First of the Gang to Die, by Morrissey


outside of a few of their video hits, i was pretty much unaware of the smiths, so i dont have that prejudice against morrissey that is prevelent among so many who knew him as that seemingly arrogant and silly frontman. i discovered morrissey when he had matured some, and i loved the first album i heard from him, vauxhall and i. and i have been folllowing him and enjoying his music ever since. i have even become a fan of some of the smiths music, although i find their video insufferable. this is my favorite morrissey song. i think its a hilariously cynical take down of straight liberals who sentimentalize the gay culture, as well as being a sesperately tragic episode of the AIDS epidemic. og course, both of these themes are inferred, but i dont feel the song is about what its surgaces might suggest

As usual, I focus more on the music than the lyrics. Super cool melody - love the downward motion of the notes. Really like your guitar and the smooth staccato of your phrasing,

I’ve always been a big fan of The Smiths and I don’t mind Morrissey’s solo stuff. He’s become even more outspoken in recent years, moving from just arrogant and silly to some very right wing views, but I manage separate art from artist for far greater offenses than opinions.

Good to hear your version Bill, I think you have given this song more melodic interest than Morrissey.