The Smiths

The 13 Best Songs of the Smiths

The 13 Best Songs of the Smiths

The Smiths changed the face of rock music and inspired a cult of fandom nearly unmatched since Beatlemania. These are their 13 best songs.

Viva Moz Vegas: Morrissey’s Misguided Set List, Excess Whimsy Hinder Caesar’s Residency

Viva Moz Vegas: Morrissey’s Misguided Set List, Excess Whimsy Hinder Caesar’s Residency

Only five songs into his Las Vegas set, shouts of “PLAY MORE SMITHS!” began ringing out. Unfortunately for Morrissey, it was a commonly shared sentiment.

12 Essential 1980s Alternative Rock Albums

12 Essential 1980s Alternative Rock Albums

PopMatters' '80s alt-rock primer spotlights the essential alternative rock albums from the broad genre's rich and diverse early years.

‘Call the Comet’ and the Magic Realism of Johnny Marr

‘Call the Comet’ and the Magic Realism of Johnny Marr

Ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr releases his third solo album, Call the Comet, a dystopian collection of futuristic synths and killer riffs.

Should Morrissey and Richard Ashcroft Just Give It Up, Already?

Should Morrissey and Richard Ashcroft Just Give It Up, Already?

The biggest problem with being a faded genius is that nothing he or she ever produces again can be analyzed, critiqued, or appreciated in a vacuum. It all comes in the wake of their prior transcendental music.

The 21 Best Album Re-Issues of 2017

The 21 Best Album Re-Issues of 2017

In 2017, the music world saw amazing reissues from all over the genre map, spanning rock titans to indie upstarts and jazz to soul.

The Smiths: The Queen Is Dead (Deluxe Edition)

The Smiths: The Queen Is Dead (Deluxe Edition)

The Rhino re-release of the indie rock icons' greatest album is carefully and beautifully presented. It provides a welcome opportunity to revisit a true classic.
Jens Lekman: Life Will See You Now

Jens Lekman: Life Will See You Now

Singer-songwriter Jens Lekman returns with Life Will See You Now, possibly his finest record to date.
Johnny Marr Keeps the Story of His Life Uncomplicated in ‘Set the Boy Free’

Johnny Marr Keeps the Story of His Life Uncomplicated in ‘Set the Boy Free’

This may be a quick read, but the true magic is saved for the music and a life well-lived.
Five Observations About the 2015 Rock Hall of Fame Ballot

Five Observations About the 2015 Rock Hall of Fame Ballot

The just-unveiled ballot for next year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction class attempts to honor Generation X as well as continue to rectify past oversights.
Knowing When to Indulge the Rock-Out Impulse

Knowing When to Indulge the Rock-Out Impulse

Making the big dumb rock gesture isn't always the cool thing to do. But a good musician always knows when it's best to do it anyway.
This Is the Day: The The – ‘Soul Mining: 30th Anniversary Edition’

This Is the Day: The The – ‘Soul Mining: 30th Anniversary Edition’

Thirty years later, Soul Mining remains The The's most vital work.