The Fall

The Fall are an English post-punk band, formed in 1976 in Prestwich, Greater Manchester. With an ever-changing line up, the group essentially consists of its founder and only constant member, Mark E.
Discovering the Musical Genius of The Fall
The Fall might be one of the most underrated and overlooked British bands of all time. With over 30 studio albums, dozens of singles, and hundreds of live performances, The Fall created their unique, post-punk, experimental sound that combined avant-garde poetry, krautrock, electronic soundscapes, and unfiltered energy. Despite the relentlessness of their art and the influence they exerted on the British musical landscape, The Fall never made it into the mainstream, remaining a cult band adored by their fans. In this musical article, we dive deep into the world of The Fall, exploring their biography, most iconic songs, and their impact on their genres, as well as discussing some of their legendary concerts and criticisms.
The Fall was one of the most prolific bands in the history of British music. They started as a garage band in Manchester in the late 70s but quickly evolved into a unique experimental rock group. Their founder and frontman Mark E. Smith was a poet, a provocateur, and an uncompromising artist that never allowed his musical creations to be confined by genre boundaries. The Fall's music was often challenging, unconventional, and abrasive, marked by Smith's inimitable half-spoken, half-sung vocals, which were delivering his abstract, satirical, and often surrealistic lyrics. Despite its characteristic style, The Fall kept evolving from album to album, exploring new sounds, arrangements, and themes while retaining their signature edginess.
When it comes to the best songs by The Fall, it is a challenging task to pinpoint just a few. They have made so many good songs in their 40-year-long career that selecting the absolute best of them is virtually impossible, as it would vary depending on who you ask. However, some tracks withstand the test of time and are widely regarded as exceptional. One such song is Totally Wired, released in 1980, which is The Fall's signature track. The song's lyrics are intellectual and darkly humorous, while the guitar riffs and rhythm section push the listener into a fast-paced frenzy. Another exceptional song is Cruiser's Creek (1985), which stands out with its catchy and danceable tune, daring lyrics, and the iconic echo Wonderful and Frightening. Additionally, we can mention Hip Priest (1982), No Xmas for John Quays (1983), The Classical (1982), and Container Drivers (1980), to name just a few of The Fall's best tracks.
When it comes to The Fall's music genre, this is where things become more complex. Since they haven't limited themselves to the conventions of post-punk, rock, electronic or any specific style, classifying their music as belonging to a specific genre is misleading. Arguably, The Fall created their sound, a unique and idiosyncratic blend of rock, punk, poetry, and experimentation, which has influenced and inspired many other bands like Radiohead, Pavement, Sonic Youth, and The Pixies. Whether they were labelled post-punk, alternative rock or art-rock, The Fall's music remained highly individualistic and distinct.
The Fall's live performances were as notorious as their music. Mark E. Smith was an unpredictable and volatile figure on stage, often engaging in verbal battles with the audience and his band members, as well as disrupting the set's order or modifying the lyrics to his songs. Nevertheless, The Fall's concerts were an experience beyond compare, with the intensity, energy, and chaos that transferred the rawness of their soundwaves to the stage. A legendary gig worth mentioning is when The Fall performed in New York's Knitting Factory in 1997, where they played for nearly three hours, performing over 25 songs to a packed audience. The concert was one of the most memorable performances by The Fall, showcasing their improvisational talent and raw musical power.
The Fall's critical reception varies, depending on who you ask. However, what they all agree on is that The Fall was an innovative, groundbreaking, and pioneering band that left an indelible impact on British music. They were always ahead of their time, always pushing the boundaries of what was considered proper music, always challenged the listeners' preconceptions, and always remained true to their artistic vision. They might never have reached the commercial success of other bands, but their contributions to the British music scene were monumental.
The Fall might not be a band that everyone likes, but they are undoubtedly a band that everyone should know. With their distinct, boundary-defying sound, staggering backcatalogue, and legendary live shows, The Fall have become an emblem of the post-punk era and one the most essential British bands of all time. If you are a fan of experimental, avant-garde, and edgy music, then The Fall is a must-listen. Their music might not be easy to digest, but it is guaranteed to reward those who dive deep into its complexities, wits, and uniqueness.