I Misses You
The Smiths' Melodious Instrumental
The Smiths recorded an instrumental demo that Morrissey titled 'I Misses You' in December 1984 while they were working at Island Record's ‘Fallout Shelter’1 mixing the tracks for the soon-to-be released Meat Is Murder studio album. Grant Showbiz2 was the producer on the song.
While it is reported that Morrissey wrote lyrics for the song, they were not utilized when the demo was recorded. Outside of those involved, 'I Misses You' was an unknown track until it was leaked to the world (with the title 'Untitled One') along with other demos and outtakes in late 2010. The bootleg vinyl double LP was titled The Smiths: Unreleased Demos and Instrumentals and featured English actress Diana Dors on its cover in the form of a photo still from her 1956 film; Yield To The Night.
The song contains elements which would later be reused by the Smiths in 1986's 'Unloveable'. Some have also noticed a similarity in Johnny's guitar chords on the demo to those on 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now' (composed, recorded and released earlier in 1984).
It is not known why the Smiths’ did not deem the song to be worthy of further time and attention given its gentle and melodious sound, which Morrissey would have undoubtedly done justice to lyrically. Presumably a surfeit of material gave them pause, never to return to the unfinished track.
Listen to the instrumental here:
22 St Peter's Square, in Hammersmith, London, is a grade II listed building with a former laundry that has been converted to an architects' studio and office building. Built in 1827, the building is situated in the western corner of St Peter's Square. In the basement of the rear of the building is the former studio of Island Records known as 'The Fallout Shelter'.
Real name Grant Cunliffe, Showbiz is a British record producer principally known for his work with The Fall, Billy Bragg, as well as the Smiths. Showbiz is an artist in his own right with Moodswings.
