A Part of America Therein, 1981
73 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A frenetic blend of post-punk energy and sardonic lyrics captures the chaos of early '80s Britain.
Top tracks — play these first
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Totally Wired — This track epitomizes The Fall's chaotic yet compelling sound, featuring jagged guitar riffs and a driving rhythm that captures the band's punk ethos.
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Hip Priest — With its hypnotic groove and spoken-word verses, Hip Priest showcases Mark E. Smith's lyrical absurdity and unique vocal delivery, making it a standout piece.
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The N.W.R.A. — Clocking in at over ten minutes, this ambitious opener sets a tone of urgency and complexity that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases The Fall's unique sound with inventive structures and a blend of styles, marking their post-punk influence.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate repetitive motifs that build tension, particularly in 'Totally Wired' and 'Hip Priest'.
- The lyrics are delivered in a detached, almost conversational tone, contrasting with the chaotic musical backdrop.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
- sardonic wit for sharp listeners
- relentless energy for active engagement
- immersive journey through chaos
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, immediate gratification
- dislike dense, layered compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1981, A Part of America Therein is The Fall's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Grotesque (After the Gramme). At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound, characterized by Mark E. Smith's distinct vocal style and a growing experimental approach to composition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Wire· Gang of Four· The Birthday Party
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The N.W.R.A. 10:56
- 2 Hip Priest 7:58
- 3 Totally Wired 4:10
- 4 Lie Dream of a Casino Soul 2:59
- 5 Cash ’n’ Carry 6:42
- 6 An Older Lover 6:51
- 7 Deer Park 4:30
- 8 Winter 7:37
- 9 Middle Mass 5:20
- 10 The Container Drivers 4:06
- 11 Session Musician 9:05
- 12 Your Heart Out 3:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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