What is the creep tapes?

The term "creep tapes" generally refers to a series of audio recordings made by Mark E. Smith, the lead singer of the influential post-punk band The Fall. These tapes are an interesting piece of music and pop culture history due to their mysterious nature and their insight into the band's creative process.

1. Origin: The tapes were recorded during the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period when The Fall was active in developing their distinct sound. Mark E. Smith used a portable cassette recorder to capture his thoughts, song ideas, and various sound experiments.

2. Content: The recordings consist of rough song sketches, rants, anecdotes, and dialogues, often featuring Smith’s distinctive voice. They include both musical ideas that would later be developed into songs for The Fall, as well as material that remained unreleased or only partially formed.

3. Significance: These tapes provide fans and music historians with a rare glimpse into Smith's creative process and the early evolution of The Fall’s music. They are valuable for understanding how the band’s raw and distinctive sound was cultivated.

4. Cult Following: The tapes have a cult following among die-hard fans of The Fall. They have been circulated informally, shared among fans, and are sometimes referenced in discussions about the band’s legacy.

5. Archival Interest: The creep tapes are an example of how artists’ unofficial recordings and artifacts can become important archival resources that preserve cultural history, allowing future generations to understand and appreciate the foundational work of influential musicians.

As of now, the "creep tapes" hold both musical and historical value, providing insights into an enigmatic frontman and his iconic band.