INFLUENZA !

The Smiths , and Morrissey in particular , are one of modern music's most misunderstood artists . Speak to the average or occasional music fan about Morrissey and the first words they will utter will include 'miserable and depressing' . This is guaranteed . Nothing could be further from the truth . Sure , he explored such themes in his songs , as he was a chronic sufferer ( whatever that is ) of depression etc , but , his songs contain some of the funniest and wittiest lyrics ever penned by an Englishman . The attachment to Oscar Wilde isn't merely fleeting but a huge nod goes to him in the way Moz tackles words and their conjunction with eachother . This theme goes well into his solo career as well and will manifest itself once more on his new record which is due out in 2004 on Sanctuary Records .

For every song about misery and urban dismay there is a glorious snapshot of the madness of living in the UK . The Quen Is Dead was heavily criticized upon it's release just because of the title but delve deeper and you hear an absolute masterpiece of lyrics and vocals . The whole reason he moved to the USA is because he was never going to given an inch in this country . 

Morrissey can deliver the most ascerbic and brutal lyrics too when someone gets on the wrong side of him as well . Check out the words to 'The More You Ignore Me , The Closer I Get' . Absolutely terrifying ! If I was the target of these words , and we all know who it is , I'd be afraid . I'd be very afraid !

"Be aware I bear more grudges than lonely high court judges , when you sleep I will creep into your thoughts like a bad debt that you can't pay , take the easy way and give in , oh , let me in " Terrifying genius . 

I have always tried to incorporate some word play in my lyrics , sometimes clever , sometimes obvious . But never wanted to sound predictable . I may steal and remove , plagiarise and recycle but I always try in the end to produce intelligent and thought provoking lyrics . Even if it only means the listener thinks , 'what on earth is he on about' . I know that Morrissey's goal was similar to this as well and he certainly achieved that . He has achieved nororiety and recieved savage criticism for lyrics like 'National Front Disco' and 'Suffer Little Children' , all of which was wide of the mark , but it did provoke .

Fundamentally he is a kind , considerate and massively intelligent human being who is constantly misunderstood . I would say I have some of these qualities but not all of them :-)

In addition to all of The Smiths albums without exception , I would also recommend all of Morrisseys solo albums beginning with Bona Drag and/or one of the Best Of's . A vital addition to this resource of un-rivalled material is the documentary aired on Channel 4 in 2003 , 'The Importance of being Morrissey" , absolutely essential in understanding this man and his work .

" Go child and make it yours , for it is ours and not theirs " - Andy , Creatures #2 2003 .

Click on any of the record covers to buy Smiths/Morrissey CDs @ Reflex