The Smiths - Geniuses?

[Doug Gilmour]

I've been listening to this band for a while, but never did seem to like them much, until I heard "How Soon Is Now?" on TV one night. The next day I stocked my iPod with some of their work, and soon after headed out for my summer vacation in Europe. They really started growing on me, and proved to be a good choice to listen to while away.

I've fallen in love with The Smiths. Their self-titled debut album and The Queen Is Dead are two of my favourite albums ever. Morrissey's voice - majestic, rich, witty, humorous. His controversial nature, his style, etc. He's the main reason why I like this band. I'd consider him the best vocalist in rock music, and he's stilling pumping out quality music. Also, the guitar-pop feel in such songs as "This Charming Man" is great. Johnny Marr did very well on guitar

I'd consider them one of the best bands to ever come out of Britain (along with the Stone Roses), not only from the 1980s, but of all time. They changed the face of Brit-pop music forever, definitely ahead of their time.

Some of my favourite tracks:

Cemetry Gates
Bigmouth Strikes Again
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Reel Around The Fountain
You've Got Everything Now
This Charming Man
How Soon Is Now?

Their falling out was unfortunate, and there will definitely never be a reunion tour.

Any other fans? Thoughts? Other artists that you find are similar to them?

-Dan

 

[iTel]

Frankly, I think Morrissey is an utter ####. But I do love the Smiths none-the-less. Certainly not one of my favorite bands but I still think they're pretty damn good.

 

[Doug Gilmour]

Yeah, Morrissey is definitely a questionable and controversial character, his actions (especially the court case incidents) didn't help him either. But, casting aside personal bias I think he's a true gem.

-Dan

 

[NiTRO]

I love The Smiths! Morrissey is/was a great frontman but I give equal credit to Johnny Marr. His signature 'jangle' style playing always puts an upbeat spin on Mos' oft depressing lyrics. His work with The The was also great as is his solo album (Johnny Marr + The Healers) from a few years ago.

Other Smiths tunes to check out: "You Haven't Earned it Yet Baby", "A Rush and a Push...", "Half a Person", and "This Night Has Opened My Eyes".

 

[dcx693]

Check out "Girlfriend in a Coma" and "Work is a Four-Letter Word".

 

[Jackonicko]

I hate Morissey. I hate his posing, his smug arrogance, his dubious sexuality, his stupid haircut, and his arrogance. (Did I mention his arrogance). But the Smiths were great, and Johnny Marr is a hero.

Two stand-out tracks:
What Difference Does It Make?
How Soon Is Now?

Thanks to Johnny's guitar.

You have to check out Marr's solo album, 'Boomslang'.

 

[atom_young]

I'm also a fan. I like the Queen is Dead and Hatful of Hollow best. I haven't been able to get into the other albums as much (although I haven't heard the self-titled album).

 

[Doug Gilmour]

I love The Smiths! Morrissey is/was a great frontman but I give equal credit to Johnny Marr. His signature 'jangle' style playing always puts an upbeat spin on Mos' oft depressing lyrics. His work with The The was also great as is his solo album (Johnny Marr + The Healers) from a few years ago.

Yeah, I'd agree with that. Marr's jangle is great. Though I think I prefer John Squire a bit more..

I'll check out his solo album and some Electronic albums soon...

-Dan

 

[ginalee]

I exposed myself to a huge chunk of their work to see what the big fuss was about - they didn't impress me much sorry to say, only track I really like is "Please please me".

 

[Doug Gilmour]

His signature 'jangle' style playing always puts an upbeat spin on Mos' oft depressing lyrics.

I was just thinking just that last night.

A perfect example is 'Still Ill" from their self-titled debut. The lyrics are extremely depressing, but Marr's jangle makes a sucker out of me, and I need to play it over and over...

-Dan

 

[wolfpacker]

Doug, glad to see you are enjoying them. definitely one of my favorites of that era.

 

[Emultion_Rawks]

I have to say, I'm not a big fan. I think they're stuff is OK, but I wouldn't think of them as 'genius material'.

 

[VousDew]

Same here - okay, but overrated. Aside from "How Soon is Now", nothing they made was particularly earth-shattering.

 

[jasempere]

Effin' Geniuses!

Wow... good memories.

I became familiar with The Smiths around 1986 (I was 14 then), and have been expecting for a reunion ever since. Yeah, right. It's gonna happen, I tell you. Well, a Morrissey/Marr thing, perhaps.

While the debut album (The Smiths) is pretty damn good, I would consider Hatful of Hollow and The Queen Is Dead as their crowning achievements. It's not just Moz's unique, elaborate lyrics or Marr's impecable riffs. It's the whole package. In fact, don't forget to listen to their live album (Rank) for a whole different angle on their sound: the energy and rage of Still Ill, Bigmouth Strikes Again, London and What She Said will strike you hard, I guarantee it.

Fave songs?
Asleep, Cemetery Gates, There's A Light..., Ask (Live), The Draize Train (instrumental), How Soon Is Now, This Charming Man, A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours...

I'm biased, but yes, they're geniuses in my book.

 

[ZooStation]

The Smiths are definately great, one of my faves.

Check out Girlfriend in a coma and There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.

However, I'm not a huge fan of Moz's solo efforts, apart from Everyday Is Like Sunday Morning.

Also, Placebo do a great cover of Bigmouth Strikes Again

 

[NiTRO]

Also, Placebo do a great cover of Bigmouth Strikes Again

...As do The Treepeople!