[Bristlebane]

Well, to start, on a personal level, they remind me of good times in the 80's.

On a musical level, it's just good music. Intelligent, funny at times (i.e. Girlfriend in a Coma,) and melancholy (the majority of Smiths songs are somewhat sad.)

The backbone of The Smiths is, of course, Morrissey. The man can write. The man can sing. He has a wonderful way of making boldface words in song. His voice...wonderful.

Without rambling on about Johnny Marr and the rest of the band, I'll leave you with the lyrics to two of their best songs (If you're not familiar with them, get yourself to Kazaa.)

Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want :

Short, sweet, poignant, and powerful. Also, the Deftones do a cover of this song that's worth checking out.


Good times for a change
See, the luck I've had
Can make a good man
Turn bad

So please please please
Let me, let me, let me
Let me get what I want
This time


Haven't had a dream in a long time
See, the life I've had
Can make a good man bad


So for once in my life
Let me get what I want
Lord knows, it would be the first time
Lord knows, it would be the first time


I Know It's Over:

Probably my favorite Smiths song. Anyone who has been in a failed relationship (and haven't we all?) can relate to the lyrics. There are many covers, none of which compare to The Smiths. However, DEFINITELY worth downloading are live versions of it. Try to find in particular the 7 minute one.

I can feel the soil falling over my head
And as I climb into an empty bed
Oh well. Enough said.
I know it's over - still I cling
I don't know where else I can go
Over ...
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head
See, the sea wants to take me
The knife wants to cut me
Do you think you can help me ?
Sad veiled bride, please be happy
Handsome groom, give her room
Loud, loutish lover, treat her kindly
(Though she needs you
More than she loves you)
And I know it's over - still I cling
I don't know where else I can go
Over, it's over, it's over, it's over
It's over, la ...
I know it's over
And it never really began
But in my heart it was so real
And you even spoke to me, and said :
"If you're so funny
Then why are you on your own tonight ?
And if you're so clever
Then why are you on your own tonight ?
I know ...
'Cause tonight - it's just like any other night
That's why you're on your own tonight
Your triumphs and your charms
While they're in each other's arms..."
It's so easy to laugh
It's so easy to hate
It takes strength to be gentle and kind
Over, over, over, over
It's so easy to laugh
It's so easy to hate
It takes guts to be gentle and kind
Over, over
Love is Natural and Real
But not for you, my love
Not tonight, my love
Love is Natural and Real
But not for such as you and I, my love
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head, oh ...
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil fall over my head
Mother, I can feel the soil fall over my head
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil fall over, fall over my head
Oh Mother, I can feel the ... fall over my ...
Oh ...