THE SMITHS - How Soon Is Now? | FIRST TIME COUPLE REACTION

[@KevinLindsay64]

"I am the son, and the heir, of a shyness that is criminally vulgar". What a fantastic opening line.

[@AdamHodges-o6x]

Just like the sun and the air.

[@garylewis9113]

This breaks every compositional convention of harmonic rhythm and lyrical continuity, and it's MARVELOUS!

[@OHJAJOH]

Settle down buddy 🤨

[@22Phantasm]

The esteemed bassist, Mr Andy Rourke, passed away in May last year. His style of play helps this song (and others) in so many ways. Legend.

[@kratino]

I can't even explain what this song does to me. It's sorcery.

[@edjtmonte]

I remember well being in Lagos in the south of Portugal, in a bar and hearing this song for the first time, it immediately hit me, I became a fan. This happened in 84 and I was a young 21 year old!

[@johnramsell8518]

I was 15 years old when I saw the grainy, almost homemade video for “How Soon is Now” on MTV, probably late at night. I had just discovered U2 and REM and was astonished that this type of wondrous art existed. I had no idea that there was other music out there…..stuff not like Bon Jovi, Van Halen, or even Iron Maiden. And the lyrics are so vulnerable. For an awkward teenager, this was like the world opened up. Oh and Johnny’s guitar was like nothing I’d ever heard

[@PJprog]

I'd go as far to say The Smiths were the most important band of the '80s , and are equally valid for todays ears. Awesome !!! 😍🎵🎵🤘

[@s.scottsdale1839]

'Important'? It's pop music. It's not foreign relations or ending poverty. I'd still put Talking Heads, R.E.M. as more significant, and New Order at least even with The Smiths. And probably U2 as well.

[@StMichael7]

@@s.scottsdale1839First of all pop is just short for popular music. Second of all there’s no evidence that music has stopped poverty anywhere.

[@OHJAJOH]

The cure.

[@golfer5636]

The Clash are at the front door

[@cryptoidmonkey3985]

Top Alternative 80's dance tune, and best Smiths' tune Evah.

[@melvin7094]

Τhe long version is by far the best version. That little break towards the end is my favorite moment for some reason. Their sound is unique. They are their own genre.

[@bikerkermit]

The Smiths, The Cure and Depeche Mode: the Holy Trinity

[@xs10tl60]

Every time I hear this song I immediately re-experience the first time I heard it in my head, at a certain club in South Florida; the second it came on, all conversations ceased and every goth/punk/new wave/whatever chick was on the dance floor. Lights flashing, smoke/steam floating around, it was a penultimate 80's experience I'll never forget!

[@Bobby-LeeChanning]

bit different for skinny white 13 year old in south london alienated by neon happy clappy 80s then came the smiths ...

[@ronaldmilner8932]

I have been a Smiths fan since the mid-eighties! They are a PHENOMENAL BAND! Morrissey is a poet, and Marr is an ICON!

[@johntrickey7182]

Hatful of hollow was the first album I bought by The Smiths because of this tune, amazing band since they were only together from 1982-1987.

[@mynameispaul0530]

The Smiths came along in a really interesting time in history.

[@Alternative112]

👌

[@cyclops60]

Great to see you guys reacting to one of my favourite bands. This was one of the first Smiths songs I heard, really different to anything at the time. A melancholy masterpiece with a unique 'wall of sound' that I don't think they used a lot. Morrisey and Marr were a great team. I hope you enjoy the album, whichever one it is! Cheers.

[@michelle2202]

Have loved this song for 40 years, I remember being transfixed hearing it and watching the video for the first time. I like some other Smiths songs but am not a huge fan, but this song is unique in my view, with the guitar sounds like no other I can think of. The lyrics are incredibly sad too. The early 80s (my youth) was a wonderful music era for British bands: The Cure, U2, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Echo and the Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs, Simple Minds, The Clash, The Police, Joy Division, New Order - all these bands are well worth a deep dive into.

