The Smiths
The Smiths are considered to be one of the most important bands of the 80s and honestly I consider them to be the best. Hailing from Manchester they were a refreshing sound in the 80s being guitar rock as opposed to being electronic based like alot of other acts going on.
Fronted by charismatic singer Morrissey who wrote about a variety of topics from love and loss to the moors murders and England. He idolized Oscar Wilde and James Dean and was a fantastic vocalist not just because he has a great voice but because of how distinct it was, no one sounds like Morrissey. Lyrically hes one of my favorite songwriters, writing about anything from love and loss to the moors murders and England. You can tell he means it when he angrily spits out a line like "I decree today that life is simply taking and not giving / England is mine and it owes me a living / Ask me why and I'll spit in your eye." and you can also feel the pain and sincerity when he sings "When you laugh about people who feel so very lonely / Their only desire is to die / Well, I'm afraid it doesn't make me smile / I wish I could laugh but that joke isn't funny anymore / It's too close to home and it's too near the bone." Morrissey's sincerity and ability to rattle the cage and heart are something rarely seen. Also in the Smiths line up was guitarist Johnny Marr who has worked with artists such as The The and is currently playing in Modest Mouse. He's one of alternative rock's finest guitarist. His tone in the Smiths was unique and defining and refreshing. The other two often unmentioned members were Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce, while obviously it's hard to stand next to Morrissey and Johnny Marr I think they did an excellent job. Andy Rourke is one of my favorite bassists. I think my favorite is his basswork in Girlfriend In A Coma. Mike Joyce's drumming did exactly what it was supposed to, he was an extremely competent drummer.
1. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now
2. Ask
3. Panic
4. The Boy with the Thorn in His Side
5. This Charming Man
6. Bigmouth Strikes Again
7. Girlfriend in a Coma
8. That Joke isn't Funny Anymore
9. How Soon is Now?
10. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
hxxp://www.mediafire.com/?fzoyv0kzmxm