Sounds like it's well worth getting the new edition. 'Songs That Saved Your Life' is second only to the autobiography that we all hope for.

It does sound worthwhile now. Looking forward to it.

The first version of this book was excellent. Just how much additional info is there I wonder.... if it is just a few paragraphs, I'll read it in the bookshop like the pikey I am.

If it is more substantial, I might have to invest some of my hard earned, over taxed cash.

but couldn't you just release an appendix or a pocket part for those of us who have the first book? i have limited space on my shelf, and i'd have to sell some books if it gets any worse.

:^P

i thoroughly enjoyed the 1st edition and can't wait for the updated version. the 20 bucks i paid for the 1st one wasn't enough for the goosebumps i got reading it. more than willing to pay another 20 for the thrills again. now imagine if moz himself ever agreed to sit w/ goddard? i'd pay triple for that version of the book!

It sounds great but I can't help feeling it's only half the story with no Morrissey involvement.

I swear to god that I just LAST NIGHT finished this book, having recently ordered it from Amazon here in the States. I must say I truly, truly enjoyed it, it being the second best book I've ever read on The Smiths (the first being Rogan's exhaustive bio which, like or not, told me many things I didn't previously know). However, while I greatly enjoyed Goddard's diving into the musical history of our favorite songs, I did take umbrage with some of his conclusions, most notably that "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" is a song about suicice. That song is NOT about suicide; it's about hoping desperately to achieve happiness, the narrator trying to express the emotion that, "If this person next to me loved me, then I wouldn’t mind death." Or, like The Jesus and Mary Chain put it in a song, "And the way I feel tonight, I could die and I wouldn't mind." Anyway, Goddard's book is still a tremendously fine read, but I will most definitely not run out and buy it again just because it turned out Johhny was using a Twin Reverb instead of a Roland Jazz Chorus during the "Work is a Four Letter Word" sessions. Instead, I'd love to read a similar book about all of Morrissey's solo songs...

Best book on the Smiths I've read. Best source of information, hands down. Easily accessible as a reference book, or if I want to pick it up and read for 5 or 10 minutes. I already told myself I'd buy the new edition (after reading the first one twice), but after reading Goddard's description, I will have no doubts or regrets in purchasing this and spending my time on it.

Also, I can't imagine Morrissey ever sitting down with Goddard, and honestly, if Morrissey told a contradicting version of a certain story, I'd be more inclined to believe the one originally printed by whoever told it.

Amanda Malone single?

Will someone please explain this?

OMG. I JUST BOUGHT THE BOOK THIS WEEK ON AMAZON. Booo. I have to buy it again??? Damn my damn timing!!

I have had this book in my bookshelf , unfinished for about 1 month. I have only read the first 20 pages and I became bored with it, it is filled with information I already knew, but of course Im going to run out and buy the new copy because I have a collection that needs ro grow and maybe I should give this book another chance because you guys keep saying how great it is. If he makes a 3rd copy and Morrissey has some input in it,( which I doubt will ever happen) you can bet I will buy that copy and finish it in week... or maybe 2.

I have the first edition of SG's book and found it a very enjoyable read - I, like others, have both read it cover to cover and dip into it sporadically too. So I look forward to the new, amended edition. And by the way, Simon, if you do happen to read this, cheers for your excellent journalism in 'Uncut' magazine (and alerting me to the Joe South albums). Someone who's a Smiths, Clash AND Johnny Cash fan is definitely on my wavelength. And yours was the only review of Vinny Peculiar's album I could find too. Cheers very muchly.

P.S. Is Johnny Marr writing the foreword this time, or will that still be the (very nice) introduction from Mike Joyce, as per the last edition?

Peepholism part II

1994-2004/5

amanda malone single ??? wots that about ????
ANYONE NOW?

but yeah re-issue does sound worthy.

would love a peepholism 2 though...............

amanda malone single ??? wots that about ????
ANYONE 'K'NOW?

but yeah re-issue does sound worthy.

would love a peepholism 2 though....

The last book was the most fascinating insight into The Smiths and this promises to be even better.
Anyone can write a soap opera like psycho bio.
To collate masses of hidden musical facts from history str8 from the horses mouths is something much more admirable and fascinating.
Well done buddy!

Although I enjoyed the book first time round, surely the extra input from Johnny Marr etc will only total a few more pages.. and that won't justify forking out twice for a book that i've already read 95% of.
Goddard says he can understand some fans thinking that this is a 'reissue repackage, repackage' thing....but the bottom line is that it's still a nice little earner for him.

Best just wait a couple of months, then pick it up for a fiver in one of the discount music stores.

Simon Goddard stop it. You're neglecting your cats spending all day typing up flattering reviews of yourself on Moz Solo. I'll report you to the RSPCA if you don't stop, and what will that do for your reputation as a lesbian?

So there's no excuse for you not to buy it. This really is a new improved version, plenty of interesting new Johhny Marr bits and a detailed insight into the split.

So go buy !!

Jocky