NOVEMBER SPAWNS A MONSTER CD!
First U.S. BEST OF MORRISSEY Collection Due November 6
Every day will be like Sunday when Warner Archives/Rhino Records releases THE BEST OF MORRISSEY on November 6. Assembled with Morrissey's direct involvement, the CD is the first-ever U.S. greatest hits package from one of alternative rock's most distinctive voices.

The 21 recordings on this collection include tracks from all six of Morrissey's solo studio albums (1988's Viva Hate, 1991's Kill Uncle, 1992's Your Arsenal, 1994's Vauxhall And I, 1995's Southpaw Grammar, and 1997's Maladjusted) as well as the compilations Bona Drag and My Early Burglary Years. THE BEST OF MORRISSEY also includes the non-LP U.K. single "Lost" from 1997.

No less than eight of these songs reached the Top 20 in Morrissey's native England, and you can still hear alternative anthems like "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get," "Suedehead," "The Last Of The Famous International Playboys," "Interesting Drug," "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful," and "Alma Matters" all over modern rock radio here in the U.S. In addition to these more familiar tracks, Moz himself selected a complement of choice album sides. Available for $17.98 from retail outlets and www.rhino.com, THE BEST OF MORRISSEY also includes Michael Bracewell's illuminating liner notes, full lyrics, and numerous rare photos sure to thrill fans.

Born Steven Patrick Morrissey in a suburb of Manchester, Morrissey set the British music scene on its ear in the mid-1980s as frontman for The Smiths. Though that group's lifespan was brief, its influence was enormous and Morrissey emerged from its ashes in 1988 as a college rock icon. His solo career continues to reflect the sexual ambiguity, luxuriantly indulgent lyrics, and inimitable crooning style he made famous with The Smiths while allowing him greater freedom to drape them in musical textures like synth-pop, Latin or rockabilly.

1. What was the first song you heard that completely floored you, made you shiver, made you want to make music? I remember the first time. My friend played this new band for me—it was The Smiths. That song “This Charming Man.” It was such a new sound, so refreshing, with a really simple production. Such an unbelievable song. And great, clean guitar. And what a unique voice. Back then I didn’t speak any English so I didn’t understand the words, but frankly it didn’t matter ’cause I had discovered a great new band and they have since become my biggest influence.

THE SMITHS AND MORRISSEY
Learn to play Smiths classics as well as material from the solo career of the group's enigmatic leader, Morrissey. Heaven knows you'll be miserable if you don't take this class. Thursdays, 8:00 pm - 9:20 pm.