Morrissey and Johnny Marr have both helped to create a rare new seven-inch release from The Smiths, as part of an upcoming Rough Trade boxset.
The legendary London independent label will release its second volume of newly printed classic singles, titled ‘Rough Trade 45s: Volume 2’, on October 30. It will comprise tracks from The Fall, Aztec Camera, Mazzy Star, Scritti Politti, Robert Wyatt and more, and the boxset will be limited to just 1000 copes, released on October 30.
Among them is a new release from The Smiths, with ‘The Headmaster Ritual’ on the A-side, and ‘I Want The One I Can’t Have’ on the flip side. Both songs originally appeared on the band’s second album ‘Meat Is Murder’ in 1985, but they were never released as a single on Rough Trade.
Now, they will be available as a single for the first time, with Morrissey and Marr both requesting the two tracks.
Morrissey has also overseen the creation of the new artwork, choosing a 1939 image of the American actor Billy Halop. It follows in the tradition of The Smiths’ artwork throughout their career, with Morrissey having previously selected the likes of Truman Capote, Candy Darling, Alain Delon and Elvis Presley.
Both Morrissey and Marr have also both contributed sleeve notes for the release, and the booklet will also include writing from Elvis Costello, Stewart Lee, Green Gartside, Jonathan Richman and The Go-Betweens‘ Robert Forster.
The boxset will also boast a new interview with Rogh Trade co-directors Geoff Travis and Jeannette Lee and photography from Anton Corbijn and others.
The Fall – ‘Totally Wired’ Scritti Politti – ‘The Sweetest Girl’ Robert Wyatt – ‘Shipbuilding’ Aztec Camera – ‘Oblivious’ The Go-Betweens – ‘Cattle And Cane’ Jonathan Richman – ‘That Summer Feeling’ The Smiths – ’The Headmaster Ritual’ The Sundays – ‘Can’t Be Sure’ Mazzy Star – ‘Five String Serenade’.
Rough Trade released The Smiths’ debut single ‘Hand In Glove’ in 1983 and the band signed with them later that year. They released all four studio albums on the label, before splitting in 1987.
Morrissey and Marr have been publicly feuding in recent years, with the guitarist repeatedly distancing himself from Morrissey’s politics. In 2019, Marr told NME that “I don’t think you can change history” and said the singer’s support for the far-right party For Britain had “nothing to do with my world or my life”.
In 2024, Morrissey said Marr had “ignored” a lucrative offer for a Smiths reunion tour in 2025, which he himself had accepted. Marr responded: “I didn’t ignore the offer – I said no.” He later said, “I’m not an idiot, the vibe’s not right.”.
Morrissey has also claimed that Marr blocked a greatest hits album and had taken sole control of The Smiths’ name, potentially allowing him to tour with another frontman.
Marr’s team rejected the claims, saying he had registered the trademark to stop a third party from using it and stating that Morrissey had not responded to his approach.
Morrissey also expressed his desire to sell his business interests in The Smiths last year, and recently accused Marr of intentionally dividing the band’s fanbase, claiming the guitarist had “devoted his entire life to killing Morrissey in whatever way available”.
The singer cancelled a four-show Las Vegas residency last week, citing “unforeseen logistical challenges”, and is set to play Riot Fest in Chicago next month. Marr, meanwhile, will release his fifth solo album ‘The Age Of Everything‘ on October 2.
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Informação baseada em material público de NME, reescrito pela redação ULTRA NOTÍCIAS.
