The Fall will be in the country to celebrate their latest release Sub-Lingual Tablet. The innovative and enduring English group have released 31 studio albums in 39 years and, despite countless lineup changes, their sound has continued to evolve. “That’s the advantage of having Elena [Poulou – vox, keyboard and Smith’s wife] and the other guys in the group [Peter Greenway – lead guitar, Kieron Melling – drums and David Spurr – drums] because they’re a good deal younger than me so it keeps things fresh. Alternative radio in Britain just play stuff from the ‘80s and ‘90s – it’s fucking shit. Almost everyone they play is older than me, and that’s saying a lot.”
Smith is reknowned for being blunt in interviews, but what shines through is his sense of humour and honesty. “It took about two years to make this album [Sub-Lingual Tablet], which is a long time for us. I was getting a bit fed up with it and I’d given up on it, to be honest. So I threw a quarter of the mixes away and just used the first takes. I think that’s why it feels a bit edgier than other records.”
Prior to the current lineup, The Fall had a reputation for being a revolving-door workplace. It’s even been said the group has had over 65 members since its inception in 1976, with one lasting less than a year. In recent years it’s been widely reported that Smith once fired a man for ordering a salad. “The salad was the last straw,” is one of his most notable quotes about that time period, but these days Smith seems very content. “The group is sounding very good live at the moment – it’s nothing like it was in the old days,” he says.
On the whole it seems that time has mellowed Mark E. Smith, but he remains unpredictable and very relevant just like the music he creates. Throughout the interview his mood is upbeat and he seems generally interested in the music scene – especially when I mention Kevin Parker and Tame Impala. “Maybe we can get them to support us next time we’re in Australia, what do you think?”
Towards the end of the conversation his tone turns sombre when I mention veteran BBC radio DJ, the late John Peel. Peel was once quoted as saying that The Fall was his “favourite ever group”, and his continued support of the band was broadcast to millions. “He sent our music around the world. Thanks to him we have fans in Russia. You can’t expect someone at the BBC to understand that now. Radio has gone down the drain, it’s fucking shit… but we have a very good relationship with his wife. She’s still doing things and his son [Tom Ravenscroft] is on the radio and he’s really good actually. I’ll admit I’d never talked to him much, but I’d write to him and he used to send me post cards. Yes, the world’s a worse place without John Peel.”
BY NATALIE ROGERS
