These documentaries are not regarded that highly, but I think some of the better ones really explain in detail the atmosphere of time the record was released, problems within the band, label disputes, etc. I think this was one of the better ones I've seen and it's streaming on Pitchfork for free viewing, so why not check it out, though advanced warning; it is longer that most of my posts (whoo, that long.)

One thing that struck me was how timely this viewing is, when right now Morrissey's current label is holding off on the release of YOR, when the same happened with TQID. Both released decent singles but received resistance from radio play and public response. Also timely is the recent article posted here about the importance of track order on an album and in this documentary Steven Street at first, questioned the A side songs setting a more somber tone than the B side but admitting, why it works. I believe the term they used is "dark, to light."

So there you go; the more thing change, the more they stay the same.

bet it will be the southbank show , just made
[or withdrawn by that]during and after the Smiths split ,
late 80's

Jesus. Who is that white-haired idiot with the guitar? I could play There Is A Light better than him on guitar and I can't even play the bloody thing.

This documentary is laughable - they've only managed to interview ONE ex-Smith... Craig Gannon! And he never even played on The Queen Is Dead! When you can't even get Mike Joyce to turn up for a Smiths documentary, then you know you're in trouble.

The rest is your usual Johnny Rogan borefest (he's dressed like he's either going to, or coming back from, a funeral: possibly his own) and other people talking a lot but saying nothing of any new interest. I Know It's Over is "dark" and "bleak" blah, blah. Well cheers for that, I've been listening to it since 1986 and it hadn't struck me that the lyrics might be a bit "sad" before... Give me strength!

But good on Pitchfork for letting us watch it for free rather than fork out for that shit.

On the documentary: that intro song after the L-shaped room portion isn't The Queen is Dead. Does anyone know what it is?

I really didn't think it was that bad....I know no important names were involved, but I really enjoyed just watching a song by song analysis of TQID. Stevie Street obviously logged in a lot of time with the band, and I love reading/watching stuff about the smiths. No hate here...interesting watch, particularly for free.