Record Collector: Jim Reid (The Jesus And Mary Chain) on The Smiths debut album

Couple of bits from the latest Record Collector #556 (April, 2024):

The Smiths
(Rough Trade, 1984)

"William is a massive Smiths fan. I wasn't a fan then and I'm not a fan now. It used to drive me mad because I couldn't find anyone back then who didn't like The Smiths. I don't get them at all. They leave me completely cold."

Small bit on a record shop too:

FWD.

 

[Seymour Glass]

A lot of people find the smiths too depressing. I know people who wont listen to sad music at all, which is strange to me. Each to their own.

Anyone who finds them depressing simply doesn't get Morrissey's humor.

 

[Seymour Glass]

Your ignorance is showing......you're probably American.

Yes! Proudly so. Does that mean I don't understand the Jesus and Barry Train? Because I'm just a dumb ol 'Merican? The ignorance is all on your side Stephani.

 

[Stephen Hofmann]

Yes! Proudly so. Does that mean I don't understand the Jesus and Barry Train? Because I'm just a dumb ol 'Merican? The ignorance is all on your side Stephani.

Where's my ignorance?

 

[Tim0thy_james]

lol I guess it doesn't surprise me, that said I remember hearing a radio interview with him from 86 or 87 where he praised The Smiths and complained about how the radio doesn't play them enough, despite selling records and all that.

 

[Johnny]

Personally I'd have the JAMC in the Top 3 Scottish bands of all time which is high praise.

I don't dislike people for not liking the same bands as me. I honestly don't care.

 

[Gregor Samsa]

Who are the best Scottish bands? Way back I was pretty fond of a post punk band called Josef K.

 

[Surface]

Who are the best Scottish bands? Way back I was pretty fond of a post punk band called Josef K.

Big Country and The Skids for me

 

[Gregor Samsa]

Big Country and The Skids for me

I know them by name, but I don’t think I’ve actively listened to them.

How the hell could I forget the Cocteau Twins?! They’re obviously my favorite Scottish band. Their first two albums are among the finest in all of post punk.

 

[TheSmiths_1985]

I know them by name, but I don’t think I’ve actively listened to them.

How the hell could I forget the Cocteau Twins?! They’re obviously my favorite Scottish band. Their first two albums are among the finest in all of post punk.

Second favourite, Shirley?

 

[Gregor Samsa]

Second favourite, Shirley?
View attachment 102756

Never heard of them, but that’s a great looking record.

 

[TheSmiths_1985]

Never heard of them, but that’s a great looking record.

View attachment 102758

 

[Mu Empire]

Who are the best Scottish bands? Way back I was pretty fond of a post punk band called Josef K.

A good shout. I'd have Aztec Camera, Orange Juice, Boards Of Canada and The Beta Band all in the mix.

 

[marred]

Surely the magazine provided a list of classic debut albums for him to comment on? To me, that seems way more plausible.

Yes that makes sense.

 

[marred]

I think the magazine insisted on him mentioning The Smiths, thro’ the conceit of asking his opinion on influential debuts.

I can agree with him on two things: that VU album is one of the handful of gold standards for modern music, and Licensed to Ill isn’t.

Yeah I don't get rap or the beastie boys at all. It's the carousel of the untalented.

 

[Mayfly]

Darklands I liked a lot too.
Their comeback albums didn’t do it for me.

Love Darklands too and I still have to listen to their new album next month.
Will see them live next month.
I can see how the Smiths might be too subtle or gentle for them. After all, JAMC music is mostly a wall of sound with no deep lyrics. It doesn’t bother me though.

 

[Mayfly]

Big Country and The Skids for me

I had a chance to see Big Country live in the good old days.
Just feel very sad about the way it ended.

 

[goinghome]

Sons and Daughters. Their album Revulsion Box is enjoyable. There was a thread about them last year - https://www.morrissey-solo.com/thre...porting-morrissey-the-sun-aug-14-2023.151359/

 

[matt]

You know, the debut is my least-liked Smiths record. I don't like early Morrissey's voice, and songs like the hand that rocks the cradle and suffer little children just do nothing for me.

 

[matt]

However, if we're talking other debuts, Delays' 'Faded Seaside Glamour' will always hold a special place in my heart and life. Perfect, dreamy synth indie pop. Like if the aforementioned Cocteau Twins had a baby with The Las.

I frigging loved Delays, their lead singer is so sorely missed. Such wasted potential. Here's a beautiful, poignant interview with his brother about the vinyl reissue and the effect of losing his brother, well worth a read if you've ever lost someone who means the world to you:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2...elays-interview-death-of-brother-greg-gilbert

 

[Surface]

I had a chance to see Big Country live in the good old days.
Just feel very sad about the way it ended.

They were great live, saw them a couple of times in Manchester back in the day and then more recently when Mike Peters from the Alarm was singing for them. I was deeply shocked when Stuart took his own life.