This lesser known track from the 1980's premiere British Indie band opens with a crash of Johnny Marr guitar that mirrors the crash of the wave. Without knowing it, the listener is on this beach and going to be subject to the uniqueness of it. Case in point, the concept behind the song. The entry for the song found on wikipedia details how once during a chat with playwright Shaun Duggan, Morrissey, the lead singer of The Smiths, clarified that the shoplifters he is empowering are spiritual and cultural in nature. He was issuing a call to arms in hope of reclaiming and reshaping culture.
Songs like this from The Smiths almost operate in an universe of their own; one in which a pop song can contain the chorus of "Shoplifters of the world/ unite and take over./ Shoplifter of the world / hand it over!" And that is what is appealing about it. It functions in the reshaped cultural landscape that Morrissey is calling for.
Musically, this song slowly drives, resulting in a very calming and lulling sound. A listener is draw in and soon begins to demand right along with Morrissey. Truly I believe that this track showcases the ability of The Smiths; to write songs that are unconventional and different but still accessible to a listener.
Here is the music video for the song. It captures the band playing the song live for a 80's TV audience ( the audio is not live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRbp0ZIehk0
Please enjoy,
Nick Howard
