Morrissey is a band I have known for a few years, but never got into them. My first entry to the Morrissey sound was through The Smiths, who I love. Their album The Queen is Dead became one of my favorite albums at the end of April and through May. Still, I did not think of getting into Morrissey's solo discography. That is until a few weeks ago when I downloaded Your Arsenal. The very sound of the album intrigued me, since most of it sounded like The Smiths. This album fits nicely into the shimmering, summery sound that has come to provide the energy for the rest of the summer's concerts.
 

No surprises here: Morrissey sounds like The Smiths. Gone, of course, though, is guitar-hero Johnny Marr, who was outstanding (albeit a little overrated) in The Smiths. Alternatively, Blur has taken the sound of Morrissey and they used it on their earlier albums, namely Modern Life is Rubbish. Other than Blur and The Smiths, I cannot think of any band that outwardly sounds like Morrissey. This is mainly due to his voice, which is very distinctive and unique.
 

The album I will associate with the Midsummer Musical Theatre (post-Jamboree era)- for now- will be Your Arsenal. This album has some awesome energy and raw emotion. The guitar is superb throughout and the lyrics- although politically and personally charged at times- are memorable and solid. This album has some key songs on it for me, mainly "Tomorrow", "Glamorous Glue", and "The National Front Disco" all are outstanding. They also provide the signature sound of the album, which is despairing and emotional.
 

I love Morrissey's voice and his lyrics. I only own two albums from The Smiths and one album from Morrissey's solo work. Chances are, I will definitely take a listen to the other albums. There's bound to be more good stuff he's got, no doubt about it. I can see them staying around for a long time, probably forever...especially since I consider The Queen is Dead one of the best albums I've ever heard.