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David Gray on Moz / Smiths
posted by davidt on Tuesday February 06 2001, @10:00AM

 tinystripedsocks writes:

David Gray on The Smiths being his first concert, that The Smiths music didn't age well (!) and how Morrissey fans are an "underground cult thing". Link to MTV Online interview:

David Gray: say hello
Excerpt:
MTV: What was the first concert you went to?
Gray: The Smiths in 1985, the Meat Is Murder tour. Morrissey was throwing plants around on the stage. I had a piece of weed that he had thrown into the audience, which I treasured for years — until I suddenly realized it was just a dried-out bit of weed.

MTV: Were you a big Smiths fan?
Gray: I was. I don't think they've aged very well. I was a big fan at the time. Everyone used to say, "God, it's so miserable, Morrissey's so miserable." And I would say, "No, it's brilliant." But I listen back and I think, "God, it's so miserable." Bands from that sort-of Manchester scene, like the Fall and New Order, aged so much better than the Smiths have. But I was a massive Smiths fan at the time, as most people were. It's almost like an underground cult thing now, the Morrissey fans. It's a bit like Cure fans — who are they? But there's loads of them.

The Smiths did a few brilliant tracks. "How Soon Is Now?" is an absolutely fantastic song, and a couple of the ballads that were far more stripped-down — "Back to the Old House" was a really good one. But when you hear something like "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want," you think, "Wait a minute, you were a pop star, with loads of money, playing big shows. What are you talking about?"

 
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    David Gray on Moz / Smiths | Log in/Create an Account | Top | 74 comments | Search Discussion
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    The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.
    Who Is David Gray? (Score:2, Informative)
    Didn't he score the winning goal for Everton against Watford in the 1984 FA Cup Final?
    Ghostface -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @10:12AM (#7403)
    (User #255 Info)
    What's his problem?? (Score:1)
    So he has loads of money and plays big shows - and he's STILL complaining?? I wish I had this guys's idea of happiness..... he must lead the perfectly fulfilled happy life now that he has a record in the charts. Geeeez...
    Mozzarella -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @10:34AM (#7404)
    (User #864 Info | http://www.bozboorer.com/ )
     If I wasn't a cat, I'd be a girl.
      Idiot (Score:2, Insightful)
      I'm not one of those Smiths fans who takes them and himself too seriously. One need only look at my past posts to see that! [devlish grin] But I have a real problem with David Gray and his comments.

      First of all, his implication that pain is somehow exclusive to the poor huddling masses is ridiculous. Furthermore, to interpret "Please, Please..." as a plea for material wealth is clearly to miss the point.

      I've never liked David Gray, so I suppose his comments here are just an excuse for me to lay into him finally, I admit it! [another even more devlish grin]. Like Joseph Arthur and Dave Matthews, he is a "mature" songwriter; which is only to say that he knows how to structure a song and write lyrics that are fairly intelligent. But like those other two artists, his music is sterile and dull. And like those other two he doesn't seem to understand that making good pop/rock music has very little to do with talent and more to do with...well, with something quite ineffable (That isn't to say that there aren't thousands of pop stars who've had talent, only that talent isn't the determining factor in making good rock music). This ineffable quality is something The Smiths had. THe Sex Pistols had it. The Beatles had it. THey left a mark in our heads and our hearts. David Gray will do no such thing. He'll win his grammy awards and get tons of people over 30 at his shows (most of them attending with their wives and fiances), but he will do nothing to touch people's lives in a profound way.

