The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead ALBUM REVIEW

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THE SMITHS - THE QUEEN IS DEAD / 1986 / ROUGH TRADE / JANGLE POP
CLASSIC/10
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@douglasmorrison4700]

This album was truly ahead of its time. It took almost 36 years for people to appreciate the accuracy of the title.

[@RSG_TheMonster]

For real though....

[@chocolateskull6239]

Yeah that's gonna be top comment

[@NRobbi42]

People will say the same about JPEGMAFIA in 6 years 2 months and 17 days.

[@StoicBarbarian]

Banger

[@philatio1744]

genius stuff. It even beat Biggie's "Ready to Die" with the accurancy of the title.

[@NeonRadarMusic]

This album changed my life in so many ways as a 15-year old aspiring musician: 1) Johnny Marr proved to me that you didn't need mind blowing solos to be a great guitar player, as long as your parts fit the song like a glove. 2) Morrissey is often imitated but never duplicated. Absolutely no one in popular music writes lyrics as simply and as powerfully as he does. He may not be Dylan when it comes to his rhymes or craftsmanship, but he's one of the GOATS and always will be. 3) Most personally, the girl I liked at the time started seeing another guy and listening to I Know It's Over was the first time in my life that I felt like a song was about ME. It made me realize the healing power of great songwriting. 10/10.

[@goldengrill769]

Very awesome post, just felt like replying so that you knew what you said reached someone out there, take care!

[@jens2049]

You spoke to me with this comment

[@dallasfawson5332]

To your first point, the guitar interlude on “Frankly, Mr. Shankly” is one of my favorite moments on the album.

[@Captain_Rhodes]

Marrs parts are very difficult to play. Its a myth that his parts are simple but effective. They are awesome but not for the beginner at all

[@tadeuszkolak4937]

For me the song I related to a lot was You’ve got everything now.

[@slave4glue]

Morrissey is definitely one of the best lyricists of all time, dry, witty, melancholic, camp, spiteful, mysterious. He just does it for me.

[@FaunaturaleOG]

Shame he's a huge nazi :/ it's hard to separate art from the creator though, I just struggle to enjoy The Smiths these days :(

[@goldengrill769]

Definitely deserves to be put into the pantheon of great British writers.

[@92jdeg]

If only he wasn’t such a wanker

[@katrodr1793]

Amazing lyricist but.. How did an openly gay, anti-thatcher guy turn into a Brexit-supporting knobhead? Sucks man...

[@Bock_Rottom79]

Who would win in a fight thom yorke or morrissey

[@JGar453]

It takes a lot of bravery to write There Is A Light That Never Goes Out and then end your album with a song about boobs

[@zackzallie8735]

Lmao written by a gay dude

[@im_Polyhedrons]

@@zackzallie8735 that mans name: Oscar Wilde

[@Zacktey]

Tiddies can really make you want to get T-boned by a British public transport

[@letopcat2618]

And have one of the most beautiful endings at the end too

[@bigkarl6367]

The songs actually about how boring banter between lads about “oooh look how big her boobs are” is to Morrissey. That’s why it’s so repetitive. He wants to talk about more interesting things, he’s like “who cares”

[@aveesh2548]

“I prefer Morrissey’s politics over his music” god I didn’t expect that but you do you anthony

[@unholylemonpledge9730]

Another cringe unfunny derivative comment well done

[@aveesh2548]

@@unholylemonpledge9730 agreed tbh

[@augusts1]

Where did Anthony say that?

[@mcn1583]

@@augusts1 8:32

[@philatio1744]

@@unholylemonpledge9730 i thought it was kinda funny but my sense of humour is broken.

[@jerrys1]

It’s cute that no matter how successful melon becomes, he never leaves good old Cal behind. Like he still lives with the guy

[@philatio1744]

either really strong friendship or gay marriage at this point.

[@thinhhoang3338]

@@philatio1744 yeah im gonna go with the gay relationship

[@jerrys1]

@@philatio1744 Agreed

[@Aideen98]

😂😂😂

[@joshuadavies8630]

cal could have gone solo, tony should be thankful

[@JohnSmith-ye2kr]

The outro to Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others is just incredible… “Send me the pillow, the one that you dream on…” Definitely one of my favourite tracks on the album

[@GEORGETHOMAS2001]

Exactly this, overlooked song on the album for sure, some of my fav Marr guitar on that song

[@franciscolima331]

I see what you mean, but man, I can't help but to laugh at the chorus lyrics of this song, it's kinda stupid. But I gotta agree with you, on melodic standpoints, this song is beautiful.

[@eastonsaccount]

My favorite Smiths song ever

[@MasterShake7144]

The lead section over the top of the rhythm at the end is hypnotic

[@WallieTheRed]

The live version is simply the best

[@TheFlamingSquirrel]

One of my favorite albums of all time. The guitar riff like a minute into Bigmouth Strikes Again is Johnny Marr at his absolute finest

[@daniellavaladez7820]

For real, just pure magic. Top tier album from front to back.

