to forget what you have speculated on his sexual preferences. i really hate this gay fascists that want to steal our Morrissey away.

Morrissey: "But in Rolling Stone, obviously, which got me into lots of trouble, there was a statement that 'Morrissey is a man who says that he is gay.' Which was news to me. And it had an absolutely adverse effect on our chances in America. And obviously Sire backed away immediately. But the journalist who wrote it—who is himself very steeped, he's a very strong voice in the gay movement in New York, I think it was just wishful thinking on his part—well, I don't want to be slotted into any category like that in any way. Because it's pointless. I mean, all these terms and all these categories, they've not really proved to be of any value within music."

"There are very few recording artists who've managed to plumb the psychological depths The Smiths regularly explore.... There is an artistic integrity in evidence that can't be dismissed:"

"'For me," says Morrissey, "it's good enough that people just actually think about the songs, regardless of what conclusion they come to about them. And I know that people do think about the words a great deal, because they tell me so. And ultimately that's the biggest prize of all.'"

Morrissey steers the interview with the forthright fluent confidence of bright energetic youth, yet unhindered by some harsh experiences, but still, it's interesting that what is said in general about the Smith's music and its effect is consistent with what could be said about his own since The Smiths dispersed. This kind of article is a reminder of the reasons for that original sense of gratitude for the discovery.

This is the kind of stuff I hope we can expect more of. Creem, Rolling Stone, NME, Spin etc have such large historical archives that they have a duty to share or sell access. I think some of these companies are idiots for not selling custom fan packs. I know they do the occasional dedicated issue but more than that...the HISTORY. Imagine if you could buy a binder with everything pertaining to your favourite artists (Morrissey for example) that magazine ever published in it. I'd pay $20 minimum for that. I would buy multiples too starting with Morrissey and the Cure. They underestimate the number of musicologists among music fans in the US. I swear there is not a business savy chap or missy amongst them.

' "So many journalists try to quiz me on this point, and they maintain that the Smiths have two audiences—an audience of Morrissey disciples and an audience of Johnny Marr disciples. And to me it's wrong, because if you really care about the group in any degree—whether you like the words or you like the music—you wouldn't really want to bring it down in any department. Because to me the whole of the Smiths is so essential—and it's so perfect, that really to cut it up and to start picking holes in certain sections, is pointless. It's ludicrous."'
I love that part, it rings a bell ;).

Hah! I just love the way Moz spends a huge chunk of that article criticising the record company!

I enjoyed that article, but (sorry if I'm stupid) what was the last paragraph saying? That Moz was lying?