The Smiths - This Charming Man

UK 7' single with solid center.

RT 136

1983

Very nice condition.

The Smiths were a seminal English rock band known for their melancholic lyrics, jangly guitar sound, and profound influence on indie and alternative music. Active from 1982 to 1987, they were led by the poetic and provocative Morrissey (vocals) and the melodic genius of Johnny Marr (guitar). Despite their short career, The Smiths are considered one of the most important British bands of the 1980s.

🧷 Quick Facts:

• Formed: 1982 – Manchester, England

• Members:

  • Morrissey – vocals, lyrics

  • Johnny Marr – guitar, songwriting

  • Andy Rourke – bass

  • Mike Joyce – drums

• Genres: Indie rock, jangle pop, post-punk, alternative rock

• Years Active: 1982–1987

🎶 Sound & Style:

• Marr’s bright, melodic guitar (inspired by 1960s pop) paired with Morrissey’s literary, often bleak lyrics

• Their music bridged the gap between post-punk gloom and melodic pop, setting the tone for the future of indie rock

• Themes: alienation, love, class, depression, politics, English identity

📀 Studio Albums:

1. The Smiths (1984)

• Raw, emotional, distinct debut

• Key tracks:

  • “This Charming Man”

  • “What Difference Does It Make?”

  • “Hand in Glove”

2. Meat Is Murder (1985)

• More political and aggressive

• Key tracks:

  • “The Headmaster Ritual”

  • “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore”

  • “Meat Is Murder”

3. The Queen Is Dead (1986) ⭐

• Often cited as their masterpiece

• Key tracks:

  • “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”

  • “The Queen Is Dead”

  • “Bigmouth Strikes Again”

  • “I Know It’s Over”

4. Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)

• Final album; lush, layered, and mature

• Key tracks:

  • “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me”

  • “I Started Something I Couldn't Finish”

  • “Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before”

🧑🎤 Signature Songs:

🧠 Lyrical Themes:

• Social alienation and the outsider

• Vegetarianism & animal rights (especially Morrissey)

• Cynicism toward mainstream culture and politics

• Witty, often self-deprecating takes on love and relationships

• Deeply British sensibility, full of literary and pop culture references

🏆 Legacy:

• Widely considered one of the greatest British bands ever

• Profound influence on bands like Radiohead, The Stone Roses, Oasis, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, and more

• Laid the foundation for the indie rock explosion of the 1990s and 2000s

• Despite a short lifespan, their cult status only grew post-breakup

😢 Breakup & Aftermath:

• Split in 1987 due to tensions between Morrissey and Marr

• Morrissey launched a successful solo career (still active)

• Johnny Marr has played with The The, Modest Mouse, The Cribs, and released acclaimed solo work

• Repeated rumors of a reunion have never come true—Morrissey has firmly declined

📽️ In Pop Culture:

• Their songs have appeared in films like 500 Days of Summer, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and many more

• Known for iconic cover art, often featuring cult film stars or obscure figures in black and white

🧠 Fun Facts:

• Morrissey was an avid fan of Oscar Wilde, James Dean, and soap operas

• Their record label, Rough Trade, helped define indie culture in the UK

• “How Soon Is Now?” was originally a B-side but became one of their most famous tracks

• Morrissey and Marr wrote nearly all songs together, forming a now-legendary songwriting team

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