Smiths & Morrissey

This is England

by Claudio Fabretti

This new episode of Rock in Onda, the show hosted by Claudio Fabretti on Radio Città Aperta (Fm 88.9 in Rome or streaming here), is dedicated to the Smiths and their leader Morrissey.

An entire generation saw itself reflected in their songs. But the impact the Smiths' work has had on British culture remains tangible to this day. As does the energy of their leader, who after 25 years of a solo career is still riding high.

Listen to or download the podcasts for free:

The Smiths & Morrissey – part one

The Smiths & Morrissey – seconda parte

A formula that seems simple yet is extremely refined made the Smiths' fortune: the layering of Marr's soft guitar arpeggios, cascading over the words sung by Morrissey, wrapping them in a warm, crepuscular weave of airy, bewildered sounds. The singer, for his part, glides lightly over the polished surfaces of his own voice, poised between the emotional tension of an operatic aria and the absorbed chanting of a cult leader.

But the unstoppable success of this formula was also down to the charismatic, egocentric figure of Morrissey, singer, razor-sharp critic of English society, and a consummate writer "on loan" to music.

Remember to subscribe to the Rock in Onda Facebook page, where you can always find the downloadable podcasts, plus the full tracklists and all the news about the show.

Feel free to send us comments, suggestions and ideas for upcoming episodes, on Facebook or by email: rockinonda@ondarock.it We'll be happy to build future playlists with your input too.

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21/09/2025

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This article is an English translation of the original Italian text by Claudio Fabretti, published on OndaRock.it. It was translated with the help of artificial intelligence, under the editorial responsibility of OndaRock's editor-in-chief, Claudio Fabretti.

Read the original in Italian · About the English edition

Smiths on OndaRock

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Monograph

Discography

Show tracklist

1. Hand In Glove
2. This Charming Man
3. What Difference Does It Make?
4. Reel Around The Fountain
5. How Soon Is Now?
6. Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want
7. The Headmaster Ritual
8. Nowhere Fast
9. The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
10. Bigmouth Strikes Again
11. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
12. Panic

13. Death Of A Disco Dancer
14. Last Night I Dreamt Somebody Loved Me
15. Girlfriend In A Coma
16. Suedehead (Morrissey)
17. Margaret On The Guillotine (Morrissey)
18. Last Of The Famous International Playboys (Morrissey)
19. Our Frank (Morrissey)
20. The National Front Disco (Morrissey)
21. Used To Be A Sweet Boy (Morrissey)
22. Interlude (Morrissey & Siouxsie)
23. First Of The Gang To Die (Morrissey)
24. You Have Killed Me (Morrissey)
25. The Right Thing Right (Johnny Marr)

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