The Smiths’ melancholic sounds undoubtedly have a lot to contribute to the current state of indie rock. Morrissey and Johnny Marr, with their early beginnings in the aftermath of the punk movement, created a sound that was beloved and unmatched by anything that had ever been pushed on British mainstream audiences. Even the eternally miserable Morrissey has to admit that the Manchester band’s innovations were so revolutionary that they make him smile when he remembers those days.
The Smiths were together for a mere five years, but in that time they produced an abundance of material. Apart from their four outstanding studio albums, the group released three compilation albums and a live album as well. If one is primarily depressed, there’s a Smiths song to fit any mood. The genius of Marr and Morrissey’s songwriting collaboration is demonstrated by the fact that, as you might expect, you could ask ten different people to name their favourite Smiths song, and you would receive ten different responses.
The best art is frequently born out of conflict, and the two songwriters who formed The Smiths were rarely at peace with one another. It seems that Morrissey and Marr’s never-ending competition led to some of the best work from the group as they tried to outdo one another. However, there were also quieter times in the band that the colourful front man of the group cherishes.
Morrissey discussed his experiences with The Smiths in a 1997 interview with KROQ. He said their 1987 hit song “Shoplifters of the World Unite” as a standout moment during the group’s existence. “I think it was probably the best days of our career“. The singer said, describing the song as a “Very, very witty single and a great moment for The Smiths in England.” I believe this song better than any others captures the spirit of that very colourful and humorous era. I enjoy it.
Fans of the Smiths adore the song itself. This has glam rock influences that are prevalent in all of the band’s late-period work. The song’s title parodies the famous quote “Workers of the world, unite” by socialist scholar Karl Marx. The lyrics also support shoplifting, which speaks to the band’s endearing sense of humour. “It’s more or less spiritual shoplifting, cultural shoplifting, taking things and using them to your own advantage”. Mozza testified in 1987 when discussing the song on The Tube.
Morrissey’s description of the song as “the best days of our career” does seem a bit strange considering the band’s high level of discord at the time. The Smiths actually broke up a few months after they released “Shoplifters of the World Unite.” So, they did not really last that long. The ensuing royalties dispute appeared to paint the last days of the independent heroes in a negative light. However, the content produced during this period appears to have been superior to all of that unpleasantness.
The messy breakup of The Smiths did not affect Morrissey, and he still admires the band’s brilliant material. The singer continues to perform “Shoplifters of the World Unite” in his solo live shows. Most recently, he did so in 2022 during a show in Las Vegas. He says the song is still one of his favorites.
