The Smiths

Some songs are classics before the first verse is even over. To celebrate the art of the killer lyric, here's Q staffers' choices of the 15 greatest song openings ever – no other explanation needed.

The Indie legends' second album was arguably their most adventurous release.

Hearts and flowers? Pah. Rom-Coms and red roses? Pfft. Leave the soppy stuff behind and indulge yourself instead with some of the best songs ever written for the single and cynical.

The guitar legend’s intimate performance came as part of Radio 2’s Piano Room sessions

This week's mix opens with Public Image Ltd., closes with Tom Waits, and in between there's Chaka Khan, Paul Anka, Jason Isbell, Nas, and the Smiths

The 64-year-old singer is recuperating in Zurich due to 'physical exhaustion' on the advice of his medical team.

The guitarist responded to a video showing the Smiths' 'Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want' on the PA at a Trump event.

Writing on his website, the singer declared: 'It’s a bit like saying Mick Jagger had nothing to do with the Stones.'

The classic track from 'The Queen Is Dead' didn't see release as a single until 1992, in conjunction with the Smiths' 'Best II' compilation

In this week's playlist, we open and close with the Pogues, and in between there's everything from Harry Styles to Killing Joke.

Generation Z are obsessing over the same bands their parents once did – and they’re doing so in exactly the same old-fashioned way.

So much to answer for

Attacked at home, Mexrrissey – AKA Camilo Lara – explains why its his right to give The Smiths et al a latin twist

Having just released a 'single' paying tribute to the Factory Records' founder, the poet explains how words, Manchester and music come together

The former Smith on covering I Feel You and his favourite record shops

We chat to the Gibson Les Paul Award winner and guest presenter Sir Bradley Wiggins at yesterday's (22 Oct) ceremony