The Smiths were one of the 2 bands that got me into music (properly). I remember, (extremely well), being in my friends room early one evening, and their name came up. It seems so funny now, but I asked him to play me a song, to see if I liked it. I can't imagine where I'd start if someone were to ask me the same question now, but I guess it would have to be with 'This Charming Man', which is where it all did for me. As I listened, I remember thinking that I'd never heard anything quite like Johnny Marr's guitar. It was sort of weird, quirky, playful, yet utterly listenable. As the track finished, I asked for more. This is where it started.
It may be cool to like The Smiths. It may be uncool. They're one of those iconic bands where if you like them, you tend to love them, live by them and swear by them. Each of their 4 studio albums that were released between 1984-1987 were brilliant. 'The Queen Is Dead' has always just about stood out (marginally). Beyond the obvious 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out', 'Bigmouth Strikes Again', 'The Boy With The Thorn In His Side' and 'I Know It's Over', there are so many other gems. 'Cemetry Gates is arguably my favourite Smiths track. 'Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others' makes me laugh out loud every time I hear it, and 'Frankly Mr Shankly' shows Morrissey (lyrically) at the top of his game.
You may have read my earlier blog on Morrissey and his antics today, and think I'm a hater. This couldn't be further from the truth. Having seen him live, you can't help but love him. He may have fallen down my list a bit these days, but his work in The Smiths is untouchable and unforgettable. Having said this, I do fall on the Johnny side (if/when it comes down to it). I don't know anyone else whose guitar sounds like his. I can try a million times, learn every song, every chord progression, but it just doesn't come close.
Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce's involvement often goes unnoticed, which is stupidly unfair. Without them, they simply wouldn't have been The Smiths.
The day I discovered Radiohead's cover of 'Headmaster Ritual' was one of those days you don't forget. Your favourite band (superbly) covering your second favourite band. For those of you who haven't enjoyed it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtmS2ePSSdU
I think they're one of the only bands that are a constant for me. Whatever mood I'm in, whatever week I've had, The Smiths can, and usually do, fit into it. The lyrics are so humorous and farcical, whilst touching on such important issues, that you can't help but cling onto every single word.
They may have only released four (sublime) albums, but there's tons of great tracks lying about. 'Is It Really So Strange', 'Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want', 'Jean', 'Half A Person' and 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now' are just a handful of others that deserve a religious kind of attention.
I love thinking about the day when I didn't know who they were. I think about how long I've spent listening to the music, reading the lyrics and discovering the stories.
PS. 'Vulgar Picture' had to come from somewhere. A Smiths album track is never a bad place to start.
