'The Smiths and Morrissey changed our lives'
They might have split 24 years ago, but the Smiths remain as popular as ever. Here, Jon Savage explains their enduring appeal, while Rosanna Boscawen and Gemma Kappala-Ramsamy meet some of their devoted fans
England in the 1980s
Watch the following videos to help become familiar with the time period in England.
1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRmFgx4AaZg
The 80s: Ten years that changed Britain
2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GFonv4NKTQ
A Witness to Poverty Nottingham
3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJEQtPxpUr4
Modern England 1979 - 1990
Music of the 1980s in England
Students need to gain a broad overview of the different music genres popular in England during the 1980s. Students will learn about the punk, mod, new wave, indie, electronic, new romantic and post punk movements in music.
Research each of the music genres (punk, mod, new wave, indie, electronic, new romantic, post punk) and explore the leading musicians, political/cultural beliefs, fashion and sub-culture connected to the music genre.
1.
https://www.npr.org/2013/04/12/176952013/the-thatcher-eras-effect-on-british-music
The Thatcher eras effect on British music.
2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRmFgx4AaZg
1980s: 10 years that changed Britain.
3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgkjAJFAvA8
What is youth Culture?
Spend 20 minutes to 30 minutes researching and reading about The Smiths. Who the band members were, where are they from, time period, etc.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/oct/02/smiths-morrissey-fans-changed-lives
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjLH3hipVsc
The Story of The Smiths
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG0Gi5KeWLI
The Smiths: These Things take Time
The Headmaster Ritual Questionnaire
The Smiths' songs that we will study:
The Headmaster's Ritual - Topics of the corruption of the education system, abuse of power
The Queen is Dead - Topics of abuse of power, corruption of power
This Charming Man - Topics of discrimination based on sexuality
Stretch out and Wait - Topics of poverty, government abuse and corruption
How Soon is Now? - Topics of alienation, loneliness, mental health, sexuality
There is a Light that will Never go Out - Topics of alienation, loneliness, mental health, sexuality
Meat is Murder - Topics of societies' ignorance, abuse of power, lack of education
What Difference Does it Make? - Topics of alienation, loneliness, mental health, sexuality
That Joke isn't Funny Anymore - Topics of alienation, loneliness, mental health, sexuality
The Smiths’ 20 Best Songs: Critic’s Picks
Here’s a list of the top 20 best The Smiths songs.