Now that so many new bands all the way from New York to...um...New York seem to be working from the late 70s/early 80s post-punk template, it's worth sparing a thought for mouthy manc Mark E Smith, whose band The Fall have kept on going in one form or other since that movement began. They've been virtually ignored (or at least dismissed) by the music press in recent years, despite the protestations of loyal fans (including my brother) that their recent recordings have still been very much up to scratch.

So I can report that new single Susan Vs.Youthclub, which I heard on John Peel Thursday night, may not be a return to form as such, but is still a very, very fine record indeed.