Talking about the three best records by The Smiths
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The Smiths - a legendary British rock band from Manchester that lasted only 5 yearsbut had a huge impact! Their work contributed to the development of Brit-pop, and many contemporaries call them their main ideological inspirations. Today the Smiths are regarded as one of the most important alternative Britain's bands and simply "iconic 80s indie rock outliers".
Throughout the project's existence, there have been two figures at its centre: vocalist Morrissey and the guitarist Johnny Marr. Together they wrote a number of iconic tracks, although they were an unlikely pairing from the start: Morrissey was socially aloof and cold, while Marr was planning a football career! But Johnny quickly felt "like a fish in water" with guitar in hand: he eschewed clichés such as solos and power chords in favour of intricate arpeggios and tinkling rhythms. Morrissey, for his part, showed off his punk influences in intricate lyrics and an odd performance that had the audience singing along. Fortunately - their paths crossedand the history of rock became richer with another worthy band (which was also joined by bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce).
Unfortunately or fortunately, The Smiths lasted briefly. But this gave them a great advantage: unlike many of their peers, they had no chance of becoming boring. Each of their albums is an important chapter in their history. Even their latest "Strangeways, Here We Come."The Smiths, coloured in new shades, hinted to fans at promising directions for the future that never came. Today we decided to tell you about three records by The Smiths that everyone should listen to. At the end of the article you will find nice bonus!
"The Smiths"
If you really intend to understand The SmithsIf you want to hear their 1984 debut of the same name, then you need to listen to their eponymous debut. This album concentrates on their raw, but subsequently signature sound that has become so beloved by the public. The record shows what the Smiths were capable of in their early years, and after listening to the following releases, it's clear to see just how much of a force they are grown up.
After the release of the album, The Smiths almost immediately became the the most celebrated indie band in the UK! The record attracts a great set of tracks, among which are widely known among fans "Suffer Little Children." и "Pretty Girls Make Graves". Morrissey doesn't yet abound in black humour here, but the sombre tone, underpinned by Johnny Marr's shimmering guitar, is present.
"Meat Is Murder."
The Smiths' second studio album captures the slightly awkward transition between the sheer simplicity of their early recordings and their later studio work. Melodic songs such as the funky "Barbarism Begins at Home" and the title track are stretched to epic length... But they are very good! And it's not boring to listen to them at all.
The standout hits were "The Headmaster Ritual" and "I Want the One I Can't Have". For the majority of American listeners, the familiarity with the band began with these tracks. Criticism was ambiguousBut after so many years, the record is still in demand, and loyal fans do not without pleasure re-listen to it, indulging in nostalgia....
"The Queen Is Dead"
An undisputed masterpiece in The Smiths catalogue, the album "The Queen Is Dead" shows all the strength and maturity of the band. It's hard to find weak tracks on this record - each track is attractive and interesting in its own way.
One of the best indie rock albums of the 80s, "The Queen Is Dead" is worth a listen if only for the experience - even if you're not a fan of the band. Morrissey's voice is perfect here, and Johnny's playing and stylistic contributions are fantastic! It's hard to believe that the band that released the eponymous first album and "The Queen Is Dead" are same projectand that this astronomical progress lasted only two years.
Bonus: "Louder Than Bombs."
"Louder Than Bombs" is a compilation released in 1987. But which ...
The Smiths' strongest masterpieces such as "Sheila Take a Bow" or "Asleep" are concentrated here. All in all. 24 tracks, non-album singles and b-sides recorded from 1983 to 1987. For the fans this release was a great surprise and an amazing gift: a real musical journey lasting a long time over 70 minuteswhich is a break from reality and coolly relaxing with indie motifs!