I love this much-derided song. People quote it as proof that the Smiths made morose music for morose people, but if you actually listen, it’s an amazingly uplifting song. Johnny Marr’s guitar is heavenly sounding; it all reminds me that no one else really made pop like the Smiths. What I've just said really completely fails to do the song justice. Ah well...
from Hatful of Hollow (Rough Trade), available on CD (WEA)
19 Apr 01 ·schlemmsy: I quite agree. And this is not due to my love of uplifting house. 01 Sep 02 ·john_l: Yup, this is the one that made me sit up and take notice ... 09 Aug 04 ·raumfahrer1rolf: I love this song too. How is a person "miserable"
when singing or hearing this song? It shows quite a bit of Morrissey here - he's "miserable" but it all sounds sublime, with a wistful tongue-in-cheekness to it. It's really pretty actually. If this is "misery" then please give me more of it, I'll get along quite nicely!
11 Jan 11 ·daniela_por: This song will never be forgotten. It's simply great :)
I heard this track again recently and it had an almost chemical effect on me. Why? It's hard to say. I can't claim to be especially moved by the lyrics, but the song captures a certain mood which makes me want to shake around. The track has a nice balance of instrumentation - New Order trademarks like strong, crisp drums and prominent bass, and a melody played on the melodica.
The other highlight of the song for me is the manically strummed guitar break near the end - a great moment. Maybe it's just nostalgia, but this track still has a lot of power for me.
A perfect song. I love every note. The mood is desolate, yet warm and reassuring as well. The bassline and guitar playing recall some of the great early-period New Order tracks. The track fades in beautifully with bass, drums, and guitar. The drums and bass are steady, while the effects-laden guitar shimmers over the top. Liz Fraser's vocal is at first understated, until the chorus begins. Her voice soars as a simple piano sound joins the mix. The chords are simple, almost inevitable, but the instrumentation and execution are quite stunning.
from the single Aikea-Guinea (4AD BAD501) available on CD - Aikea-Guinea (4AD)
23 Mar 06 ·audioadventures: Another one of my favourites of all time. Gives me goosebumps. 26 Mar 06 ·leonthedog: Yes, I remember playing this EP over and over back when it was only on vinyl... Although "Kookaburra"
is, in my opinion, even more heavenly! Like angels
comforting you...