"Suedehead" released 20 years ago today...

[Not Right in the Head]

in the UK (02/27/1988), kicking off Morrissey's solo career with incredible style. Read about it at Passions.

I'd love to start a This Day in Smithstory thread, but I'm not the best person for that.

[9 x Fined]

Wow how time flies. MTV used to play this vid at least 5 times a day. I think it's what initially got me interested in the Mozzasaurus.

[Corrissey]

PURE LOVE

[William4]

oh tractor moz...

[yesiamkali]

Suedehead released 20 years ago today...I cannot believe it. "Where Did All The Time Go; Once Always In For The Kill, Now It's Too Cold, And I feel Too Old..."

[miryam_moz85]

There is a light that NEVER....
good bless him..!!!

[fridaynightinoutpatients]

are you serious?

20 years?

wow, the memories.

thanks moz.

[kissmyshadestoo]

Man, I feel old now....20 years ago?

I remember I used to get so happy when this video came on....I was trying to soak up as much Smiths/Moz stuff as possible.

[Dow Jones]

oh tractor moz...

Tractor Moz is the best Moz.

[Corrissey]

Tractor Moz is the best Moz.

I like bongo Moz.

Did you see he crossed the street when it clearly said DON'T WALK?!
Rebel with a cause.

[mozzer7]

I can't believe it has been that long.

[fridaynightinoutpatients]

I like bongo Moz.

Did you see he crossed the street when it clearly said DON'T WALK?!
Rebel with a cause.

hahahahahahaha!!

that's funny.

[blackpoolphil]

Because Julia, the past never dies. The past is myself

[joey]

It really is hard to believe it's 20 years young.

[Corrissey]

It really is hard to believe it's 20 years young.

Joey, watching the vid I couldn't help but think of your recent road trip Gave it a little more ('personal') meaning for me. I still chuckle at the pic next to OOPS (d'oh!!)

Gawd, Morrissey's quiff was high and mighty! Barn shot esp cool.

[Paulc]

Why wasnt Suedehead a massive no.1 single - what kept it from getting what it deserved?

It is a great moment in his career and should have been more critically and commercially successful than it was - wonderful song, great and simple lyrics, beautiful melodies, perfect pop song length and a video that was both visually stark and captivating.

It also got alot of attention on the radio and on TV and of course, showed Morrissey riding on the crest of the post Smiths wave. I know it was successful- no3 in the uk i think - but i really dont understand why it wasnt an even more MASSIVE hit.

[Worm]

Why wasnt Suedehead a massive no.1 single - what kept it from getting what it deserved?

It is a great moment in his career and should have been more critically and commercially successful than it was - wonderful song, great and simple lyrics, beautiful melodies, perfect pop song length and a video that was both visually stark and captivating.

It also got alot of attention on the radio and on TV and of course, showed Morrissey riding on the crest of the post Smiths wave. I know it was successful- no3 in the uk i think - but i really dont understand why it wasnt an even more MASSIVE hit.

Excellent post.

Everything about that song screamed 'hit'-- the splendid video was even played on daytime MTV!

However, I think it's a great contrast to make with his current singles. I don't mean the quality of the music, I mean the state of the charts. "Suedehead" obviously qualifies as a chart hit no matter how you look at it, but I think if you compare its impact on the public versus the impact of the recent Top Tens, it's easy to see how the meaning of chart success has changed.

In the States people knew about "Suedehead". It wasn't a "hit" by any means but I recall seeing the singles in the shops, the video on TV, and it was a "hit" on the nebulously defined College/Alternative charts. I also remember an article in a Los Angeles newspaper discussing Morrissey's success with "Viva Hate", noting with astonishment that although he was still below the radar, so to speak, he was selling as many albums as people like David Lee Roth (who at the time was actually successful). Morrissey's first few solo releases were not chart smashes but they arguably impacted the scene more than the newer stuff which is gone with the wind almost as soon as it arrives. I'm guessing it's the same in the UK although I don't know.

Again, I'm not arguing that "Suedehead" is better than the new singles, merely following on from some earlier threads to point out that times have changed and this "Greatest Hits" release is kind of silly.

[Vauxhall95]

Did you see he crossed the street when it clearly said DON'T WALK?!
Rebel with a cause.

Word!

That's why the F.B.I. questioned him...

[Scarlet Ibis]

Wow. This made me feel very old. I received the album for my 17th birthday. I left my own party to go listen to it. I was so nervous for him. I wanted it to be good for his sake more than mine. I was rooting for him. He didn't disappoint.

[lux girl]

Wow! 20 years ago!
I remember waiting with bated breath for the release...wanted so badly for it to be perfect, and it was.
This song is very special to me as it made me realise that Morrissey would be in my musical life for longer than I expected.
Thanks Morrissey!