Single song that best showcases Morrissey's voice?

W

Weiß

Guest
I was trying to think of a song that you could give to someone unfamiliar with Morrissey's singing style that would be the best example of his unique "sound". Songs like You've Got Everything Now and Miserable Lie have the falsetto going on. Other songs are softly sung or harshly sung. There Is a Light or This Charming Man could arguably best illustrate the sound of The Smiths.

But I was jumping around some CDs tonight, and I was struck by how flawless his voice is on The Girl Least Likely To. I don't know if I would have even remembered to put that one in a group of songs to draw from. But when you listen to it, his voice is crystal clear, the delivery and choice of words (and words to emphasize) fit together so satisfyingly, like an auditory puzzle. Its a one of the few examples of him using his early Smiths voice on lyrics that reflect a matured (perfected?) writer.

Agree? Disagree? Other choices?
 
> Jack the Ripper and Moon River.

Moon River? zzzzzzzzzzz
 
> I was trying to think of a song that you could give to someone unfamiliar
> with Morrissey's singing style that would be the best example of his
> unique "sound". Songs like You've Got Everything Now and
> Miserable Lie have the falsetto going on. Other songs are softly sung or
> harshly sung. There Is a Light or This Charming Man could arguably best
> illustrate the sound of The Smiths.

> But I was jumping around some CDs tonight, and I was struck by how
> flawless his voice is on The Girl Least Likely To. I don't know if I would
> have even remembered to put that one in a group of songs to draw from. But
> when you listen to it, his voice is crystal clear, the delivery and choice
> of words (and words to emphasize) fit together so satisfyingly, like an
> auditory puzzle. Its a one of the few examples of him using his early
> Smiths voice on lyrics that reflect a matured (perfected?) writer.

> Agree? Disagree? Other choices?

I might need some time to chew this one over but I applaud your taste in mentioning "Girl Least Likely To".
Easily one of the most overlooked Morrissey songs and a track that has barely gained a mention on these pages over the years.Except by you....and I

The most remarkable thing about the track of course is that ANDY ROURKE (no I've not made a mistake there) wrote the music.

I'll come back to your question later...after I do some work !
 
> I was trying to think of a song that you could give to someone unfamiliar
> with Morrissey's singing style that would be the best example of his
> unique "sound". Songs like You've Got Everything Now and
> Miserable Lie have the falsetto going on. Other songs are softly sung or
> harshly sung. There Is a Light or This Charming Man could arguably best
> illustrate the sound of The Smiths.

> But I was jumping around some CDs tonight, and I was struck by how
> flawless his voice is on The Girl Least Likely To. I don't know if I would
> have even remembered to put that one in a group of songs to draw from. But
> when you listen to it, his voice is crystal clear, the delivery and choice
> of words (and words to emphasize) fit together so satisfyingly, like an
> auditory puzzle. Its a one of the few examples of him using his early
> Smiths voice on lyrics that reflect a matured (perfected?) writer.

> Agree? Disagree? Other choices?

Ok I've thought of it.Not necessarily my favourite Morrissey or Smiths song but the best vocal performance I have ever heard from Morrissey as a solo artist would be "Now My Heart Is Full".

From The Smiths I think his vocal on "I know It's Over" was never surpassed. Such emotion,such passion.It was a haunting delivery.
 
> I might need some time to chew this one over but I applaud your taste in
> mentioning "Girl Least Likely To".
> Easily one of the most overlooked Morrissey songs and a track that has
> barely gained a mention on these pages over the years.Except by you....and
> I

I listened to it three times on Saturday in my car.

Hadn't heard it in like a year.
 
> I listened to it three times on Saturday in my car.

> Hadn't heard it in like a year.

Good on you. Nice Pogues album you are listening to as well

I came across one of their post Shane MacGowan singles the other day called "Tuesday Morning".

It's a brilliant song with Joe Strummer on vocals.If I remember rightly the album it came from was something like "Waiting For Herb " and was a tad patchy.
 
> Good on you. Nice Pogues album you are listening to as well

> I came across one of their post Shane MacGowan singles the other day
> called "Tuesday Morning".

> It's a brilliant song with Joe Strummer on vocals.If I remember rightly
> the album it came from was something like "Waiting For Herb "
> and was a tad patchy.

"Waiting for Herb" is the name of one of the Pogues albums. I don't know that song, however. I have yet to pick up any of the post Shane Pogues albums.

The Popes, however, did a Shane-less album which is *excellent*. Actually, Shane wrote two songs and sings on one.
 
> I was trying to think of a song that you could give to someone unfamiliar
> with Morrissey's singing style that would be the best example of his
> unique "sound". Songs like You've Got Everything Now and
> Miserable Lie have the falsetto going on. Other songs are softly sung or
> harshly sung. There Is a Light or This Charming Man could arguably best
> illustrate the sound of The Smiths.

I was listening to the Malmo bootleg from the last tour.. and Morrissey's voice (on that last tour generally) was so strong and spot on.. not diminishing with age. So, from what i heard this morning.. 'Hairdresser on Fire' and from the Smiths.. Pick any one from 64, I'm in a 'Barbarism Begins at home' modd today though for the yelps!

Ruffian

PS, For Johnny, Great song as we all know 'I know its over' is.. its quite mournful and one paced to showcase the whole range of Mozzers talents. I was thinking more along the lines of songs that have talking parts, low parts, high parts, and vocal trickery employed by the worlds number 1 vocalist!
 
