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The Smiths — The Boy With the Thorn in His Side (Live)
Album: Rank
Avg rating:
6.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 541









Released: 1988
Length: 3:45
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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The best indie emo yodel song ever!
Posted 4 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
 hbs47 wrote:
  1. Mute. I can never understand the fascination for this tuneless guy.

 

I assume you are talking about Morrisey, the Smiths are much more than Morrisey. It is about the songs, they are really good.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
Yer man Morrissey plays sell-outs in the States and is hero-worshipped by menopausal men both sides of the Pond. It's not a Brit thing.
 
Menopausal men, a disturbingly good description of Morrissey Fanbois.
Posted 13 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
Never heard the live version before - not my fav but a nice change...
Posted 13 years ago by JWU42    [ Reply ]
 phlattop wrote:
5 for the live version. The studio one's a 7.
 
Agreed.  Though I'd probably put studio at 8.
Posted 13 years ago by mbalson    [ Reply ]
 hbs47 wrote:
  1. Mute. I can never understand the fascination for this tuneless guy.

  Yes, you must be a mute if you find The Smiths tuneless


Posted 13 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]
Great song! Marr roks!{#Guitarist}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
  1. Mute. I can never understand the fascination for this tuneless guy.

Posted 13 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
 Curio wrote:
Brilliant song. Nasty live version.
 
Yes, "Rank" is the only Smiths album I own that I don't love. The live versions don't match the studio tracks for some reason. Please play more album cuts and singles from this amazing band!
Posted 13 years ago by alaken    [ Reply ]
 larsnamaste wrote:
I just can't understand the Brits fascination with this man.
 
Yer man Morrissey plays sell-outs in the States and is hero-worshipped by menopausal men both sides of the Pond. It's not a Brit thing.

Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
woow  wwwwooooo  woooooo wwooooowwww {#Bananajam}
Posted 14 years ago by albertgf    [ Reply ]
I remember the first time I heard this song—on the car radio—and almost drove off the road being absolutely floored by it. Minimum 9!
Posted 14 years ago by RipperP    [ Reply ]
 fevertree wrote:

I will NEVER get tired of listening to the Smiths. sigh. thanks {#Whistle}



 

*Sigh together* {#Notworthy}


Posted 14 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]

I will NEVER get tired of listening to the Smiths. sigh. thanks {#Whistle}



Posted 14 years ago by fevertree    [ Reply ]
I always liked this guy's voice ...
Posted 14 years ago by plaice3    [ Reply ]
Like it! {#Music} Smith's fan.

Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Turgid
Posted 14 years ago by psg    [ Reply ]
Brilliant song. Nasty live version.
Posted 14 years ago by Curio    [ Reply ]
This has to be close to the worst sound ever recorded.
Posted 14 years ago by Coaxial    [ Reply ]
5 for the live version. The studio one's a 7.
Posted 15 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
Just a purely visceral reaction of MEH to Morrissey.  I just can't stand the Smiths.

Posted 15 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
A lot of yanks just don't get this band. 

         {#Arrowd}
{#Arrow} Your loss {#Arrowl}
         {#Arrowu}

Posted 15 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
Well, I like this piece.  Also, normally, I can't stand yodelling of any kind, but Morrissey seems to pull it off and make it sound very pretty.

Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
I just can't understand the Brits fascination with this man.
Posted 15 years ago by larsnamaste    [ Reply ]
Didn't get it then, don't get it now. blah.{#Yawn}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Normally don't like their studio stuff, but this is not half bad!
Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
 greyfin10 wrote:

"I thought that some of the metaphysical imagery was really particularly effective. Interesting rhythmic devices too, which seemed to counterpoint the... er... humanity of the poet's compassionate soul."

 

All hail Arthur Dent!  {#Smile}
Posted 15 years ago by osbyec    [ Reply ]
 greyfin10 wrote:
Ok, I'll just cheat.

"I thought that some of the metaphysical imagery was really particularly effective. Interesting rhythmic devices too, which seemed to counterpoint the... er... humanity of the poet's compassionate soul."

Pah! Into the airlock with him!


Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I saw Morrisey at Coachella 4/17. He was in excellent voice, but he was choking on meat fumes the whole time!

It was hilarious listening to him bitch about "the smell of burning flesh" {#Roflol}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 greyfin10 wrote:
Of course this isn't anything like as horrible as my esteemed colleagues seem to believe.  I clicked on the song while in a bad mood and just couldn't leave the undeserved negativity to go unaddressed.  While I'm not currently in the state of mind to be all positive, I do want to stick my tongue out at all the negativity... thereby ironically trying to fight fire with fire.  That won't work will it?  Hmm.

