http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgNfTx9pGzA Morrissey finally gets revenge on his teachers - who he's just launched into yet again in his book 'Autobiography'. Everything that I love about the Smiths is present and correct, a completely original tune, unbelievable guitar playing, the tightest rhythm section this side of Booker T and The M.G.'s and of course, Morrissey, crooning and wailing his way through, articulating the misery of being at school with unbelievable humour and wit. The story of the song is actually told in the opening five words: "Belligerent ghouls run Manchester schools." Creating a minor political storm at the time, I wonder if David Cameron, that self-proclaimed Smiths fan has ever shared this with Michael Gove? Hm, I think not. As I've mentioned there have been some godawful Smiths covers, but Radiohead stepped up to the plate to have a crack at this, and good for them for acknowledging the band that influenced where the aforementioned 'Knifes Out' came from.
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