      blurjose -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @10:53AM (#7405)
      (User #533 Info)
      • Re:Idiot by Passing Kijowski (Score:1) Wednesday February 07 2001, @03:56AM
        from where i sit... (Score:1)
        David Gray's song on the radio, I have to admit, is quite catchy. I'm sure that it will be the only one we'll ever hear from him, though. Tick, Tick, Tick. It's almost over, son.
        Mannix -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @11:05AM (#7406)
        (User #1379 Info)
        check your history, idiot (Score:1, Insightful)
        Before David Grey opened his fat trap, he should have done some research to back his statement up about Please Please Please....This song was written in the early days of the Smiths: the 83/84 era. This was a time where they had only a record deal with a tiny label out of Manchester and hadn't played in front of thousands or even hundreds of people yet. As for fame, that wouldn't come for at least a year's time, and David Grey doesn't even have a year left on his clock. His 15 minutes are already up.
        Anonymous -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @12:11PM (#7410)
        David Gray 1st Concert (Score:2, Funny)
        Who are the David Gray fans?
        Joumbie -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @12:24PM (#7413)
        (User #2319 Info)
         Listen to HIS voice.....
        david (different: gray) (Score:1)
        funny how I always thought how beautifully miserable david*s (excellent) album "white ladder" is.... I should throw some lillies at his head when I go to see him in march, don*t you think...? oh well, maybe the odd morrissey-shirt will do...

        :))
        elsberry -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @12:46PM (#7414)
        (User #418 Info | http://www.leavemealoneiwasonlysinging.not/ )
         +++ Of all of the fuckups that I do, I saved the best one for you +++
        Morrissey looks better now than in 1985 (Score:1)
        What's with his obsession of how The Smiths have aged? Did anyone else notice that or was it just me? I wonder if he really thinks that he will look any better than the average English bloke after years of touring and evil British press.
        Anyway, he is being a bit cocky lately.
        TOTBCR -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @01:59PM (#7421)
        (User #1956 Info)
         TurnOffTheBayCityRollers!
        ...a friendly reminder (Score:1)
        "....But don't forget the songs
                  That made you cry
                  And the songs that saved your life
                  Yes, you're older now
                  And you're a clever swine
                  But they were the only ones who ever stood by you"
        BillyFury -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @02:31PM (#7424)
        (User #2323 Info)
        One Songwriter to another (Score:1, Interesting)
        I've seen The Smiths in '86 during the Queen is Dead. I purchased my first smiths LP in '83 and ,in my very humble opinion, The Smiths are still the most relevant band to come out of the last 25 years. The Songwriting was magical 'til the very end (and beyond). Mr. Gray should really try hearing what's being said in "Last Night I Dreamt....". How many lyricists can put into words what we've all felt at some point after waking up in the morning realizing that we met our soul mate in our dream? How many musicians could unite in such a fashion as to provide a haunting frame for those words?

        I'm a songwriter and mark my words, The Smiths/ Morrissey will be remembered for decades to come (if not centuries). David Gray, well...we'll see. The Smiths/Morrissey have been my redemption and my down-fall: They answered my prayers when I asked myself "I'm not macho, I'm not into this female-degrading stuff a-la Motley Crue. I'm just a shy guy with a kind heart who wants to relate to someone". They also limited me somewhat because, for 2 decades now, I've been having a hard time listening to anything else.

        I'm a married 30-something who is one of these so-called "Morrissey Cult" members. And, rightfully so.......................
        Anonymous -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @02:36PM (#7425)
        David Gray misses the point? (Score:0)
        Hello kids! First off...David Gray who? No need to tell me cuz I'm sure I'd still end up saying the same thing next year if I know who he is or not. Anyway, I think he missed the point of the song. Basically he's (David's) saying that if you have lots of cash, you should be able to buy happiness. Tell that to ol' Curt. In any case, even if Morrissey is happy now or not, it doesn't matter. It doesn't make the song irrelevant to whatever inspired him to write the song. You can be the richest computer mogal who could buy anything and anyone and still be missing something in your life. Did Morrissey ever say what that "what " was? Blah. Anyway, sorry I wasted space with this short rant. It was just a reaction to that silly interview. Of course if he were talking about some awful commercial music I'd have to take the other side. Have a nice day! Chris "Beyond" editor no-fi "magazine" http://members.xoom.com/nofimag
        Anonymous -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @04:32PM (#7430)
          Did I miss something? (Score:1)
          Exactly WHO is this David Gray guy anyhow?! I've never heard of him...of course I don't get out much, but is that any excuse?