Ok, I'll just cheat.

"I thought that some of the metaphysical imagery was really particularly effective. Interesting rhythmic devices too, which seemed to counterpoint the... er... humanity of the poet's compassionate soul."

Yeah, that's the ticket.
 
Well defended! You sir are a scholar and a gentleman.
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Of course this isn't anything like as horrible as my esteemed colleagues seem to believe.  I clicked on the song while in a bad mood and just couldn't leave the undeserved negativity to go unaddressed.  While I'm not currently in the state of mind to be all positive, I do want to stick my tongue out at all the negativity... thereby ironically trying to fight fire with fire.  That won't work will it?  Hmm.

Ok, I'll just cheat.

"I thought that some of the metaphysical imagery was really particularly effective. Interesting rhythmic devices too, which seemed to counterpoint the... er... humanity of the poet's compassionate soul."

Yeah, that's the ticket.
Posted 15 years ago by greyfin10    [ Reply ]
They even make it boring live, I cannot imagine how boring it would be on the album.
Posted 16 years ago by stevendejong    [ Reply ]
Just once again....BAD
Posted 16 years ago by stewliscious    [ Reply ]
Will they ever believe us?
Posted 16 years ago by marcucho    [ Reply ]
Bad bad bad bad REALLY bad
Posted 16 years ago by stewliscious    [ Reply ]
file under: "the thread with the thorn in it's side" lighten up, peeps.
Posted 16 years ago by LongGoneDaddy    [ Reply ]
The_Enemy wrote:
4 I dig The Smiths but this isn't a great version of this song.
3 I don't dig the Smiths, and the only great versions of their songs are versions done by someone else.
Posted 16 years ago by Smoove_D    [ Reply ]
The_Enemy wrote:
4 I dig The Smiths but this isn't a great version of this song.
Same here...I was thinking the same thing....
Posted 16 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
lophrequa wrote:
of all the songs in the smiths catalog, this?
4 I dig The Smiths but this isn't a great version of this song.
Posted 16 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
His current band rocks in concert.
Posted 16 years ago by earthbased    [ Reply ]
lophrequa wrote:
of all the songs in the smiths catalog, this?
Yes. This. 9
Posted 16 years ago by rtb    [ Reply ]
If Morissey is so miserable, why doesn't he just off himself and put himself out of OUR misery.
Posted 16 years ago by Ntropy    [ Reply ]
"Rank" says it all
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Why did I give this a 2 ? WTF was I thinking? I must have been in a really good mood that day.
Posted 16 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
Barf-o-rama!!
Posted 16 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
of all the songs in the smiths catalog, this?
Posted 16 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
EssexTex wrote:
You're right! in the early days they did in fact record in a tin can..as the money started to "flow" in they moved up to an oak beer barrel...that's progress!
lmao...that's great
Posted 16 years ago by Ellehcim    [ Reply ]
horstman wrote:
Very tinny No bass, all treble. Sounds like he's singing inside an aluminum can. Terrible recording. But still a great song.
You're right! in the early days they did in fact record in a tin can..as the money started to "flow" in they moved up to an oak beer barrel...that's progress!
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Very tinny No bass, all treble. Sounds like he's singing inside an aluminum can. Terrible recording. But still a great song.
Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
More SMITHS on RP!
Posted 16 years ago by Krow_Pie    [ Reply ]
d00kie wrote:
ANyone have any info on the album art?
generally Morrissey liked to create "stills" from British films of the sixties for his albulm art. Don't know what this one represents
Posted 16 years ago by Pharlap    [ Reply ]
d00kie wrote:
ANyone have any info on the album art?
The sleeve for Rank, once again designed by Morrissey, stars actress Alexandra Bastedo. The album's sleeve, a gatefold, featured dozens of Smiths fans ripping apart Morrissey's shirt, just tossed from the stage.
Posted 16 years ago by Krow_Pie    [ Reply ]
Anybody ever hear "Jack the Ripper"? That's my favorite.
Posted 16 years ago by brett_k    [ Reply ]
I wonder if he wears an Arab strap too.
Posted 17 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
A bit Kermitesqe, but otherwise not bad.
Posted 17 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
Minging!
Posted 17 years ago by madaxeman    [ Reply ]
ANyone have any info on the album art?
Posted 17 years ago by d00kie    [ Reply ]
... 'Rank' ... fitting.
Posted 17 years ago by Lonestar    [ Reply ]
Quite possibly my favorite Smiths' recording.
