Sub-Lingual Tablet
The Fall · 2015
50 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A chaotic fusion of punk energy and experimental soundscapes that embodies The Fall's late-career audacity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dedication Not Medication — This track encapsulates Smith's characteristic wit and social commentary, blending sharp lyrics with a driving rhythm that showcases the band's punk roots.
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Auto Chip 2014–2016 — At over ten minutes long, this sprawling piece illustrates The Fall's experimental tendencies, merging repetitive motifs with layers of instrumental evolution.
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Quit iPhone — This track critiques modern technology through sharp and sardonic lyrics, revealing Smith’s ability to blend humor with incisive social critique.
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 strong lyrical content and experimental structures, maintaining their distinctiveness.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Venice With the Girls', establishing a fast pace that persists through several tracks before slowing down in the final third.
- Lyrical delivery often features spoken word elements, with Mark E. Smith's distinctive voice weaving through jagged guitar riffs and unconventional song structures.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- 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
Known within its scene. 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
- steady progression with dynamic peaks
- raw energy for focused listening
- abstract lyricism invites deep thought
- short bursts of experimental sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished, mainstream production
- seek immediate catchy satisfaction
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2015, Sub-Lingual Tablet was The Fall's 31st studio album, showcasing the band's relentless creativity even after four decades. This album arrived during a time when Mark E. Smith was navigating health issues yet continued to push the boundaries of their sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Wire· Gang of Four· The Birthday Party
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Venice With the Girls 4:11
- 2 Black Roof 1:46
- 3 Dedication Not Medication 4:47
- 4 First One Today 2:45
- 5 Junger Cloth 4:55
- 6 Stout Man 3:15
- 7 Auto Chip 2014–2016 10:03
- 8 Pledge 6:32
- 9 Snazzy 2:29
- 10 Fibre Book Troll 5:59
- 11 Quit iPhone 4:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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