[@robf1557]

Also the pitched backing vocals are surreal

[@HerveBoisde]

@@robf1557 I always thought that was a Bollywood female singer!

[@kstrazz3552]

totally agree. to me that riff he does is more powerful than any classic rock guitar solo.

[@miloshk11]

Nah fr Bigmouth Strikes Again and This Charming Man have some of my favorite riffs of all time

[@fivestarman5130]

The fact that Johnny Marr wrote the guitar riff for This Charming Man when he was still a teenager and was only 21/22 years old when The Queen is Dead was being written and recorded is insane He was already writing some of the best guitar riffs of all time and he wasn't in his 20's yet. Morrisey gets most of the attention (good and bad) but Johnny Marr along with Andy Rourke were the core of the band and remain severely underrated today

[@DuncYo]

Too right! Marr and Rourke are genius players - I listen to the bass especially in a lot of The Smiths albums - whereas in another band you wouldn't really notice the bass guitar...

[@Caffeine_Club]

Mind boggling. I had my head up my own ass at that age and was not capable of putting anything like that together.

[@salem6166]

@@DuncYo the bass in barbarism begins at home is godly and fun to play

[@vb2388]

Marr is The Mozart of Guitar 🎸 “Good Ol’ Mozart, Hip Guy” - Johnny Marr

[@29memyselfandi]

I wouldn’t call either under rated. Not among guitar players or bass players. Both are revered, particularly Marr.

[@Target_Buster]

The Smiths is one of those bands that is almost its own genre to me. It’s just special music…

[@LotteYanson]

Yep. Truly nothing else like them. I know they’re compared a lot to the Cure which I understand and that’s probably why those are my top 2 bands of all time, but to me both bands are very distinct and have their own things going on

[@dparis2172]

Closest thing to The Smiths would be The Housemartins/Beautiful South.

[@xcxjcxfjff5656]

you may call me crazy but the closest thing ive heard to kino is the russian 80s group ''kino'' especially their 1985 and 1986 albums, imo its worth to listen to even if you dont speak russian but lyrically its on par with the smiths if not better.

[@c6el]

@@dparis2172Another sunny day ripped them a lot

[@jeffreyhanc1711]

@@LotteYanson having lived through the 80s I’d agree they were both great bands. But imo the Cure felt and sounded like a great indie 80s band, whereas The Smiths (as the OP stated) just felt like their own universe. I’d also add that in almost-Punk fashion they’re tenure felt very short, like they were here and gone in a blink (at least here in the US), and that only added to their mystique, and posthumous success

[@lawrencejhutchinson]

The Boy With The Thorn In His Side filled me with joy in 1986, and still does. Morrissey's scat singing is sheer perfection. For me, the greatest Smiths song!

[@da5idblacksun]

For me the greatest song of all time.

[@Canady117]

The Queen is Dead is absolutely a deserted island album. Every song is a journey. One of the best produced albums ever, everything feels so tight and impactful. "It takes guts/strength to be kind" is a lyric as beautiful and inspiring as any, on an album full of incredible lyricism. Also, Johnny Marr is a top 5 underrated guitarist. He deserves so much more credit than it seems he's ever gotten.

[@dalluc]

The line goes "it takes strength to be gentle and kind over and over and over and over again" and I agree

[@ejromm]

Marr definitely gets the credit

[@edwardduarte7393]

I was going to say the same thing. Every song is a journey. I got together with someone I used to drive around in high school and she said that she remembers There is a Light that never goes out.

[@thomward6890]

nice of you to make this review in honor of the queen’s passing

[@beauaIloevv]

cringe another unfunny unoriginal comment. lncel

[@beauaIloevv]

this is why you’re unemployed and a woman never made any eye contact with u

[@Whires]

@@beauaIloevv i clicked your profile, and it came up with your recent comments. go do something that makes you happy, what are doing?

[@zephnox4519]

@@beauaIloevv hey man, you're spending too much time on the internet. put your phone down and start working on yourself, you got this bro 💪

[@beauaIloevv]

@@zephnox4519 don’t be shy, cry some more

[@latitudepost]

The very first Smiths album is truly a work of unrivalled greatness. It's not as polished as their later albums, but it has a purity, enigma and subtle power about it that was unmatched in rock at the time.

[@Indieguitarist2007]

You’re damn right. When I listen to even The Smiths earliest demos, which are by no means polished, and the productions are frankly absolute crap, the bands talent and songwriting ability shines through. Even if they only released one album being their first, they would still be my favourite band of all time, and it’s amazing what they accomplished during a 5 year run.

[@CassiusFA]

yeah the self titled is really something else

[@fastnbulbous5115]

Yeah the Queen is Dead is typically considered their best, although it is amazing I always preferred their self titled.

