77–Early Years–79 was The Fall's first compilation, originally released on Step-Forward in 1981. It collects the group's first four singles for the label between 1977 and 1979 — Bingo-Master's Break-Out, It's The New Thing, Rowche Rumble and Fiery Jack — none of which appeared on the band's studio albums.

Also included is Dice Man from 1979's Dragnet. Taken together, these 7-inches capture The Fall emerging from '77 Manchester, pushing out from founder Mark E. Smith's poetry-collective origins into the early punk scene.

The revolving cast includes Martin Bramah, Una Baines, Karl Burns, Marc Riley, Craig Scanlon and Stephen Hanley. Superior Viaduct's edition is the first vinyl reissue of 77–Early Years–79, and includes liner notes by Stephen Malkmus.