This Charming Man
"This Charming Man" | ||||
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Single by the Smiths | ||||
B-side |
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Released | 31 October 1983 | |||
Recorded | October 1983 | |||
Studio | Strawberry, Stockport, England | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 2:41 | |||
Label | Rough Trade | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | John Porter | |||
The Smiths singles chronology | ||||
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"This Charming Man" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, written by guitarist Johnny Marr and singer Morrissey. Released as the group's second single in October 1983 on the independent record label Rough Trade, it is defined by Marr's jangle pop guitar riff and Morrissey's characteristically morose lyrics, which revolve around the recurrent Smiths themes of sexual ambiguity and lust.[1] A different version, from the John Peel Show on BBC Radio 1, was included on the compilation album Hatful of Hollow in 1984.
Feeling detached from the early 1980s mainstream
Although only moderately successful on first release—the single peaked at number 25 on the
Background
By early 1983, the Smiths had gained a large following on the UK live circuit and had signed a record deal with the
Marr wrote the music to "This Charming Man" especially for the Peel session
Music and lyrics
The lyrics of "This Charming Man" comprise a first person narrative in which the male protagonist punctures one of his bicycle's tyres on a remote hillside. A passing "charming man" in a luxury car stops to offer the cyclist a lift, and although the protagonist is at first hesitant, after much deliberation he accepts the offer. While driving together the pair flirt, although the protagonist finds it difficult to overcome his reluctance: "I would go out tonight, but I haven't got a stitch to wear". The motorist tells the cyclist: "it's gruesome that someone so handsome should care".[2]
Morrissey deliberately used archaic language when composing the voice-over style lyrics for "This Charming Man". His use of phrases and words such as 'hillside desolate', 'stitch to wear', 'handsome' and 'charming' are used to convey a more courtly world than the mid-Eighties north of England, and evoke a style that has, in the words of the music critic
As with many of Morrissey's compositions, the song's lyrics features dialogue borrowed from a cult film. The line "A jumped-up pantry boy who never knew his place" is borrowed from the
Both studio versions begin with an introductory guitar riff, joined by the rhythm section. Morrissey's vocals are first heard eight seconds into the track. His vocal melodies are diatonic, and consciously avoid blues inflections.[9] The chorus is played twice; the first time it is followed by a brief pause, the second by the closing of the song. The rhythm section of Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce provide a beat more danceable than usual for a Smiths track. The drums were originally programmed on a Linn LM-1, under the direction of producer John Porter. Porter used the programme to trigger the sampled sounds of the live drum kit, featuring a Motownesque bassline.[10] Marr's guitar part consists of single notes and thirds as opposed to strummed barre chords, and his guitar serves to creates a counter-melody throughout the song. Marr overdubbed numerous guitar parts onto the song,[9] and in a December 1993 interview, told Guitar Player magazine:
I'll try any trick. With the Smiths, I'd take this really loud
Fender Twin Reverb with the vibrato on, and tune it to an open chord. Then I'd drop a knife with a metal handle on it, hitting random strings. I used it on "This Charming Man", buried beneath about 15 tracks of guitar ... it was the first record where I used those highlife-sounding runs in 3rds. I'm tuned up to F# and I finger it in G, so it comes out in A. There are about 15 tracks of guitar. People thought the main guitar part was a Rickenbacker, but it's really a '54 Tele. There are three tracks of acoustic, a backwards guitar with a really long reverb, and the effect of dropping knives on the guitar – that comes in at the end of the chorus.[11]
The chord progression from the instrumental intro to the lyric "Will nature make a man of me" is: A | Asus4 | A | E | Bm7 | D7 | C#m | E | A | E/A | Asus4 | E[12]
Reception
On release, the song received near unanimous critical praise. Paul Morley of the NME wrote, "'This Charming Man' is an accessible bliss, and seriously moving. This group fully understand that the casual is not enough ... This is one of the greatest singles of the year, a poor compliment. Unique and indispensable, like 'Blue Monday' and 'Karma Chameleon' – that's better!"[13] A contemporary review in The Face asked, "Where has all the wildness and daring got to? Some of it has found its way onto the Smiths' record, 'This Charming Man'. It jangles and crashes and Morrissey jumps in the middle with his mutant choir-boy voice, sounding jolly and angst-ridden at the same time. It should be given out on street corners to unsuspecting passers-by of all ages."[14] Another contemporary review by Treble magazine described the song as a "stellar jangle-pop track," based on one of Marr's first truly iconic guitar licks.[15] While the band was little-known in the United States at the time, Robert Palmer of The New York Times described the song as "sparkling, soaring, superlative pop-rock, and proof that the guitar-band format pioneered by the Beatles is still viable for groups with something to say".[16] The following year, Palmer chose the song as the second best single of 1984.[17] PopMatters described the song musically as "chiming, bouncing rockabilly".[18]
