Podcast
Questions and Answers
Morrissey was always publicly known by his first name.
Morrissey was always publicly known by his first name.
False
What was the name of the first song that Morrissey and Marr worked on together?
What was the name of the first song that Morrissey and Marr worked on together?
What band name did Morrissey choose for the duo?
What band name did Morrissey choose for the duo?
the Smiths
Match the song with its description:
Match the song with its description:
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Marr and Morrissey recorded their tracks on Marr's _____ three-track cassette recorder.
Marr and Morrissey recorded their tracks on Marr's _____ three-track cassette recorder.
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What was the name of the Smiths' first album?
What was the name of the Smiths' first album?
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Marr was familiar with the song 'I Want a Boy for My Birthday' before Morrissey suggested it.
Marr was familiar with the song 'I Want a Boy for My Birthday' before Morrissey suggested it.
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Which band did Marr and Morrissey admire that is mentioned in their early discussions?
Which band did Marr and Morrissey admire that is mentioned in their early discussions?
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The Smiths reunited after their breakup in 1987.
The Smiths reunited after their breakup in 1987.
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Who was the bass player that replaced Pomfret?
Who was the bass player that replaced Pomfret?
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In what year did the Smiths break up?
In what year did the Smiths break up?
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The Smiths were formed in __________.
The Smiths were formed in __________.
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Which label did the Smiths sign with?
Which label did the Smiths sign with?
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Match the Smiths' albums with their release years:
Match the Smiths' albums with their release years:
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How many members did the Smiths have before becoming a five-piece band?
How many members did the Smiths have before becoming a five-piece band?
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Johnny Marr and Morrissey were inspired to form the band after meeting at a concert.
Johnny Marr and Morrissey were inspired to form the band after meeting at a concert.
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Study Notes
Band Formation and Early Years
- The Smiths formed in Manchester in 1982, consisting of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass), and Mike Joyce (drums).
- Morrissey and Marr established a songwriting partnership after meeting at a Patti Smith concert in 1978.
- They bonded over a shared interest in poetry and literature, leading to the formation of the band.
Musical Style and Releases
- Their sound combined a guitar, bass, and drum setup, rejecting the prevalent synth-pop of the time.
- Signed to Rough Trade Records in 1983, they released their debut album, The Smiths, in 1984.
- All studio albums reached the top five of the UK Albums Chart, with Meat Is Murder reaching number one in 1985.
- They transitioned to a fuller sound with keyboard incorporation, maintaining guitar as the lead instrument.
Achievements and Popularity
- The Smiths achieved significant success in Europe with their albums The Queen Is Dead (1986) and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987), both entering the top 20 of the European Albums Chart.
- Several singles ranked in the UK Singles Chart top 20, contributing to their status in British independent music.
Band Dynamics and Breakup
- Internal tensions led to their breakup in 1987, followed by public lawsuits over royalties.
- Band members expressed a reluctance to reunite, turning down various offers for a comeback.
Key Creative Developments
- The two principal songwriters, Morrissey and Marr, collaborated on early tracks such as "Don't Blow Your Own Horn" and "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle."
- "Suffer Little Children" was another early composition, showcasing their developing style.
- They recorded demos on Marr's TEAC three-track cassette machine, allowing for an intimate production process.
Band Identity and Name
- Morrissey chose the name "the Smiths," desiring an ordinary name that reflected 'ordinary folk.'
- He initially insisted on being known only by his surname, rejecting his first name Steven.
Lineup Changes
- After several rehearsals, original member Steve Pomfret left the band, with Dale Hibbert briefly replacing him before the final lineup solidified.
Lasting Impact
- The Smiths are regarded as a significant influence in the 1980s British independent music scene, known for their distinctive sound and lyrical depth.
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Description
Explore the tumultuous history of The Smiths, from their formation in 1983 to their breakup in 1987. Discover the implications of internal tensions and the impact of their music on the rock and post-punk scenes. This quiz delves into their signature sound and notable singles.
