A rocking debut by the Mancunians.
Moz is in full effect and Marr’s guitar is at his jangly zenith. The rhythm setting of Rourke and Joyce is brilliant.
With the exception of maybe three songs those here are fast enough. Opening track “Reel Around The Fountain” is slower but devastatingly brilliant. “You’ve Got Everything Now,” “Miserable Lie,” “Still Ill,” “Hand In Glove,” and “What Difference Does It Make?” are masterpieces.
The production doesn’t add much sheen so instruments and the voice breathe. There isn’t cluttered sound like you hear on an Aerosmith album. The production continues in the minimalist vein harvested with great success by Joy Division.
I’ve never liked the Smiths’ slower songs and, though very good, those here don’t do as much for me as the faster songs. When Marr is rocking, Moz is shrieking, and drums and bass are keeping it going the Smiths rock like most bands wish they could. The Bunnymen’s first album also rocks like this as do Gang of Four’s, REM’s and the Cure’s.
I saw the Smiths once on the Meat Is Murder tour and twice on the The Queen Is Dead tour. Great times though I don’t remember much about two of the shows.
Marr and Morrissey grew apart and at least one of them didn’t handle success well. Supposedly Marr’s becoming tired of Morrissey made him leave shortly after the Smiths finished their last album. A far too brief run.
This is a great album. If you’re a rock fan and haven’t heard it now’s your time. The jewel case came in good shape and the insert is good with readable lyrics, though the print is small.
Moz went on to a somewhat successful solo career marked by at least one very long break between albums and uneven quality. Marr’s been in at least two other bands since and I enjoyed an album by a band he was is a member of. Unlike Lennon and McCartney, they were much better together than apart.
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