"Never Had No One Ever" — The Story of the Smiths and Morrissey

• Spring 2021
• Professor: Brian Kim Stefans 
• Email: stefans@humnet.ucla.edu 
• Time: Thursdays, 3-3:50
• Office Hours: Wednesdays, 12-2

Introduction

The Smiths, as Allmusic states, “were the definitive British indie rock band of the '80s.” Led by the mercurial Morrissey, whose sardonic lyrics about love, sexuality and politics revolutionized the pop lyric, and his songwriting partner, Johnny Marr, notable for his “jangly” style of guitar playing that offered an upbeat, even cheerful, counterpoint to Morrissey’s “miserablism,” the Smiths grew a devoted fan base among the alienated youth unsatisfied with the gaudier offerings of British and American pop on the then-new MTV (the Smiths refused to make a video). In this course, we’ll review the band’s four studio albums, including their masterpiece The Queen is Dead, and their two double-LP compilations along with Morrissey’s early solo work. We’ll discuss the distinctive musical influences on the Smiths—ranging from the Byrds to punk, girl bands to rockabilly, “sing era” standards to prog rock—and examine Morrissey’s lyrics and the writers, notably Oscar Wilde, who inspired him. We’ll also discuss Morrissey’s political views, to the extent we can discern them.

Class Policies 

Your Responsibilities

I will be creating a class blog. Every week, I’d like you to post a few comments relating to the questions I’ve posed below. It would even better if you have an active discussion on the blog, since we will only have an hour of time each week to listen to and talk about the music. 

In addition to the questions posed, I’d also like to think about how some of these music techniques have survived to today. 

You can use any streaming service you’d like to listen to the entire albums. Many of the tracks that I link to on YouTube are also on Spotify with the exception of the live tracks. Also, I’m sure some of these LPs are also available on YouTube, but of a lesser sound quality. 

Also:

Tell me as soon as you see problems arising — personal, financial, etc. — that you think will hinder your progress in the class. You can write me an email or schedule a one-on-one before or after class to discuss.

I take attendance every day. More than two absences (or [Zooming] late frequently) affects your grade. 

The Classroom

I like to conduct an open discussion. If you are shy about interrupting me or one of the other students, the best way to get my attention is to drop a note in the chat. Please be sure that you have a good audio connection. I’d like you to keep your cameras on since it gives me a sense that you’re there and paying attention.

Grading

Grading is based on your blog comments and class participation. I won’t be grading on grammar, quality of writing, depth of thought or anything — just remind me that you’re keeping up with the music!