The Smiths: 20 Best Songs

3. This Charming Man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGnjrTkv1gs An unforgettable opening guitar riff with an Afrobeat lilt, funk bass, rock drums and Oscar Wilde on words and vocals - and this was only their second ever single, which earned them the first of many appearances on the now defunct Top of the Pops. 'This Charming Man', like 'Hand in Glove', outlined their manifesto, great tunes, great playing, great words and an unbreakable belief about what is important in life. Featuring the second best opening line of all time in "punctured bicycle, on a hillside, desolate... will nature make a man of me yet?" Nothing more needs to be said about this song. Just listen to it an marvel.
Contributor
Contributor

What makes music fantastic? Star quality, amazing music, breathtaking lyrics and the ability to bring something new to the table, even if that means a new take on the classics. That's what I love to listen to and write about. As well as writing for What Culture, I occasionally write a blog http://tedney.blogspot.co.uk and sometimes use Twitter, but sparingly @TedneyNash