Morrissey is currently on hiatus following a string of health issues, but a new rare demo session of his old band the Smiths has been making the rounds this week to remind us of better days. Dubbed The Pablo Cuckoo Tape, it presents a number of the English outfit's classic tracks in their rawest form.
The nine-song session was tracked in May 1983 at manager Joe Moss' Crazy Face warehouse, before the band hit the studio to record their self-titled debut. While songs like "Reel Around the Fountain" and "Hand in Glove" play fairly similar to their more famous counterparts, there is a rough and tumble quality that warrants a listen, from Morrissey's playful yelps and growls to the hilariously mismatched, almost surf-style drum roll that leads into "These Things Take Time."
Apparently, a physical release was blocked by Warner Bros. in the '90s, but you can sample the session down below.
The nine-song session was tracked in May 1983 at manager Joe Moss' Crazy Face warehouse, before the band hit the studio to record their self-titled debut. While songs like "Reel Around the Fountain" and "Hand in Glove" play fairly similar to their more famous counterparts, there is a rough and tumble quality that warrants a listen, from Morrissey's playful yelps and growls to the hilariously mismatched, almost surf-style drum roll that leads into "These Things Take Time."
Apparently, a physical release was blocked by Warner Bros. in the '90s, but you can sample the session down below.
