The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead
Rough Trade
Three is the magic number as The Smiths released their third studio album, The Queen is Dead, on this day in 1986. They had already secured their place as one of the finest acts of the 80's at this point. Albums such as Meat is Murder and the self-titled debut were enough to leave a lasting impact, nevermind a fine compilation by the name of Hatful of Hollow on top of that.
Marr and Morrissey, backed by Rourke and Joyce, both seem to peak at their respective crafts at the same time. Marr's conversation-like, free of thought approach to the guitar is met with Morrissey's anti-establishment, life is suffering and somewhat satirical croon in the usual Smiths manner although The Queen is Dead is generally looked upon as the apotheosis of said partnership. It's the dichotomy of Marr's full of life flow and Morrissey's dilapidated diction that make The Smiths one of the most endearing bands of all time. It really is a pleasure to be able to witness/listen to something that should be a car crash but works like a dream. It's one of those things that if the combination goes slightly askew the whole thing falls to pieces. When done well, like anything, it has the potential to become timeless.
The Queen is Dead features some of the greatest tracks ever recorded in Bigmouth Strikes Again and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out. These songs are British staples in their purest form. These pieces of material are woven into the collective British psyche. In a similar way to an Oasis, Beatles or Kinks type ordeal, intrinsically stitched into the fabric of the past 50 years of popular music. The Smiths are held in high esteem, this is certain. This record is regarded by the NME as the greatest album of all time. Make of that what you will. I personally wouldn't call it THE greatest album of all time but one of the greatest without question.
Influential beyond belief, it's incredible the impact that a group of lads can have within a period of 5 or so years.
Favourite Track: Cemetary Gates
June 16th, 1986.