[@goldmantis5850]

hatful of hollow

[@ryates]

The first time I heard This Charming Man my pleasure centers lit up like a christmas tree. So instantly catchy

[@milesorvetti2115]

It’s such a testament to The Smiths talent how diverse this album is. I understand why this album has grown through the years from being viewed as some of their weaker track-lists to their absolute strongest. Incredible album.

[@bsmith9149]

Morrisey and diversity lol

[@miken.bulaong3233]

@@bsmith9149 BASED Morrisey

[@no1u521]

@@miken.bulaong3233 no

[@daryl7531]

Not to be a dick but I don't think it was ever considered one of their weakest? Its always been the Holy grail of their discography

[@wilhelmvg9978]

This album has always been considered their best.

[@mitchellbaker9434]

Johnny Marr's work, to me, is a good example of guitar playing as art, not a sport, like many other revered guitarists seem to think it is. The layers and textures he put into those songs, and as a member of many other bands later on and up to this day, mark him as one of the greatest players ever.

[@typicalrick]

100%. They way he weaves melody into his parts is practically unparalleled in rock. he's my favorite guitarist for that exact reason.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

It warms my heart to see Cal again. His stache is looking great.

[@mrnikeshgudka]

Rest In Peace Andy Rourke! One of the best bassists to ever do his thing 😢

[@LotteYanson]

I know it’s cool now to dunk on the Smiths because of Morrissey but few albums have helped me through tough times as much as this one did. Tracks like I Know It’s Over and Never Had No One Ever provided me comfort in those dark times and even now, tracks like There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Boy With the Thorn in His Side and Cemetry Gates Are always on point.

[@latitudepost]

Morrissey's views have barely made a dent on the legacy of The Smiths.

[@HeyIntegrity]

What's wrong with morrisey

[@OPdbx]

Cemetery Gates is one of my all time favorite pop songs

[@dparis2172]

Don't trust anyone who dunks on The Smiths.

[@daryl7531]

@@latitudepost it kinda has in North England tbh. you'll have a tough time bringing the smiths or morrissey up in conversation without looks of dismissal or disgust. it was unfathomable to say their music was shit a decade ago but alas morrissey's big mouth has opened the floodgates to circle jerk smiths bashing.

[@wince9537]

Im a huge Smiths fan very ahead of their time and I’m stoked you’re shedding some light and hopefully giving them some new listeners. Morrissey one of the most iconic song writers honestly

[@naufalpasyaaldri1896]

I agree morrisey is an amazing writer

[@naufalpasyaaldri1896]

But with that being said morrisey is an awful human being

[@marthallen]

@@naufalpasyaaldri1896you could have complimented his work without saying that

[@Sherbert12]

@@marthallen or they could choose to complement his talent while acknowledging he’s a bad person

[@marthallen]

@@Sherbert12 music and views can be separated, dont criticise to music if u cant

[@doctorcrichton]

