The Smiths

:This article is about the English rock band, for other uses of "Smith or "Smiths", see Smith

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The Smiths were a British rock group, active from 1982 to 1987. The group was based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr, and was signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records. The group enjoyed considerable album chart success in the UK (although only two singles made the UK top ten), and had a major influence on subsequent "indie" music, including the Britpop movement and bands such as Radiohead, Suede, Oasis, Travis, The Libertines, Doves and many more. At the time, the group was notable in particular for two things: Morrissey's witty, controversial and unusual lyrics, and Marr's music which returned the guitar to the forefront at a time when the instrument had fallen out of favour in the UK charts. The band released a total of four studio albums and several compilations in less than five years, as well as numerous singles.

Related Topics:
British - Rock group - 1982 - 1987 - Morrissey - Johnny Marr - Independent record label - Rough Trade Records - Indie - Britpop - Radiohead - Suede - Oasis - Travis - The Libertines - Doves

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Although not an international commercial success at the time, the Smiths generated a growing cult following throughout the last two decades of the twentieth century. They received increased acknowledgement in the 1990s and the re-released "This Charming Man" reached No. 8. In 2002, they were voted 'most inspirational band' in the NME.

Related Topics:
2002 - NME

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