AllMusic's Ned Raggett noted that "Early Elvis would have approved of the music, Wilde of the words", and described the track as "an audacious end result by any standard".[19] Tim DiGravina, of the same organisation, wrote that "Debating the merits of the track here would be a bit pointless, as it's a classic song from one of the last great classic bands. It might as well be called 'This Charming Song'."[20] In 2007, Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher described the first time he heard the track: "The second I heard 'This Charming Man' everything made sense. The sound of that guitar intro was incredible. The lyrics are fuckin' amazing, too. People say Morrissey's a miserable cunt, but I knew straight away what he was on about."[21] In 2006, Liz Hoggard from The Independent said that "'This Charming Man' ... is about age-gap, gay sex".[22]
During an appearance on
Versions and release history
The earliest version of "This Charming Man" was recorded on 14 September 1983, in Maida Vale Studio 4, for John Peel's radio programme (first broadcast: 21 September 1983).[23] Produced by Roger Pusey, and assisted by Ted De Bono, this version of the song was first included on the 1984 compilation Hatful of Hollow. On 28 October 1983, the "Manchester" version was released in the UK in 7-inch and 12-inch formats, reaching number 25 in the UK charts.[24] The record sleeve uses a still frame from Jean Cocteau's 1950 film Orphée, featuring French actor Jean Marais.[2] The song was later included as a bonus track on the cassette version of the band's debut album The Smiths in the UK,[25] and subsequently on all American versions.[citation needed]
Following the 1989 bankruptcy of Rough Trade,[26] WEA Records purchased the Smiths' back catalogue.[27] In 1992 WEA re-issued the band's catalogue, and all subsequent pressings of The Smiths have incorporated "This Charming Man". WEA re-released the single itself in 1992 to support the Best... I compilation album. The reissued single reached number 8 on the British singles chart, the band's highest chart placing.[28][29]
In December 1983, DJ François Kevorkian released a "New York" mix of the single on Megadisc records.[30] Kevorkian geared the song for nightclub dancefloors. The track was intended to be pressed in limited numbers for New York club DJs. However, Rough Trade boss Geoff Travis liked the mix and gave the release wide distribution in the UK.[31] Morrissey publicly disowned the mix, and urged fans not to purchase copies.[30] Travis later claimed, "It was my idea, but they agreed. They said 'Go ahead', then didn't like it so it was withdrawn." He also said, "Nothing that ever happened in the Smiths occurred without Morrissey's guidance; there's not one Smiths record that went out that Morrissey didn't ask to do, so there's nothing on my conscience."[31]
Cover versions
Death Cab for Cutie covered "This Charming Man" for their 1997 demo You Can Play These Songs with Chords.[32] In 2001, Canadian indie pop band Stars covered the song for their debut album Nightsongs.[33] French new wave covers band Nouvelle Vague covered "This Charming Man" on their 2024 album Should I Stay or Should I Go, continuing their reworkings of 1980s new wave classics in a bossa nova style.[34]
Track listing
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "This Charming Man" | 2:41 |
2. | "Jeane" | 3:02 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "This Charming Man (Manchester)" (Same as Original Single Version) | 2:41 |
2. | "This Charming Man (London)" | 2:47 |
3. | "Accept Yourself" | 3:55 |
4. | "Wonderful Woman" | 3:08 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "This Charming Man (New York) Vocal" (Remixed by François Kevorkian) | 5:35 |
2. | "This Charming Man (New York) Instrumental" (Remixed by François Kevorkian) | 4:18 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "This Charming Man (Manchester)" (Same as Original Single Version) | 2:41 |
2. | "Jeane" | 3:02 |
3. | "Wonderful Woman" | 3:08 |
4. | "Accept Yourself" | 3:55 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "This Charming Man (Manchester)" (Same as Original Single Version) | 2:41 |
2. | "This Charming Man (London)" | 2:47 |
3. | "This Charming Man (New York Vocal)" | 5:33 |
4. | "This Charming Man (New York Instrumental)" | 4:19 |
5. | "This Charming Man (Peel Session from 21 September 1983)" | 2:43 |
6. | "This Charming Man (Single Remix)" | 2:46 |
7. | "This Charming Man (Original Single Version)" | 2:41 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "This Charming Man (Manchester)" (Same as Original Single Version) | 2:41 |
2. | "Jeane" | 3:02 |
3. | "Accept Yourself" | 3:55 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "This Charming Man (Manchester)" (Same as Original Single Version) | 2:41 |
2. | "This Charming Man (London)" | 2:47 |
3. | "This Charming Man (New York Vocal)" | 5:33 |
4. | "This Charming Man (New York Instrumental)" | 4:19 |
5. | "This Charming Man (Peel Session from 21 September 1983)" | 2:43 |
6. | "This Charming Man (Single Remix)" | 2:46 |
7. | "This Charming Man (Original Single Version)" | 2:41 |
8. | "Wonderful Woman" | 3:08 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "This Charming Man (Manchester)" (Same as Original Single Version) | 2:41 |
2. | "This Charming Man (London)" | 2:47 |
3. | "This Charming Man (New York Vocal)" | 5:33 |
4. | "This Charming Man (New York Instrumental)" | 4:19 |
5. | "This Charming Man (Peel Session from 21 September 1983)" | 2:43 |
6. | "This Charming Man (Single Remix)" | 2:46 |
7. | "This Charming Man (Original Single Version)" | 2:41 |
8. | "Jeane" | 3:02 |
9. | "Wonderful Woman" | 3:08 |
10. | "Accept Yourself" | 3:55 |
Personnel
- Morrissey – vocals
- Johnny Marr – guitars
- Andy Rourke – bass guitar
- Mike Joyce – drums
Charts
Year | Chart | Peak position |
---|---|---|
1983 | UK Indie Chart (Official Charts Company)[7]
|
1 |
25 | ||
1984 | Australia (Kent Music Report)[36] | 52 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[37] | 15 | |
1992 | Ireland (IRMA)[38] | 9 |
8 |
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[39] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI)[40] | 2× Platinum | 1,200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
References
- ^ a b Strong 2000, p. 901.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Snow 2008.
