Morrissey moves us
This charming man "Spent the Day in Bed"
With a new album called Low in High School from Steven Patrick Morrissey, simply known as Morrissey, coming out in November, the former lead singer of The Smiths releases a new music video for its lead single “Spent the Day in Bed” and it proves what we’ve always known: he’s still one of the coolest men in music.
Directed by Sophie Muller, who has worked with the likes of Coldplay, No Doubt, and The Killers, the video features Moz being rolled around in a wheelchair and sitting down throughout its 4:18 running time. We don’t think it’s a sign that Morrissey is lazy or lame, but rather shows that he can be sexy and charming, even if he’s just sitting in a chair. Now that’s just confidence!
The song celebrates the small comforts of life—staying in bed—instead of dwelling on things you can’t control or that may harm you like the evening news and world politics, as these lyrics point out:
Stop watching the news!
Because the news contrives to frighten you
To make you feel small and alone
To make you feel that your mind isn’t your own.
Below are Morrissey’s five best music videos. Sorry Smiths fans, but these are our favorites from the solo artist after he left the iconic Brit Pop band.
“We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful”
From the album Your Arsenal, this is a tongue-and-cheek look at the music scene in Manchester, England during the late 80s and early 90s. And with such a fun song, Morrissey fits into it with a playful and colorful music video.
“Suedehead”
Morrissey’s first single as a solo artist, is about being vulnerable during a time of transition like leaving your old band for greener pastures. There’s a quiet longing and melancholy paired with Morrissey walking through lonely streets in a small town in Indiana, playing bongo drums to a herd of cows, and sitting at the gravestone of James Dean.
“Last of the Famous International Playboys”
Although it wasn’t released on any of Morrissey’s studio albums, this single was released on Bona Drag, a compilation of singles and B-sides. The song later became a hit in its own right with a fun music video that features Morrissey and his band performing in front of a green screen without Chroma Key.
“The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get”
Released in 1994, this is a revenge song directed at The Smiths former drummer Mike Joyce, who sued Morrissey and Johnny Marr over royalties he felt entitled to as a member of the band.
“Everyday Is Like Sunday”
Morrissey’s best-known single as a solo artist explores life in a small seaside town where everyday feels the same. The most notable thing about this music video is Morrissey doesn’t appear in it in person, instead he’s shown on TV screens, album covers, and billboards throughout it. It’s almost as if his presence can still be felt even if he’s not in the music video itself.
Low in High School drops on November 17. We can’t wait.
