The Smiths: The Queen is Dead (DVD)
115 Min.
Chrome Dreams Productions

To listeners of a certain age, The Smiths’ The Queen Is Dead qualifies as a seminal piece of work.  The collaborations of Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr made up some of the most widely listened to underground music of the 1980’s and 1990’s.

The album itself almost never happened.  The Smiths were dealing with a near break up, a drug habit from one of its own, record label issues, and rampant egoism from at least two band members.  The DVD details all of these issues and more.  Extensive interviews are held with the band’s producers, PR men, critics, as well as “the fifth Smith”, guitarist Craig Gannon, who joined the band for this album and tour.

Morrissey, always considered the center of the band, strongly felt that lack of media exposure ruined the band’s chances for world domination.  His feelings are made known through some of the songs here: “Frankly Mr. Shankly” and “The Boy With the Thorn in His Side,” we learn, are direct shots at the music industry.  His own self-loathing (“Never Had No One Ever”) and his criticism of England’s politics (“The Queen Is Dead”) are recurring themes through all of
their work, but never more scathing than on this album.

We learn about the band’s songwriting process, their influences (1960’s British movies, The Rolling Stones, MC5, Velvet Underground), and the widespread impact the band had on the independent music labels.  Videos and live concert shots of each song are included, as well as background and inspiration for each.  Video interviews with Morrissey and Marr are also spliced throughout.  Drummer Mike Joyce barely warrants a mention.

The first half of the disc is slow, but things pick up with the song by song breakdown, and the live performances illustrate just how good this band was at its peak.  For those alone, the DVD is well worth the price of admissionI only wish they had somehow preserved an entire concert.

Brian A. Smith
10 August 2009