Ever since their debut single was released in 1983, The Smiths have influenced musicians worldwide with their jangly guitar pop, infectious melodies and front man Morrissey's passionate lyrics. During their relatively short lifespan from 1982 to 1989, the quartet released four iconic albums and a host of singles. In 1988, less than a year after the last Smiths album, Morrissey embarked on a solo adventure that's still ongoing, with thirteen studio albums and a regular supply of singles, plus several live albums.
This installment of the On track series examines this vast back catalogue in detail, from The Smiths' debut single 'Hand In Glove' in 1983 to Morrissey's vinyl single release of a live version of 'Cosmic Dancer' in 2021, which he recorded with David Bowie back in 1991 – and all the songs from all the albums and singles in-between. Combining facts and trivia with personal views and memories, this is a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of Morrissey's long career, making it the perfect listening guide for both old fans and discoverers of his music for the very first time.
Tommy Gunnarsson has been a music journalist for 25 years, writing primarily for Swedish publications, but is also a regular contributor to the UK based web magazine Pennyblackmusic since the early 00s. He bought his first single at the age of seven in 1985 (Limahl's 'The Neverending Story'), and he first discovered The Smiths in the mid-1990s. He attended Morrissey's first ever Swedish gig in Gothenburg in 1997, and a few years later he co-founded the Swedish and Nordic Smiths and Morrissey fan club Unloveable Boxers and was the president during its lifetime. He lives in Stockholm with his two children.