          As for his lame comment on "Please, please...", excuse me? I think there's more to life than money and "big shows". Whoever this guy is, he's not worth having an interview with, nor an article on.
          ShielaTakingABow <pole@samband.net> -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @05:06PM (#7433)
          (User #1780 Info | http://www.geocities.com/ragry/rogr.htm )
           "We´re all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars" OW
          why is it always how soon is now????? (Score:1)
          When you say that song is the "good one" , then you throw out any credibility of being a real fan.

          and New Order does still have the same relevance.
          They still suck.

          and who is David Gray? must be an english thing.
          dacid -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @06:11PM (#7438)
          (User #106 Info | http://www.dacid.net/ )
          • "same relevance": mmm-hmmm! by s-man (Score:1) Tuesday February 06 2001, @06:37PM
            • new order by TOTBCR (Score:1) Tuesday February 06 2001, @06:50PM
                • Re:why is it always how soon is now????? (Score:2, Insightful)
                david gray is quite bad but have to interject here and say that i love new order. of course not as much as the smiths but new order and joy division were also quite brilliant. i guess i can understand someone not being fully aware of the history and such behind the band and basing their opinion on "blue monday" or "bizarre love triangle"...i just wanted to defend a wonderful band...and i guess our boy johnny marr would agree because he and bernard sumner have done some wonderful stuff as well through the years in electronic.
                ok, i'm done.
                neal -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @08:12PM (#7449)
                (User #799 Info)
                [ Parent ]
                Re: New Order (Score:3, Funny)
                I was a massive New Order fan in the 80's and still like much of their music. But I tried to listen to "Techinque" recently and it was dreg.

                For someone who struggled for years for a taste of success, Mr. Gray's head has gotten awful big awful fast. He had better enjoy it while it lasts.
                Bertrand -- Tuesday February 06 2001, @09:25PM (#7456)
                (User #134 Info)
                [ Parent ]
                David Gray - a "soon-to-be-one-hit-wonder" (Score:0)
                Well, I have to say that I own a copy of David Gray's album "White Ladder" (there's only ONE good song on it though!). David Gray asking what Morrissey's talking about when singing "Please please please....."?! Excuse me, but is this David Gray-dude completely ignorant?! And what is HE talking about saying that The Smiths' music didn't age too well - somehow I strongly doubt that anyone will remember David Gray and his music in 15 years - I'm pretty sure he'll be one of those "one-hit-wonders" - and I find it hard to take it seriously what a "soon-to-be-one-hit-wonder" has to say about The Smiths (and then on MTV?! A tv-station where the hosts/vj's are even more ignorant than David Gray himself?!)
                Anonymous -- Wednesday February 07 2001, @12:40AM (#7464)
                  I hate David Gray (Score:2, Funny)
                  I hate david gray. One hit wonder definately. He should have treasured that piece of weed forever, i would have. Let those teenie girls keep loving him for another couple of months, then go meet him down the chippy in margate where he'll be working! MBB
                  mbb321 -- Wednesday February 07 2001, @02:10AM (#7468)
                  (User #1889 Info)
                   "Dink Dank Doo!"
                    Confirms what I always felt... (Score:2, Funny)
                    I always thought David Gray and his perpetually nodding head was the new 'Sting', and look what happened to his credibility..

                    ..And his comments.. ? Well, I cannot ever entertain anyone who seriously criticises one of the most compact, heartfelt, and sensitive 2 minutes ever committed to paper and the ear.. 'Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I want' Can make me cry..

                    ..David Gray makes me laugh...

                    One of the London Morrissey Cult and proud of it..

                    David Gray.. Come and have a go if you think you're hard enough..!!

