Cue Unhappy Birthday, for the 49th time. The bible of British indie music, NME, called Morrissey's band The Smiths "the most influential artist ever." Can't argue with facts. They released four studio albums and three compilations between 1984 and 1987 and pretty much changed the world with the songs This Charming Man, William It Was Really Nothing, Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, Sheila Take a Bow, Shoplifters of the World Unite, Ask, Panic, Unlovable, Girlfriend in a Coma, Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before, There Is a Light that Never Goes Out and How Soon Is Now? Morrissey has released eight solo albums since then, not all of them as good as the life-changing Viva Hate, Bona Drag, or Vauxhall & I. The ninth is said to be coming in late 2008 or early 2009. Even sooner, June 2, he will release his new single, All You Need Is Me. The song will be available with two new b-sides Children in Pieces and My Dearest Love, both recorded with Gustavo Santaolalla, whom you know for his (haunting? much-parodied?) music for Brokeback Mountain.
Comments