This album split more people in England , more best friends, boyfriends and girlfriends brothers and sisters and people than any other album I knew growing up.... There were tonnes of people who adored this album at school and on the dance floor the Smiths would come on and more people who were just dancing groanded and came off and more people who had hung in the wings and waited all night not dancing suddenly lunged onto the dancefloor pretending to throw daffodils in their dance style dancing with wanton abandon... also some songs like How Soon is Now Smiths often played with the singles from this album used to send the strobes going all the way through the song for some reason with Briitsh modern dance club strobes of the era .. so as a grand finale of a run of Smiths songs they would often play How Soon is Now as the strobe would go on all the way through the song in a surreal arm flinging whimsical frenzy of teenage angst and joy from Smiths fans... who had an odd overlap from pop mainstream U@ and Cure fans Goths and just their own element of special people.. it actually meant something to be a Smiths fan... you could be a Smiths fan with your best friends girlfried and your best friend hate them and your sister hate them and some people in your class you all just KNEW something if a fan that others didn't... you felt poetic and literary and with an edge in humour and all you " got " something others didn't ...... I cycled to town in the lunch hour to get Strangeways Here We Come from school... no small journey.. like I did for Sgt. Pepper CD release June 1st 1987.... as had to have it same day of release........ I am not often moved by having to have an album same day release ... Very special album.... I can rarely think of many albums that blew me away on first hearing......... so much..... maybe when a best friend first dropped the needle on The Joshaun Tree and the first time hearing the build up to Where the Streets Had no name ... after an age of loving The unforgettable Fire .. that was a serious moment of OMG!... so was the Smiths and The Stone Roses first album played from start to finish in England and the Smiths The Queen is Dead... were transformative moments for me.... in real time akin to first hearing The Beatles Revolver and The Velvet and Underground ith Nico and Hendrix Electric Ladyland..I can think of many others.... Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and Hunky Dory .. but very few albums had the huge impact on my life as The Queen is Dead in England in the 1980's........... whether people remember it or not the 80's were also a retro looking decade with CD's out and parents vinyl mixing in and Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floud on CD and a lot of comparing technology and the walkman and cassettes going on....... I never left home with a briefcase full of cassettes and a tonne of batteries and music and books .. now all you need is a phone and kindle or mp3 player and a lead......... For those into The Smiths.... and there were so many.... this has to be one of the foundations and strongest memories for some people.. as some albums..... like The Specials first album ( A SKA group ) summed up England more than Michael Jackson for some folks trying to keep it real and in our view had good taste and were the good guys........ Somewhere along the line I remember Aftermath by the Stones and The Who and Zepplin and a lot else mixed in with out lives but there was always a revered space for The Smiths in with my friends like we also had for The Beach Boys and The Doors and some US bands.... but the general 80's bands of the time .. Bon Jovi. Duran Duran ,( every 14 + girl I knew had posted of Duran Duran in their bedrooms ).. the Pet Shop Boys.. whatever else was coming out at the time.... Iron Maiden ( never really rated them )........ The Smiths forms their own special clicque of fans more than Goths or Greebo or Metal heads or any other trive in England... for we had tribes in the 80's...... The Smiths were like Marmite...( an English toast spread ).... you either loved them or hated than ..... but The Queen is Dead is one of those albums that people wore out in the 80's............ Funny The Cure be mentioned s I loved Head on A Door by The Cure and really my love of The Smiths and U2 and others Beatles etc took over and took me a while to get back into the Smiths I seem to have got caught up at university and house and all sorts of mayhem was going on ... till I was settled again. to backtrack to the Cure only to find some genius had materialized in my absence....... I was very upset at the break up of The Smiths ....... I cannot think of any other group in my life time I was more upset about. breaking up......... Definitely an album of classic genius and one of the very best albums of the 1980's if you were English it had a genuine real scene of adoration in people's lives as few albums ever have in history. Never mind the Bollox was a singularly adored album and experience as well on people's decks.......I had very varied and intelligent friends growing ups where everyone in Generation X was seriously into their music as something REAL... in those days.... it all meant something....... I am still in this vein........ and have enjoyed growing up with this You Tube channels.......... I hear about the albums I don;t know on here to look up more than the ones I do now that are at the core of my being...... but why not look at reviews on all! : )) Special album....... there was a special arm flailingly abandoned to dance to the Smiths.. like Morrissey on This Charming Man video on Top of the Pops in England ..... I always felt Americans did not get The Smiths so much or The Stone Roses or a British SKA thing or Roxy Music .... Rolling Stone Magazine have taken an age to recognise Queen and Pink Floyd and The Cure and knocked Roxy Music from their top 100 artists which from a British angle is a mistake... as the most shagged to albums of the 1970's were ABBA and Roxy Music by all accounts...... Morrisey even called For Your Pleasure by Roxy music the only perfect pop album ..... Personally, i find the first 5 Roxy Albums awesome and as I grew older Bowie and Ferry meant more than Jagger .... Lennon effected me early as I knew Imagine and Mind Games before I heard Revolver and Ruber Soul and the White Album and Abbey Road.......which was just one of those weird time machine accidents that happen from raiding the local record library. with my Dad........ I remember getting The Police and Blondie Parallel Lines and Hendrix Ae You Experienced and so many great vinyl albums from there as a pre teen with my pocket money as well....... Always LOVED music... I would not have stayed in to study so much if it was not for music.. pop and rock and later classical as well...... even now I go weeks without TV and its just music!! Thank full for the reviews......... : ))

[@Ian666peace]

I love Rusholme Ruffians. It is so rhythmically complex, the way the accents in the various lines change. You can't get a recognized feel for the rhythm from the transient opening bars. I love the lyrics. I remember going to fairs as a kid and they were fun, but underlying threatening because of all of the dodgy people there.

[@chrisperrin9660]

Me too! And it captures Manchester really well

[@matthewthom5353]

One of the best songs on Meat is Murder

[@AutPen38]

I love that song and I loved it even more when I heard that Morrissey got most of the words about the fairground from a Victoria Wood performance that he had on vinyl. I think the best line is one he made up himself though: "Scratch my ame on your arm with a fountain pen. This means you really love me". I greatly enjoyed when Morrissey put comedy into his sixth-form poetry.

[@WhipDarling]

Rusholme Ruffians is a truly British song that yanks just won’t get unfortunately. It’s everything about being a young person living in a run down town and once a year getting a visit by the fair, most of the time the highlight if the year and as you approach the lights and the shadows, the noise and the danger just suck you in.

[@JamesSmith-ru7mm]

And though I walk home alone, I might walk home alone, but my faith in love is still devout

[@InsignificantNick]

A Smiths classic review and a Cal appearance, oh my!

