Smiths

"Hatfull of Hollow" for the best of the early singles and "The Queen is Dead" for one of the greatest albums of all time.

But basically everything they ever recorded apart from the seemingly endless number of compilations and Best Ofs that came out after they split.

Matthew
<Careens around thread in excessivel camp manner waving Galdioli>

[This message was edited by Matthew Robinson on WEDNESDAY 25 June 2003 at 00:56.]

The Smiths

Best band ever - BAR NONE!!

Defined the indie guitar band sound while at the same time having one of the most erudite, intelligent, charismatic lead singer/lyricists I've ever heard.
I can't recommend anything else other than buying the lot in chronological fashion. But....you would also need to get the 12" singles in those wonderful sleeves with never-less-than-interesting-sometimes-essential B-sides.
Start with "The Smiths" - and prepare to be immersed.....

Rich
PS I'm so envious of someone just starting out on liking The Smiths!

Thanks guys, I'm on it
Martin

I haven't listened to them in ages...

But thanks to the thread I'm currently blowing the windows out with Strangeways Here we Come.
Death of a Disco dancerrr

Buy everthing realeased during the bands time together and nothing after. Welcome to one of the tightest bunch of songs you'll ever hear

redeye

I agree with everything said so far.

Special mention for the first album "The Smiths" though. One of the rawest and best collection of songs ever released as a debut. Whilst not better than any of the later albums its amazing to think Morrissey sat there in Manchester and wrote such songs/lyrics without any guarantee that he would 'make it' or become famous.

Also if you can find a copy try reading Emlyn Williams book 'Beyond Belief' about the Moors Murderers. Many references from it turn up in the songs from the 1st album and it gives a great description of the 1960s Manchester Morrissey's songs evoke. Ahead of their time or miles behind? You decide.

Jonathan

Queen Is Dead is best overall album but my vote for best song goes to Paint A Vulgar Picture from Strangeways Here We Come, Brilliant .

Paint a Vulgar Picture?

Better than How Soon is Now, Handsome Devil, What Difference Does It Make, There is a Light the Never Goes Out, The Headmaster Ritual, Reel Around the Fountain, and about a gazillion more?

<Looks agog at Alex95>

I'm with Alan on this one. What Smiths I have heard it seems to me Morrisey is singing words to another tune and then not very well. IMHO.

Howard

My favourite Smiths album has got to be "Strangeways Here We Come" I have it on CD and as well as the music the recording is excellent.

Has anyone got the new Morrissey album I believe it's a covers album by all the artists that have influenced him?.


Andy

Have you all gone mad? Surely "Strangeways..." is the *worst* Smiths album by a country mile?

The Smiths have made great songs(esp. the first album & the queen is dead),but Morrisey was an irritating singer.Jonny Marr, on the other hand,was/is a splendid guitar player.

regards,
Rob.

What, no one like "The World Won't Listen?" Along with a hat full of hollow, makes up the essential work by the Smiths IMHO. Although strangeways has some gems, it isn't as consistent and really reflects their last hurrah.

Hmmm, a reminder to go and play some of their CD's tonight....
tim

OK, lOOKS like I shall have to dig out Hatfull of Hollow" I know I have the ablum some where!....but the rest are on tape accept Stangeways so will have to invest!.....

No one got the new album?.

andy

Speaking of Johnny Marr, has anyone bought Boomslang?


redeye

You really have to get everything but 'Meat Is Murder' is my personal favourite.

'That joke isn't funny anymore' in particular is frighteningly good.
Nobody writes 'em like that anymore


I kind of lost track of Morrissey's solo career after Vauxhall and I.
Are the other albums any good?

Remember buying Southpaw Grammer and being dissapointed, think that the rockabilly Your Arsenal is his best solo and yes Matthew I prefer Paint A Vulgar Picture to the songs you mention.
Also love Sheila Take A bow, Boy With the thorn, Bigmouth better than the ones you mention.

quote:

---

I'm with Alan on this one. What Smiths I have heard it seems to me Morrisey is singing words to another tune and then not very well.

---

You need a better system <joke>.

Reminds me of the lyrics from the Queen is Dead: -

So I broke into the palace,
with a sponge and a rusty spanner,
She said 'Hey I know you and you cannot sing'
I said 'That's nothing you should hear me play piano'

Apologies for any errors, typed from memory.

They were a bloody great band, who I only discovered when 'The Queen is Dead' was released.

Morrisey's first solo album (the one with Durutti Column's Vini Reilly) was pretty good too.

Andy.

Fav Album: The Queen is Dead

Fav Songs: Has to be a tie between Big Mouth and Back To The Old House