You Must Get Them All is a serious read for serious fans. Pringle’s doorstep of a book takes its central conviction that, to understand The Fall, you’ve got to hear it all – every last note. It’s a refreshing antidote to the modern prediction for ‘how to buys’ and playlists. To this end, Pringle has put together a meticulous guide to everything released on record by the group. Every studio album is reviewed and put into proper context, there’s an invaluable guide to the dizzying number of live albums out there, every radio session is catalogued and commented upon. The detail is staggering and Pringle is never fawning when it comes to the man who made it all happen, acknowledging Smith’s failings and contradictions while highlighting the arcane wonders of his lyrical reference points and wit. He’s also careful to dish out credit where it’s due to the often undersung musicians who complemented Smith over the years.