> I was listening to the Malmo bootleg from the last tour.. and Morrissey's
> voice (on that last tour generally) was so strong and spot on.. not
> diminishing with age. So, from what i heard this morning.. 'Hairdresser on
> Fire' and from the Smiths.. Pick any one from 64, I'm in a 'Barbarism
> Begins at home' modd today though for the yelps!

> Ruffian

> PS, For Johnny, Great song as we all know 'I know its over' is.. its quite
> mournful and one paced to showcase the whole range of Mozzers talents. I
> was thinking more along the lines of songs that have talking parts, low
> parts, high parts, and vocal trickery employed by the worlds number 1
> vocalist!

Good points Ruff! As always I am blinkered when it comes to "I Know It's Over".
To my mind it is The Smiths' masterpiece and the greatest song they ever recorded.
 
In a recent article Marr was quoted as having said that Morrissey's vocal in the song "I Know It's Over" was "one of the highlights of my life". Can you imagine being there in the studio when he recorded that one? As close to divinity as I can conceive.

In terms of Morrissey's solo work, I agree that "Girl Least Likely To" features excellent vocals.

Another song that I feel really showcases his vocal ability is "Lucky Lisp" (which is not even one of my favorites). His talent really becomes apparent in that song. :p

Also, "I've Changed My Plea to Guilty", as well as "Skin Storm".
 
I'd settle for "National Front Disco" - his singing there is absolutely spinechilling!

> I was trying to think of a song that you could give to someone unfamiliar
> with Morrissey's singing style that would be the best example of his
> unique "sound". Songs like You've Got Everything Now and
> Miserable Lie have the falsetto going on. Other songs are softly sung or
> harshly sung. There Is a Light or This Charming Man could arguably best
> illustrate the sound of The Smiths.

> But I was jumping around some CDs tonight, and I was struck by how
> flawless his voice is on The Girl Least Likely To. I don't know if I would
> have even remembered to put that one in a group of songs to draw from. But
> when you listen to it, his voice is crystal clear, the delivery and choice
> of words (and words to emphasize) fit together so satisfyingly, like an
> auditory puzzle. Its a one of the few examples of him using his early
> Smiths voice on lyrics that reflect a matured (perfected?) writer.

> Agree? Disagree? Other choices?
 
> Good points Ruff! As always I am blinkered when it comes to "I
> Know It's Over".
> To my mind it is The Smiths' masterpiece and the greatest song they ever
> recorded.

'I know it's over' is a bit special. I also like Morrissey's voice on 'I don't owe you anything'.

Of his solo stuff, what about the vocal deilivery on 'Lifeguard sleeping, girl drowing', I don't think anyone has mentioned that one yet. It is a vocal delivery that stops me dead in my tracks. There is something about it which entices you, it's probebly one of the rare occasions with Moz when it's not about the lyrics, but his voice.
 
Also 'The hand that rocks the cradle', great vocal performance, very haunting.

> 'I know it's over' is a bit special. I also like Morrissey's voice on 'I
> don't owe you anything'.

> Of his solo stuff, what about the vocal deilivery on 'Lifeguard sleeping,
> girl drowing', I don't think anyone has mentioned that one yet. It is a
> vocal delivery that stops me dead in my tracks. There is something about
> it which entices you, it's probebly one of the rare occasions with Moz
> when it's not about the lyrics, but his voice.
 
> Of his solo stuff, what about the vocal deilivery on 'Lifeguard sleeping,
> girl drowing', I don't think anyone has mentioned that one yet. It is a
> vocal delivery that stops me dead in my tracks. There is something about
> it which entices you, it's probebly one of the rare occasions with Moz
> when it's not about the lyrics, but his voice.

I think that this song is a definite departure from his usual vocal style, and stands out as unique in his entire catalogue. His soft and whispery tone shows marked restraint, and to a very beautiful effect.
 
> I was trying to think of a song that you could give to someone unfamiliar
> with Morrissey's singing style that would be the best example of his
> unique "sound". Songs like You've Got Everything Now and
> Miserable Lie have the falsetto going on. Other songs are softly sung or
> harshly sung. There Is a Light or This Charming Man could arguably best
> illustrate the sound of The Smiths.

> But I was jumping around some CDs tonight, and I was struck by how
> flawless his voice is on The Girl Least Likely To. I don't know if I would
> have even remembered to put that one in a group of songs to draw from. But
> when you listen to it, his voice is crystal clear, the delivery and choice
> of words (and words to emphasize) fit together so satisfyingly, like an
> auditory puzzle. Its a one of the few examples of him using his early
> Smiths voice on lyrics that reflect a matured (perfected?) writer.

My favourite vocal performance is A Boy With A Thorn In His Side. Every word he sings kills me. Its brilliant, even though it not my favourite Smiths or Morrissey song.
 
> My favourite vocal performance is A Boy With A Thorn In His Side. Every
> word he sings kills me. Its brilliant, even though it not my favourite
> Smiths or Morrissey song.

Agree with The Boy With The Thorn In His Side ,his voice is so passionate on that track .
Probably my favourite Smiths song , that best highlights Morrissey's singing voice is "Well I Wonder " .

Moz solo wise I really like his voice on "I've Changed My Plea To Guilty "
and also "Now My Heart Is Full" . Although their quite slow tempo songs He really seems to Boom them out .

Cheers Peter
 
I concur!

Nothing can beat "I Know It's Over" for vocals. My skin prickles every time i hear it.

Makes me wonder if i he really did lose someone......
 
Back
Top Bottom