Convince me The Smiths are worth the effort.

This'll probably get alot of people going as I really can't be done with the Smiths. Admittedly they are very good, good musicians, just I can't stand Morrissey's lyrical introspection. I know that in a way this is the point of the smiths, but i just can't let myself be sucked into a pit of introspection and self-imposed loneliness. Just doesn't attract me. Plus his voice really narks me!

Anyone got any remedies/angles that might work?

I've been with too many women that love Moz, and I've never understood the attraction. The man handles himself fine in the interviews I've seen him in and he seems like he would be fun to hang out with. His singing is just so damn melodramatic. Prat.

they are worth it dude!

theyre not worth it. period.

fuck. if you have to ask, why bother? they were when it mattered to me... and made all the difference in the world...

your results may vary.

now I've been a fan for many years now... I have friends that I would think would be too, but can't stand Morrissey's voice. I don't understand what they don't like about it.. but I would never expect them to change their point of view. Why would you want to change yours?

The Smiths?? who are they??

joking... if you couldnt tell.

Moz is a love/hate relationship... either you like it or you dont... their isnt much grey area

his solo stuff is a bit more different than the smiths... and each album tends to be a tad different musically and lyrically... maybe you can find something of your taste.. if not.. dont fight it.

any guy who preforms on a regular basis with a plant in his back pocket has got my vote.

I always found The Smiths whiny and never got into it. Great musicians yes, but I couldn't tolerate the sing-songy "nobody loves me" crap

Oddly enough, I like Morrisey's solo stuff just fine

Why force yourself to like something?

If it tastes bad spit it out.

lyrical introspection? as in, you don't like the fact that he has "deep" lyrics? or the style in which they're portrayed? i.e. he's fucking depressed. Moz's stuff, particularly with the Smiths, is about as poetic as any lyrics you're going to find, filled with many literary references and lyrical word play. but if you don't like his voice, you don't like his voice. that's why i don't listen to Tom Waits. just can't do it. nothing against the man, just can't stand his voice.

as for the Smiths as a whole, Johnny Marr is one of the most underrated guitarists out there with his flair for brilliant melodies. plus, i totally appreciate the fact Moz sings depressing, sometimes violently worded songs on top of these charming, happy melodies. but in general, you're either ambivalent about the Smiths (at best) or completely obsessed with them. and i, obviously, am with the latter group.

listen to Strangeways Here We Come and tell me you don't love it.

Personally, I don't think The Smiths were all that interesting. They have maybe two very good records, and the rest is poppycock for collectors. But basically, Morrissey is the driving force behind The Smiths, but if you aren't very into his work with that band, I might suggest much better records of his, like 'Your Arsenal' and 'Bona Drag', both of which make Smiths records feel like demo versions of songs that didn't make the cut for a solo record anyway.

Ex-Smiths perform on some his his early solo work and are indeed very good, but to the benefit of everyone inviolved, the songs lack that certain silliness Johnny Marr was so adamant about fucking songs up with.

Morrissey is a gentleman.

One of the finer shows I have ever seen was when Johnny Marr was playing with The Pretenders in 86 or so.

some girls are bigger than others....

some girls mothers...

are bigger than other girls ....mothers....

need i say more!!

They are nothing

Does a Peel Sessions album exist for the Smiths? I would be interested.....Because I love that format! My all time biggest beef with alternative music is with overproduction and illconceived albums.....This is why labels like Cherry Red, Creation, Beggars Banquet, Rough Trade and others have such lasting power - they are quite unique in their choice of bands.....Hope this makes sense - it is 3 am......

yes, they have Peel Sessions.

When I read this I couldn't help but think of "You're the one for me, fatty"

I wish I had Morrissey's hair.

the jangle of johnny's guitar and morrissey's voice/great lyrics together is pure blissness...

YOU CAN NOT RESIST ITS POWERS!!

i absolutely love the smiths and have for many many moons, but maybe it's just not yer bag...

either way, if you want to explore.."strangeways" definitely, "louder than bombs" was their final US sendoff and a good retrospective to boot...

that jangle-y sound has been copied and copied, but no one can duplicate the original