The Fall : NPR

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All Songs Considered

In Memoriam 2018: The Musicians We Lost

December 26, 2018 • A look back at the extraordinary creative souls we lost in 2018, from producer Richard Swift and opera singer Montserrat Caballé to rapper Mac Miller and Aretha Franklin.

In Memoriam 2018: The Musicians We Lost

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Mark E. Smith Was An Uncompromising And Essential Voice From Music's Fringe

The sole member of The Fall who remained through its four decades, Mark E. Smith was synonymous with the band. Lex van Rossen/MAI/Referns/Getty Images hide caption

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Lex van Rossen/MAI/Referns/Getty Images

The Record

Mark E. Smith Was An Uncompromising And Essential Voice From Music's Fringe

January 25, 2018 • The prolific and irascible leader of the British post-punk band The Fall built his legend — and his influence — by being impossible to imitate.

Mark E. Smith, Acerbic Leader Of The Fall, Dies At 60

Mark E. Smith onstage with The Fall in London in 2016. Robin Little/Redferns hide caption

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Robin Little/Redferns

The Record

Mark E. Smith, Acerbic Leader Of The Fall, Dies At 60

January 24, 2018 • In a band known for its abrasive, genre-bending sound, Smith was the sole constant over four decades. His vision made The Fall moody, dark, repetitive, angry — and extremely prolific.

The Case For Meeting Your Idols: I Flew 12,000 Miles To See The Fall

Mark E. Smith of The Fall. Look into his eyes and think of something profound to say. Ollie Millington/Referns/Getty Images hide caption

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Ollie Millington/Referns/Getty Images

The Record

The Case For Meeting Your Idols: I Flew 12,000 Miles To See The Fall

April 4, 2011 • Sometimes we go to extremes to see the bands we love. Sometimes our heroes live up to our expectations.

First Listen: The Fall, 'Your Future Our Clutter'

Your Future Our Clutter is Mark E. Smith's 28th studio album with The Fall. Jesse Jenkins hide caption

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Jesse Jenkins

First Listen

First Listen: The Fall, 'Your Future Our Clutter'

April 25, 2010 • For the British post-punk band, repetition is an enduring philosophy. The Fall has been making jangly punk-rock music for more than three decades, and despite numerous lineup changes, its raucous signature sound has endured. Hear The Fall's 28th studio album, Your Future Our Clutter, in its entirety here until its May 4 release.

Music Interviews

California Dreaming Winner: An L.A. Sound-Song

September 3, 2008 • Day to Day asked artists to send their musical takes on the California Dream. Among dozens of submissions, one track stood out because of its unique approach: The instruments are urban sounds. Quinn Kiesow spent 80 hours piecing together an array of noises to make "Los Angeles."

California Dreaming Winner: An L.A. Sound-Song

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Review

Music Reviews

The Fall's Constant 'Reformation'

July 17, 2007 • For the last 30 years, Mark E. Smith has led one hard-driving band and many, many band members. The latest incarnation of the post-punk collective has a new record out, one which features another impromptu Reformation of personnel.

The Fall's Constant 'Reformation'

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