[@EchoesDaBear]

GREAT reaction you Nick & Lex!! This is THE sound of the 80's. I can't enough of that tremolo effect/flanging guitar sound (and left/right panning). Johnny Marr is such an incredible guitarist. I was 7 when first introduced to this song, my sister (13 years older) waitressed at a bar, and she provided the soundtrack to my youth! This song was a standout. I think I wore out her cassette. This is the official song length...anything else is an edit - and is incomplete! Cheers!!

[@VivezMarcos]

remembering 84, listening on the beaches of Brazil..."Saquarema, Arpoador, Ipanema, Copacabana, surfing championships. Here we heard a lot of things from England and Australia.

[@FABIOFANACCOUNT]

this is awesome my gf showed me the smiths and this was the first song she showed me. its so special to me always gets me thinking of her

[@falcongal63]

Every time I hear this I relive the feeling of almost being mesmerized as I spun around to this at the Peppermint Lounge in NYC. Such wonderful memories of my younger days.

[@benjamintinker8028]

I love how Johnny Marr the guitarist says he’s never really been able to recreate this sound to his satisfaction and really couldn’t recall the set up he had for this recording.

[@MaxArch]

the smith & the cure really define that deep bold bass sound & ambient psychedelic sound back than in UK

[@s.scottsdale1839]

Wow, brand new Nick n' Lex. Very cool.

[@2ramona959]

I really think the lyric should be, "I am the sun… and the air… … … of a shyness that is criminally vulgar." Because that bait and switch of an exuberant opening, to be followed up by Morrissey's maudlin self-loathing is clearly intentional and is what makes this so brilliant. He does it in other songs, e.g., "There are brighter sides to life, and I should know, because I've seen them… … … but not often." Morrissey's melodramatic self-loathing is like a signature that's both pitiful and comedic at the same time. Remember also that his struggle with being a gay youth in the 70's and 80's is a huge underlying theme in almost all his lyrics. You really can't understand or appreciate them without knowing this one salient fact.

[@richarddobson815]

Alternative, Indie, what the heck, these guys were the best UK band of that genre ever! Still to this day, The Smiths are revered in the UK, and this track is probably their greatest. Morrissey's lyrics and vocals are unique, Johnny Marr's guitar arrangements and playing are peerless and they had the most underrated rhythm section in Andy Rourke on bass and Mike Joyce on drums. I'm intrigued as to which album you will choose to react to guys. Be aware, they only made four studio albums : The Smiths (1984), Meat Is Murder (1985), The Queen Is Dead (1986) and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) but also released two compilation albums of singles, B-sides, and radio broadcast recordings entitled Hatful Of Hollow and The World Won't Listen. If anything, the two compilations are the best introduction to their catalogue and provide the full scope of their talents. The Queen Is Dead is considered by many to be their greatest studio album and always rates highly in polls of greatest rock albums ever, but I prefer the compilations. I was living in Johannesburg when The Smiths were big in the UK, but I knew all about them as I subscribed to the New Musical Express (NME) which was the pre-eminent UK music paper of the day, and The Smiths were headline material for all of the mid 80's. I managed to find a vinyl copy of the compilation The World Won't Listen and it blew me away, confirming everything I had read about the band. Can't wait for the full album reaction guys!

[@RGRG3232]

More of The Smiths, please. So many great songs to pick from. Hopefully, someone gets a marathon through (I say hopefully because I know of your situation with them being scrutinized).

[@derekglover756]

Saw the Smiths in Leicester UK IN 83. FANTASTIC.

[@stephencaruso760]

my son is a big Morrissey and Smiths fan since his teen days in the 80s

[@sengler67]

This type of music from the late 70's and early eighties has a lot of sub-genres, but all was referred to as college rock. Because it was college radio stations that were the only ones playing it. As the genre grew more popular, it started to get mainstream airplay, and known as alternative rock.

[@Kevvinm]

I was a college dj from 79-83 and music director for my station in 82-83. It was an exciting time to discover and expose other people to this music . As you say by the mid 80’d a lot of these bands were getting into the mainstream.

[@markjones127]

[chokes] Never knew that, we simply called it Indie in the UK and the 80's was known for it's Indie scene, loved by all us Indie-kids, then Acid House came along and Madchester appeared which was just another variant on the whole Indie scene and then that eventually morphed into Britpop which was a far more poppy chart friendly variant of the Indie scene, Britpop being the weakest of the 3 variants, but still enjoyable.

