The Smiths

The Smiths
Paul Cox; Distributed by Sire Records · Public domain · source
Name	The Smiths
Caption	The Smiths in 1985
Background	group_or_band
Genre	Indie rock, Jangle pop, Post-punk
Years active	1982–1987
Label	Rough Trade Records, Sire Records
Associated acts	The Jesus and Mary Chain, New Order, The Cure

The Smiths were a highly influential and iconic English rock band from Manchester, formed in 1982 by Morrissey and Johnny Marr. The band's unique sound and style, which blended jangle pop with post-punk and indie rock, was shaped by their experiences growing up in Manchester and their interests in Oscar Wilde, Kirk Douglas, and Elizabeth Taylor. The Smiths' music was also influenced by The Velvet Underground, The New York Dolls, and David Bowie, and they were often compared to other notable bands of the time, such as The Jesus and Mary Chain and New Order. The band's lyrics, written by Morrissey, often explored themes of love, death, and social commentary, and were praised for their wit and poetry by critics like NME and Melody Maker.

History

The Smiths were formed in 1982 by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, who met through a mutual friend, Mike Joyce. The band's early years were marked by a series of gigs in Manchester and London, where they developed a loyal following and caught the attention of Rough Trade Records. The Smiths released their debut single, Hand in Glove, in 1983, which was produced by John Porter and featured a B-side cover of Twinkle's Terry. The band's early sound was influenced by The Byrds, The Stooges, and T. Rex, and they were often compared to other notable bands of the time, such as The Fall and Echo & the Bunnymen. The Smiths' music was also praised by critics like Paul Morley and Julie Burchill, who wrote for NME and The Face.

Music style and influences

The Smiths' music style was characterized by Johnny Marr's jangle pop guitar sound and Morrissey's poetic and often humorous lyrics. The band's sound was influenced by a wide range of artists, including The Velvet Underground, The New York Dolls, and David Bowie, as well as 1960s girl groups like The Ronettes and The Shangri-Las. The Smiths were also influenced by literary figures like Oscar Wilde and George Orwell, and their music often explored themes of love, death, and social commentary. The band's music was praised by critics like Robert Christgau and Greil Marcus, who wrote for The Village Voice and Rolling Stone. The Smiths' sound was also compared to other notable bands of the time, such as R.E.M. and The Go-Betweens.

Band members

The Smiths' original lineup consisted of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass), and Mike Joyce (drums). The band's lineup remained relatively stable throughout their career, with the exception of a brief period in 1987 when Craig Gannon joined the band as a second guitarist. The Smiths were known for their energetic live performances, which often featured Morrissey's charismatic stage presence and Johnny Marr's innovative guitar playing. The band's live shows were praised by critics like Nick Kent and Charles Shaar Murray, who wrote for NME and The Face. The Smiths also collaborated with other notable musicians, such as Sandie Shaw and Kirsty MacColl.

Discography

The Smiths released four studio albums during their career: The Smiths (1984), Meat Is Murder (1985), The Queen Is Dead (1986), and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987). The band also released several compilation albums, including Hatful of Hollow (1984) and The World Won't Listen (1987). The Smiths' music was released on Rough Trade Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US. The band's albums were produced by John Porter, Stephen Street, and Morrissey and Johnny Marr themselves. The Smiths' discography was praised by critics like Robert Hilburn and David Fricke, who wrote for Los Angeles Times and Rolling Stone.

Legacy and impact

The Smiths' legacy and impact on the music world are still widely felt today. The band's influence can be heard in the music of Oasis, Blur, and Radiohead, among many others. The Smiths were also praised by critics like Lester Bangs and Simon Reynolds, who wrote for The Village Voice and The Wire. The band's music has been covered by a wide range of artists, including The Killers, The Libertines, and Death Cab for Cutie. The Smiths' influence extends beyond the music world, with their style and aesthetic influencing fashion and art. The band's legacy was celebrated in 2013 with a BBC documentary and a career-spanning box set. The Smiths' music remains popular today, with their albums continuing to be released on vinyl and CD by Warner Music Group and Rhino Entertainment. Category:English rock music groups