                     
                    Ruffian <aceman@tinyonline.co.uk> -- Wednesday February 07 2001, @04:33AM (#7474)
                    (User #1813 Info)
                     "In the days when you were hopelessly poor, I just liked you more..."
                    ...d.g.? (Score:2, Insightful)
                    With the abundance of good songwriters out there, the media and the load of people out there ready to follow their lead, make a sudden "star" out of someone as boring and common place as David Gray.
                    Even my Gramma' is listening to this guy's album while she sits in her rocking chair knitting a brand new sweater for me.
                    Gramma', please...
                    Golden Lights -- Wednesday February 07 2001, @05:47AM (#7476)
                    (User #100 Info)
                     "There were 2 many of us.We had access 2>2 many of 2 much money...2>much equipment and little by little we went insane."
                      David Gray-your days are numbered (Score:2, Funny)
                      Let's kill David Gray. He said something vaguely negative about the Smiths - now he must pay the ultimate price. I am going to burn the albums of his that I have (which up to now I thought were really quite ok) as the first step towards obliterating this evil man. Who's with me? Nobody will even notice he's missing, he's such an unknown. Who does he think he is anyway, to have an opinion on music? Why are some people allowed to speak at all?
                      Won't somebody do something?? I'm so angry.
                      Anonymous -- Wednesday February 07 2001, @06:17AM (#7477)
                        David Gray (Score:1, Insightful)
                        I don't know who David Gray is or what he does, but I don't agree with his opinions, at all. For me the Smiths have never lost revelance, they have only become, more and more poignant and perfect, and whilst I like other music, I like nothing as much as The Smiths, and so that is ALL I listen to. It has been this way for many years. Everything is shallow and hollow next to a Smiths song, anyone, every one, I love them all.

                        If you liked the Smiths when you were younger, and no longer like them when you have grwon older, I wonder what that means. Does it mean the Smiths don't age well? Or is it a personal flaw. Perhaps as you age, you've become more insensitive to feelings, less hopeful, less nobility, etc. The Smiths are not about being miserable, they are about hope and yearning. Perhaps you've lost that innocence, so that you can no longer see the beauty in the Smiths, you mistake open ended pleading as dead end complaining, perhaps, very possibly you havent aged well, Mr Gray.
                        mlu
                        Anonymous -- Wednesday February 07 2001, @07:18AM (#7479)
                          WTF is a "David Gray" anyways? (Score:1)
                          I do believe that is a question that no one has answered as of yet. I hate to admit that I'm growing older, but as I rush headlong into my thirtis, I begin to notice more of these "fluff" artist that are called mature artist... They all look like bad Sting clones. Where this guy gets the stones to critique the Smiths is beyond me... I don't even think that this gentleman has a right to be on MTV (and that's saying alot...POS channel that it has become, yet I digress).

                          When David Gray and his ilk are long gone, we will be collecting our retirement/pension checks and still listening to "Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want".

                          That's my rant...Peace out.
                          nowhere fast -- Wednesday February 07 2001, @12:34PM (#7492)
                          (User #86 Info)
                           Women only like me for my mind.
                            A solo artist with neither looks nor wit... (Score:1)
                            David Gray (for you unknowing Americans) is a middle of the road, not-evern-nice-to-look-at thirty-something. I'm amazed you don't have him over there because he seems right up your country's musical alley (so to speak). Having said that, I did quite enjoy the dance version of 'Please Forgive Me'. As for 'The Smiths' not ageing well: nor is Mr. Gray.
                            MyMelody -- Wednesday February 07 2001, @01:28PM (#7493)
                            (User #2329 Info)
                             ...don't make fun of me later... cos I'm just lost...
                              David Gray (Score:0)
                              David Gray is an absolute twit. He's from Manchester (I think) but he sings as if he's from the other side of the Atlantic. His songs are stuffed full of meaningless cliché and it's the kind of lifeless music that gets played on Radio 2.

                              He is flavour of the month over here in the UK at the moment and his CDs are bought by people who don't really like music, and just have it on in the background.

