuss the imagery of a truck and cassette tape on the cover, juxtaposed with intimate photos of Northerners in a pub—reflecting the socio-economic backdrop of the album.

3. Themes of Gentrification and Urban Decay

A central theme of the episode revolves around gentrification. John connects the album's narratives to his own novel, "Service," which explores the impact of gentrification in Los Angeles' Echo Park. He emphasizes, "Or everything's turning into Westwood. Culver City is worse than what's going on here even." (05:29). The hosts lament the loss of historical architecture, paralleling Manchester's redevelopment in the 1980s to present-day changes in Echo Park and Silver Lake.

4. John Tottenham's Literary Endeavors

Transitioning from music to literature, John discusses his novel "Service." He states, "95% of it is invented... Write a novel about the fallout from gentrification. That will give it some credibility." (04:05). The conversation highlights the blurred lines between fiction and autobiography, touching on the challenges of auto-fiction and the authenticity of narrative voice.

5. The Fall's Influence on Contemporary Artists

Matt and John explore The Fall's legacy, citing bands like Pavement as direct imitators. John critiques Pavement, noting, "They ripped off their record sleeve designs," (19:14) and compares their lyrical depth unfavorably to The Fall. The discussion extends to Morrissey, with Matt expressing reservations about Morrissey's public persona overshadowing his lyrical prowess.

6. Analysis of Key Tracks

Delving into specific songs, Matt and John dissect tracks like "New Face in Hell" and "In the Park." John describes "New Face in Hell" as a favorite, stating, "It might be my favorite song ever." (08:01). They analyze the lyrical complexity and storytelling in "In the Park," debating its portrayal of outdoor relationships and societal norms.

7. Mark E. Smith's Artistic Philosophy

The hosts reflect on Mark E. Smith's commitment to artistic integrity and beauty. Matt observes, "The artists that are worthwhile are the ones that you recognize as having. They hate things." (52:49), tying it back to The Fall's consistent thematic exploration of negativity and critique. John adds, "He's definitely committed to beauty above all. If he weren't, why would he have to call the album grotesque." (49:59).

8. Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

John shares personal experiences living in Portland, contrasting it with his time in Los Angeles. He recounts, "I had the great misfortune of living there for two years in the '90s." (20:37), providing a backdrop to his discussions on urban change and personal disillusionment.

9. The Decline of Historical Annotations

A brief yet poignant moment arises when John laments the removal of annotations on The Fall's lyrics from online platforms. He exclaims, "There's no analysis anymore. Wait, what are we supposed to do?" (55:03), underscoring the loss of communal efforts to interpret and preserve The Fall's intricate lyrical legacy.

10. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

As the episode winds down, Matt promotes their engagements, mentioning an upcoming event at Michelli's, the oldest Italian restaurant in Hollywood, where John will be reading from his book. The conversation circles back to the enduring relevance of "Grotesque (After the Gramme)," with both hosts affirming its status as a masterpiece worthy of repeated exploration.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's kind of impenetrable to people who aren't British or have experience of living there in the '70s." – Matt (07:08)

• "I have a few good songs though." – John on Pavement (19:14)

• "A good mind does not a good fuck make." – Lyrics from "In the Park" (53:55)

• "Nothing burns me up more than that shallow, erroneous, unfounded, insupportable and ignorant observation." – John’s response in his novel analysis (51:58)

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of "Grotesque (After the Gramme)," interwoven with personal narratives and broader cultural critiques. Whether you're a long-time fan of The Fall or new to their discography, Matt and John's insightful analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the album's enduring impact.