In the July 23 issue of Entertainment Weekly there is an article on the subject of the PolyGram/Universal merger. Morrissey was mentioned twice in the article:

"Along with white-boy rappers and Latin sensations, there's a new type of artist making the scene: the musically homeless. In their ranks you'll find cult faves (Morrissey), faded pop stars (Paula Abdul), and the neo-country elite (Cowboy Junkies)--all of whom have lost their record deals."

On the next page, there is a section called "Second Acts" highlighting some of the artists most affected by the merger. Morrissey was one of said artists and along with a small photo came the following text:

"MORRISSEY Legendary Smiths mope had a home at Mercury despite his downward career trajectory. Wherever he lands, a small, fanatic fan base will follow."

While I don't agree with the "downward career trajectory" part, they were accurate about our loyalty.

Not much of a story but absolutely delighted to find a quote from my 70's fanzine (Denim Delinquent) etched on the inner groove of "Interesting Drug". NY Dolls rule!

From the autobiography of Giles Smith (musician, pop-journalist): Lost in Music, One of the funniest books I have ever read. If you liked Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, you will LOVE this one! A must for every music fan and record collector.

In the late 70s / early 80s Smith thinks about starting a band with his brother. They just needed a name. Quote:

"You could call yourselves The Smiths", said my mother one mealtime, and we jeered derisively.

As if anyone was ever going to be successful with a dumb name like 'The Smiths'!

From the Wall of Sound website...

WHICH city in England boasts the largest number of signed bands per capita? Well, according to Radiohead, it's their hometown of Oxford (also home to Ride and Supergrass). All five members of the band are natives of Oxford, where they met at Abingdon School. Singer-guitarist Thom Yorke and bassist Colin Greenwood were the first to hit it off at Abingdon, sharing an affinity for Joy Division, Magazine, and cross-dressing. Ed O'Brien, another singer-guitarist, was added because Thom thought he was "cool and looked like Morrissey."...

Article OBSERVER 4-7-99 on MANSUN:

"It can often seem like the only person who can understand your suffering is Morrissey or Mansun. You could argue that these men cynically exploit your suffering but I would make the opposite case, that it is the singers who are used by the fans: as Morrissey sung on the Smiths "Rubber Ring", "Don't forget the songs that saved your life / Yes you're older now and you're a clever swine / But they were the only ones that ever stood by you." Of course Mansun is a different beast but it is really a difference of upbringing. Morrissey was beaten and sexually humiliated in Manchester schoolyards..."

In Tom Holt's Wish You Were Here, he makes a reference to how Joan of Arc should have worn a Walkman when she was being burned. Hmmm - a reference, perhaps?

This is the most bizarre web site I have seen. What is this guy talking about?

The Equation That Refutes Atheism!

Some weird Christian page... odd