For my money, The Smiths are the greatest singles band ever. So, the fact that this is a collection of previously released songs (and b-sides at that) and not a proper album means very little to me. The important thing is that these are really strong songs and there's a lot of them.
Get out your pencils and paper, we're gonna do some simple math...
good x more = great
Ok kids, time for recess while the rest of us discuss this album further.
"Call me morbid, call me pale" Morrissey sings on "Half a Person." The fact is, a lot of people do, Moz. But I don't buy that The Smiths are an ultra-depressing band. No, that title goes to Joy Division or Radiohead (both bands I love, btw) before The Smiths. Even in their greatest dispair, I can sense they're taking it all with a grain of salt and wry humour. It's a really delicate and fine balance, but they strike it well.
I mean, how can you hear the following line and not crack a smile?
"But she doesn't even like me
And I know because she said so"
And I've never heard a more catchy, beautiful, and sweet song about being unhappy at your job and jealously watching lovers entwined. Even within the same song, hearing that I'm not the only one that wonders why I smile at people I'd rather kick in the eye gives me comfort.
But even in the midst of all the self-pity, "Ask" displays a positive vibe and a sincerity that is infectious and even touching. It's an invitation to all the shy, reclusive ones out there to "ask" Moz if there's anything they'd ever like to try. "I won't say no, how could I?" he says. And it goes without mentioning that the tune behind it is downright infectious.
There's only one clunker in The Smiths entire career and it happens to appear here, of course I'm talking about "Golden Lights."
I don't know, I just don't see what there is not to love. Marr's guitar drives and colors the songs perfectly, the songwriting is top-notch and always engaging and energetic, and I think Moz is really a great singer, even if his style does take some getting used to at first.
So, in the end, if you listen to this collection of songs and still don't feel what the rest of us feel, at least remember that the Moz has already told you why.
You just haven't earned it yet, baby.
By: BtC.