My musical eyes are opened

I feel like I’ve been reborn today. For the first time in my life, I spent some time listening to The Smiths..
Those of you who were youthful in the 80s probably had this revelation passed upon you years ago, but those of us who were still shitting in nappies and hunting for breast milk in those days missed out on it all. Until now..
I’ve always thought Morrissey was a moaning, quiff-haired twatter with a poncey voice and an attitude, but man was I wrong. Well, actually all that is true, but he’s also a writer of unequalled ability, and a vocalist of unique expression and emotion.
"In a darkened underpass
Oh God, I thought my chance at come at last
But then a strange fear gripped me and I just couldn’t ask"
Brilliant. And that little pause, then drum beat, just before the chorus.. Inspired…
I can’t believe I’ve reached a quarter-of-a-century without hearing ‘The Queen Is Dead’ before.. All those nights at uni where we swapped CDs and battled to be the one who suggested the most obscure album, and not one of my erstwhile colleagues mentioned The Smiths. Not once. Heathens. Scabs. I bet they’re all sitting around now drinking Campari and debating whether Westlife or Sinead Quinn are Ireland’s greatest ever musical export. Kids today.
I’m off online now to by Morrisseys entire back catalogue.
And what I wouldn’t give to hear a collaboration between Morrissey and Antony and the Johnsons. Now that would be something.

RC 23-4-09
1127 BST