| The New York Optimist January2009 |
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The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey (vocals) and
Johnny Marr (guitar), the band also included Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Critics have called them one of the most
important alternative rock bands to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s,[1][2] and the group has had major
influence on subsequent artists. Morrissey's lovelorn tales of alienation found an audience amongst youth culture bored by the ubiquitous
synthesizer-pop bands of the early 1980s, while Marr's complex melodies helped return guitar-based music to popularity.[3]
The group were signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records, for whom they released four studio albums and several
compilations, as well as numerous non-LP singles. Although they had limited commercial success outside the UK while they were still
together, and never released a single that charted higher than number 10 in their home country, The Smiths won a growing following, and
remain cult and commercial favourites. The band broke up in 1987 amid disagreements between Morrissey and Marr and have turned
down several offers to reform.
Johnny Marr (guitar), the band also included Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Critics have called them one of the most
important alternative rock bands to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s,[1][2] and the group has had major
influence on subsequent artists. Morrissey's lovelorn tales of alienation found an audience amongst youth culture bored by the ubiquitous
synthesizer-pop bands of the early 1980s, while Marr's complex melodies helped return guitar-based music to popularity.[3]
The group were signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records, for whom they released four studio albums and several
compilations, as well as numerous non-LP singles. Although they had limited commercial success outside the UK while they were still
together, and never released a single that charted higher than number 10 in their home country, The Smiths won a growing following, and
remain cult and commercial favourites. The band broke up in 1987 amid disagreements between Morrissey and Marr and have turned
down several offers to reform.
| Publishers Pick Of The Week, The Smith's: What Difference Does It Make |
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