[@aeropro7558]

I got a loan of this in 87 as a teen and never looked back. This opened up my love of music forever. Literally an album that saved a young depressed teen.

[@RSG_TheMonster]

Wow, I didn't know The Smiths dropped a new album this year! Thanks for letting me know Melon!!!

[@GentM2015]

They saw the queen died and instantly dropped a classic smh.

[@TrentonF505]

I’ve always loved There is a Light That Never Goes Out, but I hadn’t sat down and listened to the full album until a few weeks ago. Gotta say, every song on this album is well-written.

[@joefoley9894]

I was in the same boat for a long time but when I heard the title track I just had to stay and hear the whole thing

[@ijustneedmyself]

They're great. I hope you've listened to more from them by now

[@Luxarium]

@@ijustneedmyselfyes hatful of hollow is just😩😩

[@ijustneedmyself]

@@Luxarium Lots of great tunes on there!

[@carlydelreyjepsen927]

YES! Finally my favorite album ever made. Thank you so much Fantano. I am forever satisfied. ❤

[@farhannaufal15]

A Carly stan loving this album? I guess I have to check this out huh

[@thebasedgodmax1163]

cool but its not mine so pls change it accordingly

[@carlydelreyjepsen927]

@@thebasedgodmax1163 will do 👍

[@AzaelWorld]

FINALLY.I’ve Been Waiting For A Smiths Review and People Needa Still Appreciate This Album More!!

[@j.s.7894]

I just know this man waited till this year to review this as a classic for the whole bit I just know it

[@hurgcat]

he had to do it to em

[@starless267]

I won't be surprised if melon came out with this Cal sketch years ago and just waited for the right moment to review it.

[@_Mike.85]

Their whole discog is just perfect back to back tbh. Maybe an unpopular opinion but I've always regarded Strangeways as my favourite album of theirs.

[@RaiseThePressure]

I think the same. In terms of pure energy and writing , I think Meat is Murder and Strangeways are neck and neck for me, but I'd say Strangeways is my favourite. Meat is Murder imo or The Queen Is Dead is a really tough choice so I could just listen to either and feel a bit more captivated by MIM but more thrilled with TQID so it's tough.

[@WillPaturzo]

I think Johnny Marr said that Strangeways was the album he was most proud of so you aren’t alone

[@RaiseThePressure]

@@WillPaturzo Johnny Marr and Morrissey agree on that, so does Mike Joyce. Not sure about Andy Rourke but I also think he does making it the only thing (other than veganism) the band members still agree on to this day

[@BabusMcGowan1]

I think most die hard Smiths fans regard that as their best work. Aside from Hatful of Hollow.

[@rickyv8709]

What makes most people feel happy leads you headlong into harm…

[@emileconstance5851]

The Smiths never wrote/recorded a bad/skippable song, which is incredibly rare, and a testament to their brilliance. And their music is timeless--every album sounds as good today as when released.

[@heyyoitsmebrian]

some girls are bigger than others, meat is murder, suffer little children are all kinda cringe... what is it about the final tracks on these albums?

[@Jonpoo1]

Frankly Mr Shankly?

[@garethhowarddavies1689]

@@heyyoitsmebrian I like two of those tunes a lot. Meat is Murder is very cringe. The Smiths songs I can't stand are all on Strangeways I think. Most of side 2.

[@fmre6105]

@@heyyoitsmebrian some girls are bigger than others is an unbelievably good song - that riff is ethereal and captivating and the lyrics complement it perfectly (while being completely ironic)

[@ignacioganoza8916]

@@heyyoitsmebrian the fuck you mean, slc is amazing. if a song is kinda cringe itll be barabarism begins at home

[@prisoner2001]

I've been looking forward to this one ever since you started doing Classics Week, I see now that you were patiently waiting for the album's title to be fulfilled. My favorite album of all time.

[@ringer1324]

Oh fantano I thought you already knew…. I’m sorry about your grandmother it must’ve been tough losing her.

[@apruebaconnotaalta]

Also... My favourite track on the album is "some girls are bigger than others" even though the lyrics might sound a bit silly the guitar melody makes it a wonderful track and the line "send me the pillow, the one that you dream on..." Is just beautiful.

[@knispelwedges427]

When I didn't play the guitar yet, I would share your stand on Some girls are bigger than others. Now that I do play the guitar, I can't get around the genius Marr would show in his part. It's mindblowing and easily one of the hardest riffs by the smiths and overall as well. The pure technique did make me love it, even more since the lyrics are trash. Marr was so good, he made one of the best pieces in guitar history to Morrissey puke all over it. It's comedical and I enjoy it.

[@rickyv8709]

Thank you! Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others is arguably Marr’s best riff in The Smiths.

[@samjl4]

Some girls is definately the one guitarists notice, girl afraid is the most difficult smiths track to play, nothing brought me closer to insanity

[@anachronologist2017]

Those opening drumrolls are always playing in the back of my head

[@hedobannord1184]

Fun fact: The Smiths are simply the best band ever.