[@sylvestersnet]

This is the manchester sound of the 80s. joy division new order stone roses smiths

[@sheacolandri7996]

Got a fun one that I can't find anywhere on your site. TNT's "Forever Shine On," a high energy melodic metal masterpiece with excellent musicianship. Nick, you'll love the guitar solo, Lex will dig the overall feel and hook. Highly recommended!

[@RetroMax85]

Featured in the 1985 made-for-TV Halloween movie “The Midnight Hour” …great song! I just found your channel this week and you’re my favorite reaction video channel! Love watching beautiful Lex and love your accent Nick! I’ll be watching more!

[@agegroot5666]

First time i heard the song was in 1984 during a Dutch radiobroadcast Europarade i think it was called,a combined list of hits from European countries. At that moment it scored in Ireland. I was overwhelmed by the music and the singers voice. I didn't know them which was strange while i was and am a new wave fan. Missed their debut-album 1983 completely. Bought the hatful of hollow album and the others followed while their new songs i heard didn't disappoint. Sadly it all ended in 1987...will there be a reunion? I don't think it will happen,so be it. Despite their short existance their legacy is excellent.

[@lizmarch4000]

I remember first hearing it. I thought, like you did, it was I am the sun and air? then realized NO -I am the son and heir. Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar. Amazing word choice. because that mistake makes it even more important and devastating.

[@stinkhornadrian]

This extended version has the crucial "When you say it's gonna happen now..." verse.

[@jimled50jl49]

Hi Guys, I first heard this song as a cover version by a Russian female duo called "Tatu" and never knew it was by The Smiths till a long time later. Like you I have only heard the single version. I didn't know there was a longer version and I love it. Looks like I may need to get the album this is from to get this version. I have a feeling the album will be well worth getting. I don't have anything by The Smiths but I do know them well from tv appearances and radio play. This was brilliant hearing this longer version, thankyou ! Byee Jim X

[@mynameispaul0530]

Alternative probably started in the late 70's with then unknowns like B52's. By 1982 there was a lot of very good alternative/underground music being produced. The Smiths came onto the scene and produced some very good music that still holds up today.

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

This wasn't called "Alternative" back when it came out. It would have been called New Wave or Post-Punk.

[@joeldf6859]

@@ericsierra-franco7802 Maybe not in the late 70s, but record stores in my town did have a section specifically called "Alternative" starting around '82-'83. It was for anything that wasn't on commercial pop radio at the time, but was usually heard on our college radio station. Bands like The Smiths, Violent Femmes, Cocteau Twins, and even Depeche Mode ended up in that section. By '84, even The Bangles first album was put in that section. Of course, they were moved to the pop section by '86.

[@SMccrate01]

Johnny Marr is brilliant! He wrote both the guitar and bass lines. And the sonic space! I love the space in this song. The Smiths live album Rank is fantastic--Johnny Marr instrumental The Draize Train is phenomenal and Bigmouth Strikes Again at ear-bleeding volume is FANTASTIC!

[@Alternative112]

It is Alternative Jangly Guitar with Sarcasm wit

[@garyrobets6147]

So many great songs back in the 80s 🎉

[@theplanetruth]

dangit!!! 18th!!! (And, btw, I stopped subbing to the RED YT version so my at-the-ready speed is severely curtailed anymore) AND IT WAS MY PLEASURE to meet the two of you beautiful people!!! This song is absolutely sublime on all counts. One of my faves as a yout'. That opening riff is goosebump central; and those lyrics are so crushingly raw... "I am human and I need to be loved...just like everybody else does..." I always think of more songs for my next marathons. I have a playlist on my channel- Songs with Nick if anyone wants to see what I'm planning...

[@stevepower9801]

So glad you guys are going to do a Smiths album in full. I couldn't get into them in my youth in the 80's. I was more of a metalhead back then. I still love heavier stuff, but I got to appreciate The Smiths a lot more once I got to my mid 20's and beyond around the mid to late 90's onwards. Morrissey has become a bit of a disappointment in more recent years with his political views, but back then, his lyrics and Marr's music were simply sublime.