- ^ a b "BBC – Radio 2 – Sold On Song Top 100: 'This Charming Man' – The Smiths". BBC Radio 2. 2004. Retrieved 23 November 2005.
- ^ "John Peel Biography" (PDF). BBC Online. 2005. p. 15. Retrieved 22 March 2008.
- ISSN 0959-8367.
- ^ a b Rogan 1993, p. 178.
- ^ a b Young 2006, p. 102.
- ^ a b Goddard 2004, p. 50.
- ^ a b Rooksby 2001, p. 107.
- ISBN 0-304-36186-0.
- ISSN 0017-5463.
- ^ "This Charming Man by the Smiths – Digital Sheet Music". Universal Music Publishing Group. 24 January 2011. Retrieved 27 April 2016 – via MusicNotes.com.
- ISSN 0028-6362.
- ^ a b "This Charming Man". The Face. Archived from the original on 24 May 2011.
- ^ "The Smiths: The Complete Songs". Treble. 20 March 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
- ^ Palmer, Robert (22 February 1984). "The Pop Life; Rap and Hip-Hop Music in 'Wild Style'". The New York Times. Retrieved 8 March 2008.
- ^ Palmer, Robert (9 January 1985). "Prince Leads Critic's List of Top 10". The New York Times. Retrieved 8 March 2008.
- ^ Keefe, Michael (9 November 2008). "The Smiths: The Sound of the Smiths". PopMatters. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ^ Raggett, Ned. "This Charming Man – Song Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 March 2008.
- ^ DiGravina, Tim. "The Smiths – This Charming Man". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 March 2008.
- ^ ISSN 1368-0722.
- ^ Hoggard, Liz (4 June 2006). "Morrissey: The Alan Bennett of pop". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 May 2022. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- ^ "14/09/1983 – The Smiths". BBC Online. Retrieved 22 March 2008.
- ^ "Charm offensive". Record Collector.
- ^ "Smiths, The – The Smiths (Cassette, Album)". Discogs. 1984. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
- ^ Sinclair, David (8 September 2006). "Rough with the smooth". The Independent. p. 14.
- ^ Gennoe, Dan (2006). "Second Coming" (PDF). British Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 June 2014.
- ISSN 0261-250X.
- ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- ^ a b "Man about the house". The Times. 13 March 2004. Archived from the original on 17 May 2011.
- ^ a b Rogan 1993, p. 182.
- ^ Eliscu, Jenny (14 November 2002). "Death Cab for Cutie – You Can Play These Songs with Chords". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 3 May 2009. Retrieved 10 March 2007.
- ^ Studarus, Laura (14 October 2014). "Stars: Gang of Losers". Paste. Archived from the original on 28 October 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
- ^ Trambusti, Luca (4 March 2024). "Torna la new wave come la vedono i Nouvelle Vague". Rockol (in Italian). Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "The Smiths – This Charming Man". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – This Charming Man". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- ^ "Spanish single certifications – The Smiths – This Charming Man". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- ^ "British single certifications – Smiths – This Charming Man". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
Bibliography
- ISBN 1-903111-84-6.
- ISBN 0-7119-3000-7.
- Rooksby, Rikky (September 2001). Inside Classic Rock Tracks. ISBN 0-87930-654-8.
- Snow, Mat (March 2008). "Ello 'Andsome!". ISSN 1351-0193.
- ISBN 978-1-84195-017-4.
- ISBN 1-904772-47-1.