tocharian wrote:

simmo wrote:

Ace wrote:CRAP. This is music with a sense of entitlement.

entitlement to what?

Spill it, Ace.

You know that problem we're dealing with in today's society, that people are kind of spoiled because they feel they are entitled to be treated like every little thing they do is important, even if they've done nothing to deserve it?

The Smiths are the voice of entitlement - childish, demanding, decadent, wanky, and spoiled. They've provided music and lyrics for people to demand being treated like babies.

Ace wrote:The Smiths are the voice of entitlement - childish, demanding, decadent, wanky, and spoiled. They've provided music and lyrics for people to demand being treated like babies.

Hm. See, I always thought that Morrissey was a parody of that person, and that's why I liked the Smiths.

Hang the dj. This has nothing to do with my life. That's a mean, funny song right there.

Maybe I'm misreading the Smiths. Wouldn't be the first time.

tocharian wrote:Hm. See, I always thought that Morrissey was a parody of that person, and that's why I liked the Smiths.

Hang the dj. This has nothing to do with my life. That's a mean, funny song right there.

Maybe I'm misreading the Smiths. Wouldn't be the first time.

I had a friend who dated Robert Smith of The Cure, who, from what I was led to understand, has a strange obsession with Morrissey. I was also led to understand that Morrissey and Smith took themselves very, very seriously. They're both pretty campy, but in a serious kind of way.

I love The Smiths. Not Crap.

They're definitely not in the Best Bands Ever tier for me, but they easily qualify for being Not Crap.

And I do believe people are just genetically opposed to music like this. What may give one goosebumps and comfort can be like teeth-shattering high frequencies/fingernails on a chalkboard to others. I think The Smiths played this card very well and didn't give a fuck. And Morrissey continues to do so.

So I won't hate on nor argue with the people who hate The Smiths. I totally understand your pain, duders.

...

Although it is worth pointing out the whole Moz Angeles phenomenon i.e. the very large Latino fanbase that Morrissey (and by proxy, The Smiths) has in California, and transitively in Mexico. For this reason alone, I'm really interested to see things like this happen. Seriously. Bobbin' lowriders and gangbangers on their way to Morrissey concerts in L.A.

Ace wrote:

tocharian wrote:Hm. See, I always thought that Morrissey was a parody of that person, and that's why I liked the Smiths.

Hang the dj. This has nothing to do with my life. That's a mean, funny song right there.

Maybe I'm misreading the Smiths. Wouldn't be the first time.

I had a friend who dated Robert Smith of The Cure, who, from what I was led to understand, has a strange obsession with Morrissey. I was also led to understand that Morrissey and Smith took themselves very, very seriously. They're both pretty campy, but in a serious kind of way.

Morrrissey's lyrics are full of self-deprecating humour and silliness and the grotesque. Frankly, Mr Shankly = silliness maximus! I honestly don't think he takes himself too seriously, although I can quite understand if people think he's a dick as I probably do myself. Fantastic lyricist, though.

For me, The Smiths reflect the culture of a period in Britain so damn perfectly. They are the sound of the provincial town in Thatcherite Britain - all grey and rainy and disenchanted and angry, and the only way you can get through it is with a black, melodramatic humour. I admit that this is romanticised, but for nostalgic reasons - hearing them all the time as a kid - I will always have some love for The Smiths.

Moreover, even if you find Morrissey to be the biggest whining fanny who ever lived, I struggle to understand how you could deny that that is one perfect pop backing band right there. Great musicians all of them, and so many good hooks, tight basslines, awesome melodies. I'd kill to be able to write pop music of that quality.

"Barbarism Begins At Home" is fucking awesome. That bassline is what is sometimes referred to as the tits. It rules.

Out of the two original Smiths albums I've heard, I'd say that the debut is a really overrated, boring, and one-note mopefest, with not really many songs standing out. However, Meat Is Murder is a really, really great album, with only that last track stinking things up (makes me wanna eat a juicy medium-rare burger).

Andy Rourke is one hell of a bassist. That guy didn't get nearly enough credit for the way The Smiths sounded.

so, on the basis of Meat Is Murder and "Barbarism Begins At Home" (oh, and "How Soon Is Now," obviously), not crap. and this is coming from someone who really did not like Morrissey for a while, and I still have a bit of a problem with him...I'd say he has the world's worst case of only-child syndrome if he didn't have a sister...but he does, so that theory flies out the window.

The Smiths are one of my favorite bands of all time.

I just decided this.

I still listen to them regularily and I always will.

Not crap.

No

Morrissey solo rules too.

It has occurred to me today that despite the teenage angst-ridden lyrics, the older I get the more I like The Smiths. Perhaps this is because I am getting old enough to view my teenage years with nostalgia, rather than a mixture of embarrassment, confusion and self-loathing.

Though I realize that I have implied it in the past, I feel an urgent need to now declare, in no uncertain terms, that I have an UNDYING 50-FOOT BONER for the glory and pathos that is The Smiths.

As to those of you who don't, well, your life is clearly bereft, and utterly depraved.

Thank you.

tipcat wrote:50-FOOT BONER

Wouldn't go see