[@JamesCormier]

A shyness that is criminally vulgar could be interpreted as homosexual. The 80s were still daring times for the subject. Moz had definite lyrical subject matter pertaining to the difficulties of being outcast and alone. Some Morrissey solo work please. Suedehead would be a great place to start.

[@FritzMonday]

Great song! Released long before Charmed !

[@sigil5772]

"So you go and you stand on your own/And you leave on your own/And you go home and you cry/And you want to die" - arguably, in the UK anyway, The Smiths caught a wave of teen angst after there'd been a few years of angry political music (punk/two-tone) and/or rather sneeringly style-conscious electro-pop (Duran Duran/Spandau Ballet), so when the kids heard Morrissey's mournful self-pity they cottoned on immediately, like "he's singing about ME"

[@Ericmeredith3209]

I have no idea why I know this song! But I must have heard on radio as a child. Recognized it immediately ! Cool song! Look forward to the full Album react of theirs❤

[@markjones127]

An awful cover of it was the theme tune to the popular TV series Charmed, so you might have heard that in the background a few times

[@MonsterSound.Bradley]

Yes, Alternative rock was a thing in the '80's. Loved this song immediately. I also learned a ton getting that split punchy kick drum sound that slaps HARD but doesn't sound heavily over compressed. I can still remember the setup/settings. Also, the stereo tremolo guitar is epic. Cheers & ThX guys 🎵😎👍

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

No one called this Alternative in the 80's.

[@MonsterSound.Bradley]

@@ericsierra-franco7802 What? You're speaking for the whole World? In the '80's in Toronto, the term alternative rock was used by NOW Magazine, CIUT, CFNY radio, ....

[@dimmuborgir4804]

Student music. Great memories of those student bars/pubs halcyon days…❤

[@robfractal6820]

The alternative rock music genre in the early 80s UK differentiate itself from classic, prog, punk rock, pop, etc etc. Many bands started up alternative music labels that got swallowed up in time by big corporates.

[@Theremedialgash]

Even the TATU version is pretty good. Nice vid - it is just a really good song.

[@johncampbell756]

Alternative rock started in the early 1980s and was epitomized by early REM, The Smiths, and others. It was definitely a genre by 1984. Absolutely. For me personally, I felt Sheila Take a Bow (Smiths) and Feeling Gravity's Pull (REM) were the definitive songs. Others will have their own choices.

[@patkincaid8061]

Interesting tidbit is that this song was used as inspiration for the X-Files theme.

[@FloatingAnarchy61]

Hatful Of Hollow would be a great place to start. Some of their biggest songs but done for Radio Sessions (mostly John Peel). Most of the songs on there surpass their studio or single versions.

[@2ramona959]

My top Smiths album. If I could only have one, easy choice.

[@angeloscarcroce726]

Morrissey, una persona sensible que supo incursionar en temas difíciles de enfrentar en los ochenta. Hermosa banda. Saludos desde Temperley, BsAs.

[@jameswarner5809]

Another boundary-pushing track, this time from the early 90s, is Only Shallow by My Bloody Valentine.

[@luismode-]

The freaking smiths man, the greatest band of Manchester, first smiths and then we can talk about the rest, the stone roses, oasis, etc…

[@JeffCappelletti-e6l]

The stereo panned guitar could only be recorded 12 Seconds at a time. Two amplifiers miked in stereo and a stereo tremolo pedal was used for that effect. Any more than 12 seconds the effect would go out of control and would not sound right . How soon is now is one of The Smiths greatest songs

[@alejandrobojorquez6181]

ZERO 7 - "" LIKUFANELE "" ALBUM VERSION 2000s An Absolute Must Hear it only takes about 30 seconds for the Music to kick in and believe me Nick n Lex this song is Incredible plus the Vocals in the short intro lead up to an Amazing music journey for your ears 🎧🎶🎹🎺🎻 🎸 also "" DESTINY[Full Song] HD "" Album Version 2000s if youguys thought "" When It Falls "" was a great song these 2 others are Incredibly next level Good! and Amazing Sounding 👍☺️👍 Vocals too and Super Creative note Destiny includes Full Song HD in the title name so you get the complete unedited song and not the shorter version

[@alansmith8195]

Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me.... Its a must 👍

[@davehess1019]

OH MY GOD, this is the theme song to the TV show Charmed, Shannen Doherty, Holli Marie Combs and Allysa Milano and Rose McGowen about the three charmed witches, great show

[@NicknLex]

😱!!! I used to watch that show as a kid, I was obsessed!!! That’s probably the first time I heard it! Thank you!!

