The Double-Edged Sword of The Smiths' "Bigmouth Strikes Again"

The Smiths are among the most influential indie bands of all time. Led by confrontational artist Morrissey, the controversial frontman has never been one to keep quiet. He seemed to know this as far back as 1985, when he and Johnny Marr wrote "Bigmouth Strikes Again." This is the history of that song, the Rolling Stones song that inspired Marr's guitar riff, and the subtle nod to the Ancoats district in Manchester. 

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. 

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