Posted 17 years ago by mrcookieface    [ Reply ]
yclept wrote:
a pain in the ear
Posted 17 years ago by raga    [ Reply ]
a pain in the ear
Posted 17 years ago by yclept    [ Reply ]
meydele wrote:
Guessing you're not a fan of the Sistine Chapel either, then.
HAHA.
Posted 17 years ago by ekeyte    [ Reply ]
DD closemindedmoron wrote:
Isnt this guy a fruity tuity? While that about does it for me........it gets a 1.
Guessing you're not a fan of the Sistine Chapel either, then.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
in His S... horts...?
Posted 17 years ago by Nabla    [ Reply ]
DD closemindedmoron wrote:
Isnt this guy a fruity tuity? While that about does it for me........it gets a 1.
actually he is abstinate you moron....
Posted 17 years ago by kenjismokum    [ Reply ]
Morissey is definitely an acquired taste... Have never heard this live - not bad at all.
Posted 17 years ago by JWU42    [ Reply ]
RichardPrins wrote:
(not as good as the studio version, but still The Smiths!)
Posted 17 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
She looks good, He sounds bad!
Posted 17 years ago by parrothead    [ Reply ]
WHAT A GREAT LYRICIST!
Posted 17 years ago by exciter76    [ Reply ]
Hey man! It's been a while (I need to return your space heaters!). I actually added Singles to my YourMusic queue, so I should get it in the coming months. window wrote:
Get "Singles", and you'll be hooked. I'll lend it to you if you like.
Posted 17 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
window wrote:
Get "Singles", and you'll be hooked. I'll lend it to you if you like.
Hatful of Hollow is a gem.
Posted 17 years ago by Kevstar    [ Reply ]
ploafmaster wrote:
Any recommendations for a good first Smiths album? I love this song, I love "How Soon is Now" and several others, but I don't know where to start.
Get "Singles", and you'll be hooked. I'll lend it to you if you like.
Posted 17 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
h2o wrote:
How do you enjoy RP at all if that is really how you think?
Get some humor you geek.
Posted 17 years ago by Kevstar    [ Reply ]
closemindedmoron wrote:
Oh He probably is swallowing something, and most likely it isn't spit if you know what I mean..............
How do you enjoy RP at all if that is really how you think?
Posted 17 years ago by h2o    [ Reply ]
Morissey, bleh
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Classic old school tune
Posted 17 years ago by contractor07    [ Reply ]
Mozzer, good luck at Eurovision! Well, maybe...
Posted 17 years ago by Cruithne3753    [ Reply ]
Awesome, thanks for the advice! Pips914 wrote:
Well, there is NO SUCH THING as a bad Smith's album. So to start, I would suggest going with "Louder Than Bombs." It is a good sampling of their more commercial songs and at 20+ tracks, you will get a great feel for the Smith's body of work. Going further, the deeper you dive the better it gets, so happy hunting!
Posted 17 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
Pips914 wrote:
Well, there is NO SUCH THING as a bad Smith's album. So to start, I would suggest going with "Louder Than Bombs." It is a good sampling of their more commercial songs and at 20+ tracks, you will get a great feel for the Smith's body of work. Going further, the deeper you dive the better it gets, so happy hunting!
Excellent choice of album. "The Queen is Dead" and "Meat is Murder" are also excellent albums -- but go for "bombs" first.
Posted 17 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
ploafmaster wrote:
Any recommendations for a good first Smiths album? I love this song, I love "How Soon is Now" and several others, but I don't know where to start.
Well, there is NO SUCH THING as a bad Smith's album. So to start, I would suggest going with "Louder Than Bombs." It is a good sampling of their more commercial songs and at 20+ tracks, you will get a great feel for the Smith's body of work. Going further, the deeper you dive the better it gets, so happy hunting!
Posted 17 years ago by Pips914    [ Reply ]
closemindedmoron wrote:
Oh He probably is swallowing something, and most likely it isn't spit if you know what I mean..............
Appropriate handle moron
Posted 17 years ago by wally42    [ Reply ]
who wrote this song? the first version i heard was on a j mascis acoustic album... TOTALLY different sound.
Posted 17 years ago by 9-volt    [ Reply ]
Is he whining or trying to sing? I know people love Morrisey's singing...but it just sounds like a whiney baby to me....
Posted 17 years ago by SpaceCase    [ Reply ]
The more I hear this guy's voice the more I want to tear off my ears. Is he off key or what? Sounds like he's swallowing spit at as he "vocalizes."
Posted 17 years ago by tnt_thomas    [ Reply ]
closemindedmoron wrote:
Isnt this guy a fruity tuity? While that about does it for me........it gets a 1.
