Earlier this month, lead singer of the Smiths, Morrissey, celebrated his 51st birt
hday. We all know Morrissey is Justin’s favorite man crush, so having said that, what greater reason than naming the Smiths the Artist of the Week? Although I am not personally a fan of the band, I can acknowledge the greatness that is the Smiths. Although the band’s run was short lived (1982-1987), their impact on alternative rock music was profound, and even a Cure fan can acknowledge that!
The Smiths were one of the first acts to “Indie” acts to make it big. The band released their first album, The Smiths independently in 1984. At the time, this album sparked some controversy because of two songs: “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” and “Suffer Little Children.” But as they say in show business, “There is no such thing as bad press.” These highly protested singles got their names in the paper and got people to notice the band.
One year later, the band released what Rolling Stone Magazine named as the 295th best album of All-Time, Meat is Murder. The album contained one of the greatest songs of the 80s, “How Soon Is Now?” The album was also included in the book, “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.” Taking a cue from their first release, Morrissey and the band became more political in their interviews and in their music. Look at the title of the album for crying out loud! Morrissey stirred up controversy every time he spoke and the band was beginning to show cracks at this point.
The Queen is Dead was released in 1986 amid even more controversy. The band was in a legal battle with their record label, their guitarist Johnny Marr was drinking too much and they fired their bassist Andy Rourke due to Heroin abuse (allegedly). These were tough times that would soon be the end of the band. Nonetheless, this was probably their best album. Songs like “Big Mouth Strikes Again” and “There is a Light” are featured on this album. But soon the romance would be over!
Strangeways, Here We Come, was appropriately released in 1987, which was the last album by the band. Critically, the album was not well received, but all four members of the band call it their best work. It is also the highest selling album by the band, being certified Gold by the RIAA. Johnny Marr said this of the title to the album: “I’ve learned to love the title… it was a bit overstating things somewhat. A little bit obvious. But it’s OK. I was always intrigued by the word Strangeways. I remember as a kid, when I first heard that the prison was really called that, I wondered had it not occurred to anybody to change the name? It’s still befuddling, really.”
Morrissey and Marr have had a very public feud since their break up in 1987. The band has been offered millions of dollars to reunite, but Morrissey has refused. At one point, Morrissey said that he would: “rather eat (his) own testicles than re-form The Smiths, and that’s saying something for a vegetarian.” So I guess that means they’ll not be reuniting anytime soon. Sorry Justin! Morrissey has gotten even more bitter in his old age, hasn’t he!? There is no arguing the impact that The Smiths and Morrissey had on the Alternative Rock scene in the 80s. Their sound was influential to many of the bands today, and this month, we salute their efforts! Although, I would like to see a reunion and see if Morrissey would live up to his promise. Now that would be a trick!
Top 5 Songs
4. The Boy With A Thorn On His Side
5. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Useful Links
2002 Interview About the Album Meat is Murder
Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Albums of All-Time
The Smiths were one of the first acts to “Indie” acts to make it big. The band released their first album, The Smiths independently in 1984. At the time, this album sparked some controversy because of two songs: “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” and “Suffer Little Children.” But as they say in show business, “There is no such thing as bad press.” These highly protested singles got their names in the paper and got people to notice the band.
One year later, the band released what Rolling Stone Magazine named as the 295th best album of All-Time, Meat is Murder. The album contained one of the greatest songs of the 80s, “How Soon Is Now?” The album was also included in the book, “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.” Taking a cue from their first release, Morrissey and the band became more political in their interviews and in their music. Look at the title of the album for crying out loud! Morrissey stirred up controversy every time he spoke and the band was beginning to show cracks at this point.
The Queen is Dead was released in 1986 amid even more controversy. The band was in a legal battle with their record label, their guitarist Johnny Marr was drinking too much and they fired their bassist Andy Rourke due to Heroin abuse (allegedly). These were tough times that would soon be the end of the band. Nonetheless, this was probably their best album. Songs like “Big Mouth Strikes Again” and “There is a Light” are featured on this album. But soon the romance would be over!
Strangeways, Here We Come, was appropriately released in 1987, which was the last album by the band. Critically, the album was not well received, but all four members of the band call it their best work. It is also the highest selling album by the band, being certified Gold by the RIAA. Johnny Marr said this of the title to the album: “I’ve learned to love the title… it was a bit overstating things somewhat. A little bit obvious. But it’s OK. I was always intrigued by the word Strangeways. I remember as a kid, when I first heard that the prison was really called that, I wondered had it not occurred to anybody to change the name? It’s still befuddling, really.”
Morrissey and Marr have had a very public feud since their break up in 1987. The band has been offered millions of dollars to reunite, but Morrissey has refused. At one point, Morrissey said that he would: “rather eat (his) own testicles than re-form The Smiths, and that’s saying something for a vegetarian.” So I guess that means they’ll not be reuniting anytime soon. Sorry Justin! Morrissey has gotten even more bitter in his old age, hasn’t he!? There is no arguing the impact that The Smiths and Morrissey had on the Alternative Rock scene in the 80s. Their sound was influential to many of the bands today, and this month, we salute their efforts! Although, I would like to see a reunion and see if Morrissey would live up to his promise. Now that would be a trick!