The Smiths are defiantly the indie equivalent of Jesus. Well, like Jesus, they spread a revolutionary and influential sound of music. They dared to share their unique sound at a time where music was in an awkward in-between and continue to inspire others, despite only being a band for a short period of time. Replace the word "music" with "Christianity," and the Jesus comparison makes more sense.
Anyway, The Smiths formed in 1982 after the heyday of punk and during the rise in popularity of dance music. Lead singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr began collaborating musically after meeting at a Patti Smith gig. With Morrissey’s brilliant lyrical ability and Marr’s exceptional composition and guitar skills, it became apparent they were a musical match made in heaven. They eventually added bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce to round out The Smiths line up.
As they began to perfect their sound, characterized by Morrissey’s distinctive vocals, Marr’s jangly guitar riffs, and their songs revolving around ordinary life with a hint of humor-- they began to see success in the indie underground scene. After a failed attempt at signing with EMI records, The Smiths were given the opportunity to record a session for John Peel’s radio one show. John Walter’s was so impressed by The Smiths because you couldn’t tell who their musical influences were, that’s how distinctive their sound was. It was after this fateful recording the band would see an intense interest leading to their mainstream popularity.
After achieving mainstream success, all four of their albums managed to place in the Top Five for Bestselling Albums, and many of their singles sold incredibly well and they managed to stir quite a bit of controversy (most of it surrounding Morrissey in typical lead singer fashion). Despite all of their success, tensions between the band and their label, as well as tension within the band (Morrissey vs. Marr and the World), The Smiths called it quits in 1987. In true indie fashion, the band wanted to maintain 100 percent of their creative control and we all know that’s just not how it works once you’re on a major label.
Even though their time was brief, The Smiths have earned their title as the Jesus of indie. They are often cited as an influence for many alternative and indie groups and have managed to stay quite popular with the outcast of today. If you haven’t heard any of their music, you are definitely missing out. How soon can you start listening to them? Now. Right Now.
