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Ever since their debut single was released in 1983, The Smiths have influenced musicians worldwide with their jangly guitar pop, infectious melodies and front man Morrissey's passionate lyrics. During their relatively short lifespan (1982-1987) the quartet released four now iconic albums and lots of singles, and in 1988, not even a year after the last Smiths album, Morrissey embarked on a solo adventure that's still ongoing, with 13 studio albums and plenty of singles and live albums so far. This installment of the On track series examines this vast back catalogue in detail, from The Smiths' debut single 'Hand In Glove' (1983) to Morrissey's vinyl single release of a live version of 'Cosmic Dancer' in 2021, recorded with David Bowie back in 1991 - and all the songs from all the albums and singles in-between. Combining facts and trivia with personal views and memories, this is a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of Morrissey's long career, making it the perfect listening guide to accompany you while discovering the music of The Smiths and Morrissey.
About the author
Tommy Gunnarsson has been a music journalist for 25 years, writing primarily for Swedish publications, but is also a regular contributor to the UK based web magazine Pennyblackmusic since the early 00s. He bought his first single at age seven in 1985 (Limahl's 'The Neverending Story'), and he first discovered The Smiths in the mid-1990s. He attended Morrissey's first ever Swedish gig in Gothenburg in 1997, and a few years later he co-founded the Swedish and Nordic Smiths and Morrissey fanclub, Unloveable Boxers, and was its president during its lifetime. He lives in Stockholm with his two children.
Summary
This installment of the On track series examines the vast The Smiths back catalogue in detail, from their debut single 'Hand In Glove' (1983) to Morrissey's vinyl single release of a live version of 'Cosmic Dancer' in 2021, recorded with David Bowie back in 1991 - and all the songs from all the albums and singles in-between.
