'A Catholic Education' was their debut album, released in 1990. The album received positive reviews from English music journalists and critics. In contrast to the group's later work, the album has a very dark, abrasive, and cynical tone and incorporated a grunge and heavy metal influenced sound. As well, the album's two title tracks are direct attacks on the Catholic Church, which are unique for an otherwise apolitical band. The opening track, "Everything Flows", is a mellow powerpop-influenced song (unlike the rest of the album) that provides a sort of blueprint for their later work.
"Everything Flows" was later included in the compilation albums 'Deep Fried Fanclub' and 'Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-Six Seconds – A Short Cut to Teenage Fanclub'. Those were released in 1995 and 2003, respectively. Teenage Fanclub's second album, 1991's 'The King', went for a shambolic, alternative rock edge that left many fans and critics cold, though the release also had strong defenders. It took their third album to kick things into high gear.
'Bandwagonesque', released in November 1991 on Creation Records, became famous by beating Nirvana's landmark album 'Nevermind' to be voted "album of the year" by popular American music magazine Spin. It also gave the band substantial U.S. success when the single "Star Sign" reached #4 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, becoming their biggest hit in that country. "What You Do to Me" and "The Concept" were also Top 20 hits on that chart. Fans greatly enjoyed the melodic yet melancholy feel of the album.
Although later works have led the group through various highs and lows throughout the 90s and 00s, they're still going strong as of 2014. Tours have been widely successful. Their latest album, 'Shadows', was their ninth studio release. They made it available on 31 May 2010 on the band's own PeMa label in Europe and on Merge Records in North America, the group promoting the single "Baby Lee". Said track shows the band still in touch with the chiming, emotional sounds of their 90s heyday.
There have been a succession of drummers, including:
- Francis MacDonald (a prime-mover in the C86 scene, later of the BMX Bandits), the drummer in the original lineup, and in a later period
- Brendan O’Hare (later of Telstar Ponies, Thrapple , Mogwai and Macrocosmica)
and
- Paul Quinn (later of The Primary 5), who was later replaced by the returning Francis MacDonald.
Keyboardist Finlay MacDonald (no relation to Francis MacDonald) has also been a member.
Fallen Leaves
Teenage Fanclub Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Riding the blue train's
empty line all around
On the evening run, I say you're
the only one
All around the golden low sinking bright of the sun
See a simple spark
It seems so now
Everything's so near
Oh, come on over
The future's here
So brighten up
There is more to become
Fasten down every day
Cos nothing's tied, nothing stays
And I need a driving life
Cos the static weight draws too much useless dust
It gathers up, it blocks the way
Watch the landing lights
On a passing plane
It seems so now
Everything's so near
Oh, come on over
The future's here
"Fallen Leaves" by Teenage Fanclub is a song that uses the imagery of fallen leaves to explore the idea of change and the passage of time. The song describes the experience of riding on an empty train line, surrounded by the fading beauty of autumn leaves. Through this imagery, the singer reflects on the inevitability of change and the transience of life.
The song's lyrics suggest that change can be both intimidating and exhilarating. The singer acknowledges that nothing can stay the same forever, and that the passage of time can be both beautiful and painful. However, the song also encourages listeners to embrace the future and to look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.
One of the most interesting aspects of "Fallen Leaves" is the way that the lyrics use nature imagery to explore bigger themes about human life. The song's evocative descriptions of the changing seasons and the movement of trains and planes create a rich sense of atmosphere and place, while also conveying complex emotions about life and the passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Fallen leaves on the overground
Decaying plant matter lying on the train track
Riding the blue train's empty line all around
Traversing the train tracks without any passengers aboard
On the evening run, I say you're the only one
Expressing affection to a significant other during the evening train ride
All around the golden low sinking bright of the sun
Observing the beauty of the sunset while on the train
See a simple spark, bleed a burning flame
A small idea can ignite a passion or movement
It seems so now, everything's so near
The present moment feels as though the future is instantly attainable
Oh, come on over, the future's here
Inviting someone to join in on the potential of a bright future
So brighten up, there is more to become
Encouraging to maintain a positive outlook as there is always room for growth and development
Fasten down every day, cos nothing's tied, nothing stays
Urging to secure the present and make the most of it because everything is impermanent
And I need a driving life, cos the static weight draws too much useless dust
Desiring an active and purposeful life as staying idle or stagnant results in accumulating negative elements
It gathers up, it blocks the way
The accumulation of negative elements hinders progress and obstacles
Watch the landing lights on a passing plane
Observing a fleeting moment of passing planes
It seems so now, everything's so near
The present moment feels as though the future is instantly attainable
Oh, come on over, the future's here
Inviting someone to join in on the potential of a bright future
Contributed by Grayson K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.