The Smiths were rockabilly fans, as evidenced in their quiffs if nothing else. Several Smiths songs benefit from the rockabilly sounds and rhythms too, and Johnny Marr's desire to get that Sun Records vibe down on tape. Here is a seven minute version of Rusholme Ruffians, eventually trimmed and re-recorded for 1985's Meat Is Murder album, with Andy Rourke's rocking bassline well to the fore. Always loved this song, Morrissey's tale of violence and love at the fair very English up against Marr, Joyce and Rourke's rockabilly shuffle. Live they segued Elvis' Marie's The Name (Of His Latest Flame) into it (on the live album Rank).
Rusholme Ruffians (demo version)
Oh, how I love that twanging guitar - great
ReplyDeleteSaw them on the Meat Is Murder tour and remember being most struck with that segue into 'Marie' - the first time we'd heard it
ReplyDeleteI never saw The Smiths, one of my biggest regrets musically.
ReplyDeleteI did, in 1986 at the then GLC. I was more impressed with Mari Wilson (she of the beehive hairstyle I think). I just thought the Smiths didn't have much of a presence.
ReplyDeleteBrixton Academy 1985. One of the best gigs I've ever been to.
ReplyDeleteL saw them 4 times. I was never really that fussed.
ReplyDeleteand this record is one reason why morrisseys (and marrs) court case and comments about rourke (and joyce) were absolute nonsense...
ReplyDeletelawnmowers my arse...
saw them twice... including their last ever gig...