The Track That Changed My Life: Steve Wall on The Smiths' 'This Charming Man' | Hotpress
As part of our 45th Birthday special – in which we celebrate the 45s that shaped our world – some familiar musical faces select their favourite single si...
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As part of our 45th Birthday special – in which we celebrate the 45s that shaped our world – some familiar musical faces select their favourite single since the launch of Hot Press in 1977...
Steve Wall on The Smiths' 'This Charming Man':
When I heard it first on the radio, it really stood out from everything else at the time. Johnny Marr’s guitar sound and his playing is so unique. I love how the guitar weaves in and around the vocal and plays constantly throughout the track.
The tempo is quite fast and the drums and bass drive it with a rhythm like The Supremes’ ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’. You can literally sing that over it. But add Marr’s jangly riffs and it sounds like The Byrds playing Motown. What sets it apart from a Motown pastiche is Morrissey’s languid vocal delivery and his intelligent and wry lyrics.
A new form of indie guitar music was born that would go on to influence so many bands. You could sound poppy, but still be cool and alternative.
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