Favorite Manchester Bands #4 - The Smiths

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Nope, absolutely no surprise here. Because I've never heard a band from Manchester, England, that I haven't liked, I am counting down my favorite Manchester bands. We are at #4: The Smiths. Led by guitarist Johnny Marr and vocalist Morrissey (bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce rounded out the lineup,) The Smiths formed in 1982, and lasted just five years. During that time, the band released just four studio albums, but were so influential on alternative guitar rock that they were twice nominated for entrance into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band essentially formed when Marr, a fan of the New York Dolls, sought Morrissey, who had written a book about that New York punk band, showing up at the vocalist's house to invite him to join his group. (Fun Fact: Mike Joyce claimed to be on psychedelic mushrooms at his audition.) Much has been made of Morrissey's humorous, yet often morbid lyrics, at which he was quite prolific: A study claims Morrissey used over 1100 different words on The Smiths' first three albums. I have linked to a live version of The Smiths performing their 1985 hit, "How Soon is Now?" The video was shot from the audience, but apart from some occasional shakiness, both the video and the audio are good quality. Enjoy! (Info verified by Wikipedia)