[@davehess1019]

@@NicknLexYou're welcome, I've been watching that show for years and I still do to this day, I actually watched it this morning while I was working, I believe it's on TNT 6 am -10 am here in Pa.

[@anthonypallen7919]

Yes but not by the smiths, its the Psychedelic Furs

[@anthonypallen7919]

Its actually Love spit Love, but to me Richard Butler is the Psychedelic Furs. Charmed wasn't the Smiths version was my point

[@davehess1019]

@@anthonypallen7919 ok

[@robertoneill1559]

At a party many moons ago, the subject came up of the quintessential 80’s song, my brother suggested this one, room fell silent, hard to disagree.

[@triscat]

Long live Morrissey!

[@wicky4473]

Number one?

[@markclement8563]

This started off as a B side then was released later as a single due to popular demand

[@bjwnashe5589]

There were many post-punk alternative rock bands in the 80s. Two of the most important were The Smiths from the UK, and REM from the States.

[@pookiemartinez1745]

Morrisey and Billy Duffy mates from way back.

[@aldo34]

Interestingly, songs in the key of F sharp tend to stick in your head. Not sure why. Where the musicologists at? :-) Anyone?

[@NicknLex]

Oh that’s an interesting theory, thanks for sharing!!

[@Mickraut-xe5im]

Great guitar on This Charming Man.

[@michaelakkerman407]

Johnny Marr was the most innovative guitarist to come from the 80's...by far!!!

[@s.scottsdale1839]

Pffttt! You need to get out more. Not with the likes of My Bloody Valentine, Adrian Belew's 80's work, Reeves Gabrels, Vai, The Edge; to name a few.

[@paulsharp2565]

Im a big Smiths fan, but cant seem to get this one. Its the only song i dont like by them. I suppose its not so surprising because the music is so different to the usual Smiths catalogue.

[@elchuky1942]

Ya se q aca hay puros gringos pero el tema ELLA USO MI CABEZA COMO UN REVOLVER DE SODA O CRIMEN DE GUSTAVO CERATI TEMAZOS y que se mueran los feos decia mi abuela

[@22Phantasm]

Hello. I have asked numerous reactors to listen to 'Bad Day' by Carmel. All have ignored me. Her voice is something to admire - please consider this 1983 classic. Thanks.

[@adrianos198]

That joke isnt funny anymore ......that the one. Its haunting. The bass...

[@bikerkermit]

I'm sorry, but what do we have today that compares to the sound and skill of the 80s? Nicky Minaj? Give me a break...

[@NicknLex]

We’ve covered a lot of newer artists that aren’t on radio play who have created great sounds - you just have to venture out and look for them, but they’re there!

[@bikerkermit]

@@NicknLex great point, thanks for the response. I guess in fairness I should have included the word "mainstream" in my initial point

[@NicknLex]

Yes, then totally agree… sadly 😭 All we can do is support those who are trying out there and hope that one day that music becomes mainstream again… 🙏

[@JohnnyJohnny-f5o]

Don't know why we're watching people listen to songs they've already heard. Seems to defeat the purpose of a reaction video.

[@triscat]

Just for fun. Why not? It's their channel. You can watch or not watch.

[@Shabenn]

It's the Rock and Roll Alternative!

[@JohnMcaulay-gp6nb]

Hey NicknLex, this was the theme tune to an American TV series in the mid to late 90's & early 2000's called Charmed, about 3 sisters who were good witches, fighting against evil. It wasn't the Smiths version though, it was a cover version, but very, very similar to the Smiths. Check it out. Cheers from Glasgow, Scotland.

[@s.scottsdale1839]

You're late on the comments flow.