Released 10 years ago
Wise Ol' Man
The Fall · 2016
34 min · 7 tracks · alternative rock
A gritty blend of punk energy and experimental textures, intertwining sardonic lyrics with a rich sonic palette.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wise Ol’ Man (edit) — This opening track encapsulates the album's spirit with its biting lyrics and driving rhythms, offering a clear lens into Smith's lyrical preoccupations.
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Facebook Troll / No Xmas for John Quay — This track juxtaposes humorous commentary on social media culture with the band's signature chaos, highlighting their ability to merge the absurd with the critical.
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All Leave Cancelled — An expansive piece that showcases The Fall's ability to stretch musical boundaries while maintaining an engaging narrative through its layered instrumentation.
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 signature sound while incorporating experimental elements, making it distinct within their discography.
What we noticed
- The use of layered instrumentation creates a dense soundscape, with guitars and keyboards frequently intertwining in complex arrangements.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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 mid-tempo grooves
- sardonic humor and wit
- thought-provoking lyrical themes
- shorter tracks for quick bursts
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in the later stages of The Fall's lengthy career, 'Wise Ol' Man' came out after a period of lineup changes and marked a continued evolution in their sound. It was among the last projects featuring their iconic frontman, Mark E. Smith, whose distinctive vocal style remains a hallmark throughout.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Wire· Gang of Four· The Birthday Party
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wise Ol’ Man (edit) 3:37
- 2 All Leave Cancelled 8:19
- 3 Dedication (remix) 5:17
- 4 Wise Ol’ Man (instrumental) 3:23
- 5 Venice With Girls 4:04
- 6 Facebook Troll / No Xmas for John Quay 7:30
- 7 All Leave Cancelled (X) 2:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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