Songs That Saved Your Life (Revised Edition): The Art of The Smiths 1982-87

by Simon Goddard

Overview

One of the seminal groups of the Eighties, The Smiths' career was as brilliant as it was brief. Now, drawing on interviews with band members, producers, and colleagues, music journalist Simon Goddard presents a meticulous chronological survey of the group's musical evolution, from their first demos in 1982 to their final fractured studio session five years later.

Investigating the stories behind the songs, and detailing every British TV and radio session, he also offers a unique analysis of each track's concert life. Granted unprecedented access to The Smiths' studio archives and to the private collection of outtakes and rehearsals retained by drummer Mike Joyce, the author lifts the lid on unreleased material as well as the lost songs and alternate versions that have remained closely guarded secrets until now.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781781162583
Publisher:	Titan
Publication date:	02/26/2013
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.70(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Simon Goddard is a music journalist who writes for a variety of publications, including Q magazine.

Editorial Reviews

"Songs That Saved Your Life is an essential volume for Smiths fans, a labor of love where the love clearly shows and fanaticism is forgiven." - Spectrum Culture

“An exhaustive look at all things Morrissey...even the most diehard fan is bound to learn something new.” – USA Today’s Pop Candy

“If The Smiths did indeed craft the songs that saved your life, The Smiths: Songs That Saved Your Life will be the ideal literary companion to your music library.” – Blogcritics

“Goddard’s book is an invaluable resource for Smiths fans who’ve ever wondered where Morrissey’s wordplay came from.” – AV Club

“If you are a Smiths fan and you want to know every single thing about every song they ever wrote, this will become your new Smiths bible!” – Pop Cults

From the Publisher