Biggoted loser!!!!! This was an amazing band! 9!
Posted 17 years ago by wally42    [ Reply ]
dekker42 wrote:
nooooooo Smiths.... ack oh well I gotta do the dishes sometime.
You wash... I'll dry!
Posted 17 years ago by samiyam    [ Reply ]
Any recommendations for a good first Smiths album? I love this song, I love "How Soon is Now" and several others, but I don't know where to start.
Posted 17 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by Cruithne3753    [ Reply ]
Fatty your are not the one for me but this is.
Posted 17 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
nooooooo Smiths.... ack oh well I gotta do the dishes sometime.
Posted 17 years ago by dekker42    [ Reply ]
a little fresher and bouncier than the studio version... despite the perpetually morose lyrics.... kind of nice! in a drizzly grey English way...
Posted 18 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
optimusprime10 wrote:
never received the recognition, or never earned the popularity? it's not like we couldn't buy the albums!
LOL! No.. its that you were too damn busy buying domestic crap ...just teasin'
Posted 18 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
RoyceEdwards wrote:
Steven Patrick Morrissey never received the recognition that he deserves in the United States. You won't hear The Smiths played on most local stations. It's great to be living (virtually) in Paradise.
never received the recognition, or never earned the popularity? it's not like we couldn't buy the albums!
Posted 18 years ago by optimusprime10    [ Reply ]
Yeah, either you love them or hate them. No middle ground with this band. I personally love them to death.
Posted 18 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
moomatz wrote:
This paved the Morrisey solo stuf for the next 15 years....
hahahahahahaha
Posted 18 years ago by pobaldy    [ Reply ]
I like morrissey's voice and melancholy!
Posted 18 years ago by exciter76    [ Reply ]
It certainly is "rank".
Posted 18 years ago by chucklesalmon    [ Reply ]
I wish everyday was Sunday.
Posted 18 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
I've never been a fan of The Smiths.. they are just a little too.. "woe is me" for my liking.
Posted 18 years ago by ingoldsby    [ Reply ]
I really don't like the lead guitar's tone in this. Personally, I'd prefer it replaced by the original, a solid 8.
Posted 18 years ago by nshifley    [ Reply ]
not my favorite smiths tune (or even close to it)....but i'd give it a 6.6
Posted 18 years ago by therickstah    [ Reply ]
Jamming along to The Smiths in the wee hours of the morning!
Posted 18 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
RP + the Smiths (live) = listening heaven.
Posted 18 years ago by Mack    [ Reply ]
karlaanne wrote:
this just made my morning :)
....worse
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
this just made my morning :)
Posted 18 years ago by karlaanne    [ Reply ]
The studio version gets a higher rating
Posted 18 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
algrif wrote:
I was just about to add a comment about how boring Choctaw Bingo is. Then THIS came on Aaaaaghhhhh Make it stop. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease
That reminds me. Has anyone seen my copy of St. Mary in the Woods?
Posted 18 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
I was just about to add a comment about how boring Choctaw Bingo is. Then THIS came on Aaaaaghhhhh Make it stop. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
...gotta love the Smiths...
Posted 19 years ago by Sean-E-Sean    [ Reply ]
8)
Posted 19 years ago by ryuujin23    [ Reply ]
rah wrote:
this doesn't sound the way i remember it... is this (or is there) an alternate version?
Apparently, this is a live version; you may be more familiar with the studio version, which is a little faster.
Posted 19 years ago by mbrailer    [ Reply ]
This paved the Morrisey solo stuf for the next 15 years....
Posted 19 years ago by moomatz    [ Reply ]
this doesn't sound the way i remember it... is this (or is there) an alternate version?
Posted 19 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
I always loved the guitar sound Johnny Marr got on this live track from Rank. Very powerful & Incredible!!!! (btw - my upload)
Posted 19 years ago by warderblu    [ Reply ]
(not as good as the studio version, but still The Smiths!)
Posted 19 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
Steven Patrick Morrissey never received the recognition that he deserves in the United States. You won't hear The Smiths played on most local stations. It's great to be living (virtually) in Paradise.
Posted 19 years ago by RoyceEdwards    [ Reply ]
So glad to have another song by The Smiths added to the RPlaylist.
Posted 19 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]