[@spectremodtrain5936]

You are right

[@DamesTC]

True

[@0x1ca3]

definitely best band of the 80's decade

[@Deniiiis]

Arguably

[@joaquincollet4291]

You mean the cure, cocteau twins and depeche mode ? Then yes

[@ShadeCandle]

I have never been so excited for a classic review. Though I just finished and... Some Girls is "just okay"?! That's one of my all-time favourites. Yeah, the lyrics are a ridiculous throwaway, but the fact that they contrast so starkly with the utterly gorgeous instrumentation brings up something in me I can't quite understand, but I love it to no end.

[@jamesn3203]

Good to see Cal. Happy classics week, Anthony.

[@dinglemccringleberry6258]

he waited for the queen to actually die before he posted this 😂

[@beanhose5743]

My friend got me into The Smiths and I’ve never looked back. I honestly think this and their debut are on par in terms of quality.

[@gandhiguerrero3668]

Cal Chuchesta just brings light in my most darkest nights

[@codysettje513]

Awesome review. Intro was very well crafted. Nice one!

[@Vinesology]

'I know it's over' is a top 5 all time favorite song of mine

[@ScorpionGaming5]

Finally - and what a lovely wholesome tribute to Elizabeth, Melon.

[@thescooterification]

Truly a testament to the lyricism of the group that they are able to write about the struggles of ennui in a way that resonates almost 40 years later. Truly an album that hits different when you are totally finished with the first stage of your life and must find where to go now that structure has been taken away.

[@bgavin5899]

A true test of greatest is how supremely well this album as aged. It’s sounds as great today as it did in 1986.

[@zackzallie8735]

Probably my favorite album of the 80's after Doolittle by Pixies.

[@edenbeats.8569]

crazy to think those two albums are only some years apart tho

[@oteletampis7513]

For me it's either Doolittle or remain in light

[@billymessenger3982]

II/2 by the Meat Puppets and Violent Femmes' self titled are up there too

[@danthemaninfierno]

The Queen is Dead, Doolittle and Violator for me are the Holy Trinity.

[@billymessenger3982]

@@danthemaninfierno Googz says it came out in March of 1990!

[@davidcoss3350]

It’s kinda crazy the timing of this as just yesterday I got back into the smiths big time

[@ShepTheBep]

You should do Magnolia Electric co. next. Fantastic album from the late and great Jason Molina.

[@cocainer621]

the smiths holds a special place in my heart as it was the favorite band of my first love, she showed my the smiths and basicly altered my whole music taste, there is a light that never goes out is still one of my favorites and hearing it makes me feel like i was still there with her

[@vegan4theanimals]

As much as I adore this album, as I do most Smiths albums, Meat is Murder is one of my favorite albums ever. But yes, the Queen is Dead is phenomenal. This was written before watching, you mentioned Meat is Murder and all valid points.

[@brendanmcvay4287]

A 10/10 album! Some Girls are Bigger Than Others would be their finest work if the lyrics were somewhat more serious. Sonically, it’s brilliant!

[@StillTheVoid]

I swear at least one Smiths song always makes me emotionally drained and linger the days that are past gone. Its something majestic and heartbreaking listening to this group. I can never unhear 'Suffer Little Children' after witnessing for the first time when I was 10 in 2000. This and Pat Metheny Group's earlier albums from EMI. Only less than a tiny fraction of artists can do this.

[@lizardman7718]

I tried listening to this album a couple years ago, but I just couldn’t get into it for some reason. I’ll try again tomorrow. Thanks Melon!

[@seandoyle7167]

I love the way your love for this album has a lot to do with the last track, and it's a song I've never listened to from start to finish, but music being what it is, we can still appreciate same album for the genius piece of work it is

[@taintedlife2618]

This is one of my all time favorite albums. And my fave Smiths album. Culturally the Smiths and Morrissey are huge hot only in Southern California but in the Mexican community. I think it’s the working class sentiments and romanticism. These albums are like Bible for your Latinos. I think this album shows them at their most humorous and bleak at the same time.

[@alancantu2557]

I don’t have any Latinos. What Latinos are you talking about?

[@493HZ]

When I first heard the Smiths as a teenager I tried to transform my personality into a loveable, handsome rascal who talked prettily about the beauty and woes of life but in reality I was a 15 year old overweight black child with chunky glasses, braces and an unkempt afro

[@drowsy7921]

You're still a loveable rascal, regardless of appearances.

[@cleahr1038]

would you ever do one of their compilation albums? like Louder than Bombs or Hatful of Hollow?

