The request is a bit unclear as written, but it seems you’re asking about the Smiths song “How Soon Is Now?” and related details such as its origin, release history, and context. Here’s a concise overview. Overview
- “How Soon Is Now?” is a song by the English rock band The Smiths, primarily written by Morrissey (vocals) and Johnny Marr (guitar). It first appeared as a B-side to the 1984 single “William, It Was Really Nothing,” and later gained prominence on the compilation Hatful of Hollow, with further inclusion on some editions of Meat Is Murder. It was released as a UK single in 1985 and charted modestly, reaching No. 24; a re-release in 1992 reached No. 16. The track is widely regarded as one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs, though it is somewhat atypical of their broader catalog in style.
Key facts and context
- Songwriters and creation: Morrissey and Marr collaborated on the song, with Marr’s guitar work (notably the tremoloed chords and distinctive guitar textures) forming a defining sonic axis. The original version runs longer (about seven minutes), with a shortened 7-inch edit commonly used on singles and some compilations.
- Inspiration for the title: The title was inspired by a 1973 book, Popcorn Venus by Marjorie Rosen, which was a favorite of Morrissey.
- Musical and thematic elements: The song features moody, jangly guitar textures, a prominent intro guitar motif, and lyrics that express themes of longing, alienation, and a desire for connection. Morrissey’s vocal delivery adds a vulnerable, introspective tone that has been widely analyzed in reviews and retrospectives.
- Reception and legacy: Although not a major chart-topper at release, the track has become a staple of indie and alternative rock, frequently cited in critics’ lists of great songs from the 1980s and The Smiths’ catalog. Johnny Marr has described it as possibly the band’s most enduring record, and it is often highlighted as a standout performance within The Smiths’ repertoire.
- Notable covers and usage: The song has appeared in various media contexts, including a Love Spit Love cover used in film and TV soundtracks, illustrating its continued cultural resonance beyond The Smiths’ discography.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific angle—such as a deeper lyrical analysis, a breakdown of the guitar arrangement, or a compare-and-contrast with other Smiths tracks. If you had a different interpretation of your question (for example, you meant the current status of the song in charts or a factual timeline), let me know and I’ll adjust.
