"Falling Down a Mountain" is the eighth studio album by the British alternative rock band Tindersticks. Released on 25 January 2010, this album marked the group's debut for 4AD. This album was viewed as a significant departure from their previous works by many critics and listeners.
The album's title track, "Falling Down a Mountain," is a ten-minute-long piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album with its epic scale and lofty ambitions. Besides the title track, the album contains eight other songs that continue to showcase the band's penchant for brooding, atmospheric tunes infused with elements of jazz and blues.
In terms of the band's lineup, "Falling Down a Mountain" was the first Tindersticks album to feature David Boulter and Neil Fraser after the departure of Dickon Hinchliffe. Therefore, this album signifies a kind of rebirth for the band, with new artistic energies and interpretations coming into play.
The album, well-received upon its release, drew positive remarks from critics for its bold storytelling, evocative lyrics, and the band's ability to construct a rich, emotionally resonant soundscape. The music's theatrical flair, combined with Stuart Staples' distinct baritone voice, creates a unique listening experience that is both melancholic and gripping.
To summarize, "Falling Down a Mountain" is a noteworthy piece in Tindersticks' discography due to its dramatic narratives, musical diversification, and the reintroduction of the band with a changed lineup.