Tag: Johnny Marr

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“Strangeways, Here We Come” by The Smiths (No. 10)

"Strangeways, Here we Come" by the Smiths (album cover)

The final album by The Smiths, S"Strangeways, Here we Come" by the Smiths (album cover)trangeways Here We Come is a fitting close to a brief but brilliant career.

The Smiths’ star shone brightly and burned out quickly, but they were prolific as Hell for the brief time they were together. Strangeways is their fourth and final album, released in 1987. That’s four albums in five years, a live album the year after they broke up, and a slew of singles and b-sides, besides.

Let me tell you a little secret – there’s not a bad one in the bunch. No bad albums, no lousy singles, and even the b-sides are good. (Especially, “How Soon Is Now?”, which isn’t featured on any of the original LPs.) But Strangeways is especially good.

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“The Queen is Dead” by The Smiths (No. 50)

The Smiths ‎– The Queen Is Dead album cover

The Smiths ‎– The Queen Is Dead album coverThe Smiths didn’t last long, but they left behind an amazing legacy and incredible impact. By the time the band recorded The Queen is Dead they were already fraying at the seams, but it didn’t diminish their ability to create amazing tunes.

“Frankly, Mr. Shankly” is Morrissey at his lyrical best, or worst, telling off an imaginary boss. The line about making Christmas cards with the mentally ill took me for a loop the first time I heard it, it was so offbeat. The music is compelling, but quirky, and completely unique. Continue reading ““The Queen is Dead” by The Smiths (No. 50)”