Lifeguard Sleeping
January 23, 1999, 07:33 AM
I can't help but hold dear both the Smiths, as well as Morrissey's "solo" groups. But let's face it, the music created by the Smiths is so different than the music produced throughout Morrissey's solo career, that it would be like comparing apples to oranges.
The Smiths' music was based on 60s pop groups, with the clean, jingly guitars, upbeat hooks and short length. Of course, having said that, I should also mention Johnny's gift for arrangement, layering keyboards and strings to achieve a sound dramatic enough to complement Morrissey's deep lyrics.
On the other hand, the musicians that Morrissey has worked with since, (while being hits and misses) have given him a new sound, entirely. Vini Reilly's guitars created a sort of "alternative" sound (doesn't Viva Hate sound really 80s?) that worked well at the time.
The "lads" who have been with him for the last several years have really created their own awesome type of music. I mean, "Your Arsenal" was such a turning point, musically, for Morrissey, that it influenced his image to suit that whole rockabilly style. The guitars are heavy but still manage to keep that "pop" hook to the songs. They also (especially Alain Whyte) are very diverse in their songwriting, going from "...Someone On Your Side" to "Seasick..." These songs are brilliant in their structure and overall catchiness.
God, I've gone on a bit longer than I expected to, but you get my point - the musical styles are too different to compare them to eachother (not to mention the times).
The Smiths' music was based on 60s pop groups, with the clean, jingly guitars, upbeat hooks and short length. Of course, having said that, I should also mention Johnny's gift for arrangement, layering keyboards and strings to achieve a sound dramatic enough to complement Morrissey's deep lyrics.
On the other hand, the musicians that Morrissey has worked with since, (while being hits and misses) have given him a new sound, entirely. Vini Reilly's guitars created a sort of "alternative" sound (doesn't Viva Hate sound really 80s?) that worked well at the time.
The "lads" who have been with him for the last several years have really created their own awesome type of music. I mean, "Your Arsenal" was such a turning point, musically, for Morrissey, that it influenced his image to suit that whole rockabilly style. The guitars are heavy but still manage to keep that "pop" hook to the songs. They also (especially Alain Whyte) are very diverse in their songwriting, going from "...Someone On Your Side" to "Seasick..." These songs are brilliant in their structure and overall catchiness.
God, I've gone on a bit longer than I expected to, but you get my point - the musical styles are too different to compare them to eachother (not to mention the times).