[@georgebrown3097]

Their best album. Not a clunker on it. Even "Mr Shankley" and "Vicar in a tutu" are fun. Title track shows their ability to rock out and voice some angst. How do you pick a fave track. I guess it depends on my mood. But a top 10 album of the 80s (imo). "And it's so lonely out on a limb". "And the flames rose to her Roman nose". "I know that it's over but it never really began". "The words that you use should really be your own", "don't plagiarize or take on loan". So many great lines!

[@rexplos1on]

This is one of very very few albums where I genuinely think every song and second is PERFECTION

[@daniellavaladez7820]

Agreed!!!

[@beauaIloevv]

it’s sad that we will never get something like this album ever again

[@suffermore1576]

you know this is a classic when cal "calassic" chuchesta is present

[@Agostoic]

Neat-O!

[@hurgcat]

i missed him so much

[@nickolasecker9596]

Was wondering when Anthony would write a review that covers The Smiths. Such a beautiful album. The Smiths are my favorite band of all time and it’s heartbreaking that a band that made such a massive impact only lasted 5 years, when taken into perspective, is even briefer than the amount of time The Beatles spent together.

[@SamsaLilaTheHobo]

Bro you just turned the key to the ignition in My time machine. I'm in the cemetery drinking purple passion with my first love. But wait, it's 2023 and I'm listening to fandango on the tubes! Thank you, Anthony. I mean it. Your internet's busiest music nerd, but you're my most virtual music pal.

[@MoreMallards]

I know It's Over is a song that will always break me every time I hear it. Every part of that song is just such a vibe :')

[@jbh3074]

The Smiths are a band I haven't listened to all that much but everytime I listen to them, I am blown away by Johnny Marr. Literally perfect guitar lines.

[@RightCorrections]

Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others is one of my favorite songs ever. "Send me the pillow, the one that you dream on, and I'll send you mine" - I've always thought this was a criticism on social class; that no matter how richer or "bigger" one is, they still sleep the same way... the humanity within us is all the same, whether rich or poor.

[@ejhr6777]

I legit thought there was already a classic review of this album and went NUTS when realizing it was all made up by my imagination, at last my delusions finally came true

[@kisukehatake210]

bro i swore the same thing. this has to be some mandela effect shit

[@cj.17]

least neurotic smiths fan

[@ragedkill2897]

maybe you’ve heard him talk about it before somewhere cuz he has

[@GabrielSilveiraBee]

great pic dude

[@jasonmf]

No wtf that’s why I came to the comment section. I swear I already watched a review on this months ago

[@Lunar_Pendragon]

As much as I adore this album, I always thought that Meat Is Murder is a better record conceptually and thematically. That LP was so unbelievably ahead of its time, it's almost baffling - and in an utmost positive way, to think Morrissey was fighting for animal rights in the 80s.

[@rockah12]

While I concede that it's a valiant effort to fight for animal rights at that time, to do so while still wearing and supporting leather, as well as his later actions such as claiming that the 77 dead and hundreds injured in the Norway attacks of 2011 was "nothing" compared to what happens in McDonalds and "Kentucky Fried shit", leaving Burning Man because he smelled something like cooking flesh and said "I hope to god it's human", and all the ways he's pushed that stance when other artists and creatives have been much more *genuine* about it rather than seemingly like a reactionary. A man calling the Chinese a subspecies for animal abuse is taking it too far. Meat Is Murder was very ahead of its time, I genuinely love that album and the title track is a brilliant cry against inhumane farming and slaughter habits. It does not excuse Morrissey's hypocrisy or dickhead behavior.

[@jacobreveles7222]

I'm glad to see Cal is still with ya 13 years on

[@haykatshemyan8874]

what a review. When you said “smoking on that queen pack” at the end, I truly was moved Mr Anthony

[@creamu2roblox]

Thank you Anthony. Can't wait to listen to this fresh album to start off 2023

[@dean8705]

Greatest album of all time. I Know It's Over hits me in a way no other song does.

[@debonaire_nerd]

In typical hipster fashion, Melon commemorates the passing of Elizabeth II after everyone else has stopped.

[@Andstuff1000]

Great review, brings me back to freshman year of college! This album was the soundtrack to a difficult and ultimately doomed romance that taught me so many valuable things about myself and how I relate to my romantic partners. For a future throwback review, I'd love to see your take on my favorite album of all time, GBV's Alien Lanes!

[@marcchrys]

A tale of two guitars...the opening track TQiD is such an awesome groove - with a bassline that makes you stand up and salute. The closing track Some Girls Are Bigger than Others is a total earwig of a guitar riff, and the live version (from their last ever gig) is even more sumptuous.

[@indep_]

i would love to see a classic review for depeche mode’s violator !

[@elliestoth1311]

If you haven't listed to it, The Holy Bible by the Manic Street preachers is fantastic. Completely overlooked in the US though. Edit: just remembered that you own the record, would it be in the running for a classics review? It's certainly an album that deserves more of a spotlight in the US

[@Kneroh_]

Here for the engagement. Thank you for spotlighting this album. Life changing and for many, life saving.