                              He is just one of those people who never 'got' the Smiths which is mainly why he feels it necessary to slag them off after all this time.
                              Anonymous -- Wednesday February 07 2001, @01:31PM (#7494)
                              • Re:David Gray by Anonymous (Score:0) Wednesday February 07 2001, @06:09PM
                                • Re:David Gray by Nick Morrissey (Score:1) Wednesday February 07 2001, @11:19PM
                                  Burn In Babylon (Score:1)
                                  David Gray should know better than to disrespect Moz in such a fashion. Moz probably has better lyrics written on the napkins in his house than any of the terrible "lyrics" that David Gray "sings" over his awful easy-listening shite music. David Gray shall burn in "Babylon" if he further disrespects the Man.
                                  MTK -- Wednesday February 07 2001, @08:46PM (#7510)
                                  (User #1927 Info)
                                   "Under the moonlight... The serious moonlight"
                                    David Gray (Score:1)
                                    I have to admit I have the White Ladder album and I think its brilliant. Whats the point of getting het up about his comments though? Check out the new single "This Years Love". Anyway - Morrissey will always reign supreme
                                    Jason -- Thursday February 08 2001, @02:27AM (#7515)
                                    (User #2023 Info)
                                      he's terrible. (Score:1)
                                      What can be said of david Gray? He's terrible, lame and boring. If I ever find myself enjoying this twat's "tunes", I'll strangle myself with the nearest piece of chewing gum, which I surely would find a lot more exciting than hearing, or maybe even worse, seeing him.
                                      Puppet on string <tweedcoat@hotmail.com> -- Thursday February 08 2001, @07:43AM (#7519)
                                      (User #2114 Info)
                                       Everyday I have the blues!
                                      who is this gut dorian gray? (Score:0)
                                      sounds like his obsession with aging well makes him sound more like dorian gray to me....as for david gray, i have never heard of him, however i give him credit because he now has over 50 morrissey fans in the states talking about him who also never heard of him, and he does say he was a big smiths fan (so he cant be all that bad), sounds like he will appreciate the smiths lyrics alot more when his 15 mins of fame is thru....
                                      Anonymous -- Thursday February 08 2001, @05:23PM (#7551)
                                        How dumb are you? (Score:0)
                                        This comment is for the bunch of idiots who think "the Smiths haven't aged well' is referring to their appearance (that means 'their looks'). He is talking about their music, OK? I can't believe you perceptive, sensitive fans missed such an obvious point.

                                        I am not a fan of David Gray. I am a Morrissey fan who is consistently embarrassed by the type of over-reaction seen here, and the stupidity of a lot of fellow fans.
                                        Thanks, I've said my piece.
                                        Gav.
                                        Anonymous -- Friday February 09 2001, @07:56AM (#7568)
                                        not a real fan at all (Score:0)
                                        It seem more like David Gray wasn't a big fan at all, he seems more like that type that knows a couple of singles and thats it, type of fan. What a sorry case David Gray is, for not hearing the true meaning behind The Smiths songs.
                                        Anonymous -- Saturday February 10 2001, @03:40PM (#7639)
                                          What such a dumb...? (Score:1)
                                          Doesn't this guy words remembering you a song called "Frankly, Mr. Shankly"?...lol...
                                          Well I've no much to say about this guy...I don't know him and to talk seriously I still prefer don't knowing him ...lol..., but I've something to say when someone comes to speak injuries about THE band (I do repeat, THE BAND) that make me love music, and THE band while is still to me, as the best band I've heard...I don't like really one thing about The Smiths...Why They don't regroup themselves again just at least for a Christmas eve...lol.. (as others bands did as "that remained of Beatles") , to make a 28 years old Brazilian fan as me, and all fans around the world...happy? The Smiths guys, could be sure It would be my best Christmas gift...

                                          And just to put the last ground spade over the Mr....well..What is really his name? Well, it doesn't matters so much, but what really matters, is that here in Brazil you can ask about The Smiths in any corner to anyone...everybody knows what They ARE...

                                          Have nice trip guys...
                                          mfs -- Saturday February 10 2001, @05:46PM (#7647)
                                          (User #2355 Info)
                                            David Grays lack of taste (Score:1)
                                            David Gray, "This Years Love"? tommorows chip wrappings more like. Get a life David, and for goodness sake do something about those roots dear boy. Morrissey will always reign supreme, and none of your banal, insignificant utterings will ever change that.
                                            HAZY JANE -- Sunday June 17 2001, @05:24AM (#12983)
                                            (User #3040 Info)
                                              I hate David gray (Score:0)
                                              I hate david Gray. Hes an asshole his songs suck ass and he looks hella gay.
                                              Anonymous -- Thursday June 21 2001, @09:15PM (#13278)

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