Vol. 4, No. 7, July 2007
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Indie Idol
When it comes to indie rock, Morrissey is god-like. Whether as the leader of the Smiths or as a solo artist, Morrissey’s music is always breathtaking, interesting, thought-provoking and powerful.
Atlantic City will get to experience the indie crooner in concert when he performs at Borgata on July 5.
Some would say that the Smiths are the most influential and important indie band from the 1980s, and they wouldn’t be wrong. While the entire band was magical, it was Morrissey’s witty, angst-filled lyrics and distinctive voice that made the Smiths not just a college-rock-radio staple but a music phenomenon. The ultimate frontman, Morrissey had a knack for poetic hooks.
The 48-year-old grew up in Manchester, England, as an odd and shy boy who found an escape in music and film before eventually joining a band called the Nosebleeds. But it wasn’t until he met Johnny Marr in 1982 that he found his writing voice, as the duo created some memorable British rock.
Originally an underground sensation, the Smiths grew to fame because of great songs like “Hand in Glove,” but it was Morrissey’s unpredictability and opinionated behavior that really got the band noticed. His criticism of Margaret Thatcher garnered plenty of publicity, too.
But the tension between Marr and Morrissey was too great, and the Smiths split up, resulting in an uneven yet admirable solo career. Never one to give in to public pressure, Morrissey produced material that defined him.
Songs like “Suedehead,” “Everyday is Like Sunday,” “The Last of the International Playboys,” “Interesting Drug,” “The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get” and others helped prove Morrissey didn’t need Marr, and he actually became a bigger success here than in his own country.
A massively popular touring attraction, Morrissey released
You Are the Quarry in 2004—his first studio album in seven years—showing that he still had lots left to offer. He followed that up with another CD,
Ringleader of the Tormentors, in 2006.
Morrissey performs 8 p.m. July 5 at Borgata’s Event Center. Tickets are $75 and $95.