[@ZatSoul]

Love this. Can you review The Bends next? Classic radiohead album

[@TheeDeeM]

What a lovely surprise! This is one of my favorite albums ever.

[@Song-dn1xb]

Coincidentally I just got into the Smiths about a week ago and have hyper fixated on their music since. I love how melancholy and bitter sweet their music is, the cleaness of the instruments which still manage to not sound overly produced while upkeeping that polished image and Morrisey's overly dramatic even if sometimes overbearing vocals, it all just makes for such a beautiful experience. I really need to rewatch the Perks of Being A Wallflower now, as its one of my favorite movies and the Smith's music play a big part to some extent.

[@gedrooney9305]

It happened to me also, in my early twenties- I’m 40 now, it’s like finding gold..

[@Song-dn1xb]

@@gedrooney9305 yeah I’m 23 next month.

[@the-sillycate]

Same I was so happy Melon uploaded a The Smiths Album review while in my The Smiths Hyperfixation™ (though mine started almost half a year ago)

[@gedrooney9305]

@@Song-dn1xb Enjoy! If you haven’t started Morrisseys solo career then you’re in for more gold, especially Bona Drag and Viva Hate albums

[@21pyrotech40]

same here lol

[@Sata_Nico]

i remember listen bigmouth strikes again at my 1st job on my dinner time and fell in love instantly with that catchy riffs and angelical voice of morrissey. At this day stills my favorite song on this album with the boy with the thorn is his side Also the album's title aged very well

[@pkmncq]

Some good observations in this review, the only thing I wish melon focused more on is the cohesion and concept of the album as a whole

[@PuddleBooks]

Kanye did what he did so we could openly talk about Morrissey’s work without worrying about looking THAT problematic

[@philatio1744]

tbh would probably do the same, though ironically enough, kanye fans are probably in the same situation as morrisey fans.

[@dparis2172]

I've no problem telling anyone how great are The Smiths.

[@PuddleBooks]

@@beauaIloevv Kay why Es

[@beauaIloevv]

@@PuddleBooks after you, lncel

[@PuddleBooks]

@@dparis2172 based

[@AnonYmous-lk9qy]

Marr's riffs were not only ahead of their time, but still to this day almost impossible to replicate in terms of composition style.

[@CarefreeStoney]

Been on a Smith binge for a couple months now and it's not looking like it's gna end or slow down anytime soon tbh... recently discovered Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me and it easily found its way into my all time favourite songs

[@marcharley6465]

A fair and perceptive review of an album which I've loved since its' release.

[@Ehdavis]

Finally a review of Morrizzey and The Smiths

[@Alex_Nason]

Anthony mentions London Calling yet again. It would be really interesting to hear what he has to say if it got a full review, best he has mentioned it a lot and it's one of my favorite albums

[@tinjar441]

For some reason I just can’t get into London Calling. I love the titled song, but most of the other songs just seem meh to me.

[@naufalpasyaaldri1896]

He said it's a 10 in "these album are 10s 1970"

[@thisaintnoparty]

@@tinjar441 That's the common reaction to the album. When I first listened to it, I expected the whole thing to sound like the album cover or the opening track. Then the band says "nope" and you are thrown into this kaleidoscope of different styles and themes. In the end it's what makes it so special.

[@mr.noride7226]

This is probably my favorite The Smiths album. We need a review of The Cure’s Disintegration now.

[@hamishcoutts2231]

Nice to hear a UK classic review! Please do Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures:)

[@Duncarin]

Morrisey's live cd from earls court 2004 are my preferred versions of both his and the smiths, they have more punch.

[@jte3209]

I love this album ! “I know it’s over” especially is a master piece. Only one or two bad songs max on here.

[@Bsoftproductions]

One of my all time favorite albums. Johnny Marr’s guitar work is so unique and I love Morrissey’s vocal delivery and his sense of humor. It’s a shame about…well…the rest of him lol. The Queen is Dead and Strangeways, Here We Come are definitely my two favorites. Frankly, Mr. Shankly is such a great song.

[@JohnDoe-vc5qb]

Is this classics week? Are you gonna review,Various positions by Leonard Cohen, Transformer by Lou Reed or Blood money by Tom Waits?

[@naufalpasyaaldri1896]

Yes this is classic week and also i don't think he will make a classic review on blood money by tom waits because he already did a classic review on another tom waits album - Rain dogs.

[@leoperez8852]

this algorithum sucks man i love this album so much i cant believe it never showed up on my recommended

[@alyssonbessani5535]

It took me a lot of time to pay attention to this album, but now I consider it one of all-time greats!

[@er1s]

Thank you Melon! I loved your review of this album. This album is very sentimental to me.

[@mr.noride7226]

Yes! There’s Is A Light That Never Goes Out is my favorite song by The Smiths too.