The Smiths: All Men Have Secrets

This is the type of book that should be available in reference to all great bands (eg., The Stone Roses, the The, New Order, etc.), but it is especially apropos that it is a book about songs by the Smiths. Each chapter is devoted to what people think concerning all the Smiths' songs, and the most interesting stories by far are those concerning the first time someone heard a specific song by the Smiths and how it touched them. "All Men Have Secrets" is not only wonderful for those who identify with the songs, but also for those interested in the general melancholy undertones to the 80s that are often not depicted in films from the time period. It's unfortunate that this book is out of print. Really it is quite splendid. Most Smiths fans will identify with at least one of the pieces concerning a song - and all will find differences between themselves and the opinions of others.

Well, I was amazed to read that the reviewer above thought the book contained some lies...well, I contributed several pieces to the book, and can say, hand on heart, all mine were true.The book is, agreed, more of a fan's thing, but anyone who's just getting to know this wonderful band should have a peek....it always fascinates me when I read or hear about other people's interpretations of what they think a song means, or what the track means to them personally.... it deepens the whole meaning of a song, and helps you look at the track with a different perspective, from a new angle....Anyway, the book's a gem, highly recommended, I just hope it's not been deleted?

I like this book very much. I think the best thing about this book is that perhaps not only Smiths fans will like it. There are lots of really awesome stories in it, that any miserable person would like to read. The stories all relate to Smiths songs of course, but some of the writers are really good at telling and the result is very emotional stuff. I am a devout fan of the Smiths and Morrissey, and I enjoyed not only seeing how other people found the music to be life altering, but also seeing how these people lived in their own words. It's an awesome book.