MOJO Magazine – June 2004 – Issue 127 – Morrissey, The Smiths, John Lennon, Graham Nash & The Shins

Original UK Music Magazine | June 2004 | Issue 127 | Morrissey Cover

An original June 2004 edition of MOJO Magazine, Issue 127, featuring a striking full-cover portrait of Morrissey, the influential British singer-songwriter and former frontman of The Smiths.

This issue features an extensive Morrissey interview published during the period surrounding his acclaimed 2004 comeback album, You Are the Quarry.

The magazine also includes major features on John Lennon, The Smiths, Graham Nash, The Shins and The Shadows, alongside a special editorial selection of 100 of the Most Miserable Songs of All Time.

Additional coverage includes Sonic Youth, PJ Harvey, Loretta Lynn, Nick Drake, Brian Eno, The Fall, Pixies, Blondie, John Martyn, Alanis Morissette, Karen Dalton and many more.

A particularly interesting original publication for collectors of British alternative music, indie rock, The Smiths, Morrissey memorabilia, Beatles history and classic music journalism.

Front Cover – Morrissey

The front cover features a large colour portrait of Morrissey, photographed against a vivid red background.

Morrissey is shown wearing a light-coloured jacket over an open-collar striped shirt.

His dark hair is styled in his distinctive swept-back quiff, and he is photographed looking directly towards the camera with his head slightly raised.

The portrait dominates almost the entire cover, with Morrissey's face occupying the central area.

The large white MOJO masthead appears across the top, partially obscured by his hair.

The cover design combines red, white, black and yellow typography, creating a bold visual style.

Main Cover Headline

MORRISSEY – THE ULTIMATE INTERVIEW!

The cover also features the provocative quotation:

"The Smiths will end in murder"

This headline introduces the issue's extensive interview with the former Smiths singer.

The magazine was published during a significant period in Morrissey's solo career, coinciding with his return to prominence in 2004.

After several years without a new studio album, Morrissey released You Are the Quarry, which included:

• Irish Blood, English Heart

• First of the Gang to Die

• Let Me Kiss You

• I Have Forgiven Jesus

The album marked a major commercial and critical comeback for the singer.

This contemporary interview is particularly interesting because it captures Morrissey's views and public image during that period.

Additional Front Cover Headlines

The cover advertises several other important features:

Lennon Unseen

A feature examining previously unseen photographs of John Lennon during a 1974 walk around New York.

The Shins – Save Indie Rock!

Coverage of the American indie-rock band.

Graham Nash – Crosby, Stills & Drugs!

An interview exploring Nash's career, musical relationships and experiences.

Pixies – Back From the Dead!

Coverage relating to the influential alternative-rock band's reunion.

The 100 Most Miserable Songs of All Time

A special MOJO feature examining particularly melancholy and emotionally powerful recordings.

Beatles? Schmeatles!

A retrospective feature on The Shadows and their importance to British rock music before the Beatles became internationally famous.

Main Feature – Morrissey – Page 70

The magazine's principal feature is an extensive interview with Morrissey, beginning on page 70.

The photographed contents page describes the feature as an interview conducted by Keith Cameron.

It discusses Morrissey's return to music, his previous band, controversial subjects and his new album.

Morrissey and The Smiths

Morrissey became internationally recognised as the lead singer and lyricist of The Smiths, one of Britain's most influential alternative-rock bands.

The group formed in Manchester in 1982 and included:

• Morrissey – vocals

• Johnny Marr – guitar

• Andy Rourke – bass guitar

• Mike Joyce – drums

The Smiths became known for combining melodic guitar arrangements with distinctive lyrics exploring alienation, romance, identity and British society.

Their recordings include:

• This Charming Man

• What Difference Does It Make?

• Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now

• How Soon Is Now?

• The Boy with the Thorn in His Side

• There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

• Bigmouth Strikes Again

After The Smiths separated in 1987, Morrissey established a successful solo career.

His solo recordings include:

• Suedehead

• Everyday Is Like Sunday

• The Last of the Famous International Playboys

• The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get

• Irish Blood, English Heart

• First of the Gang to Die

Interior Photograph – Morrissey

The photographed contents page features a large colour photograph of Morrissey reclining beside a swimming pool.

He is dressed in dark clothing and is seated on a striped sun lounger, with his legs stretched out and his hands resting together.

A colourful drink and poolside furniture are visible beside him.

The photograph presents a relaxed contrast to the more formal portrait used on the front cover.

The image is labelled Morrissey – Page 70.

John Lennon – Unseen Photographs – Page 42

A major feature examines John Lennon through a collection of photographs taken in New York during 1974.

The contents page describes the feature as documenting a day in Lennon's life through photographs by David Gahr.

The accompanying article is credited to Phil Kall.

John Lennon in New York

Following the breakup of The Beatles, Lennon established himself as a successful solo musician.

During the 1970s, he spent considerable time living and working in New York.

His solo recordings include:

• Imagine

• Instant Karma!

• Jealous Guy

• Mind Games

• Whatever Gets You Thru the Night

• #9 Dream

The article is particularly interesting for collectors because it focuses on a specific period in Lennon's life rather than providing only a general career retrospective.

Interior Photography – John Lennon

The photographed contents page includes a black-and-white group photograph associated with the Lennon feature.

The image shows several people gathered together in an informal setting, including a seated figure wearing a hat.

The photograph has the appearance of a candid archival image rather than a formal publicity portrait.

It complements the article's emphasis on previously unseen photographs from 1974.

The Shins – Page 50

A major article examines American indie-rock band The Shins, beginning on page 50.

The contents page describes the feature as tracing the band's rise and increasing popularity.

The article is credited to Jenny Bulley.

The Shins and Early-2000s Indie Rock

The Shins became internationally recognised through their melodic alternative-rock sound and distinctive songwriting.

The band were associated with the Sub Pop record label and gained considerable attention following their albums:

• Oh, Inverted World (2001)

• Chutes Too Narrow (2003)

Notable recordings include:

• New Slang

• Caring Is Creepy

• Know Your Onion!

• So Says I

• Saint Simon

The June 2004 feature captures the band during an important period of growing international recognition.

Interior Photograph – The Shins

The contents page includes a colour photograph showing four band members lying together on a bed.

The musicians are dressed in colourful superhero-themed costumes, including outfits resembling Spider-Man, Batman, Superman and Robin.

The playful photograph contrasts with the more serious imagery elsewhere in the magazine.

It is labelled The Shins – Page 50.

The Shadows – Page 56

A substantial historical feature examines The Shadows, the British instrumental-rock group closely associated with the early development of British popular music.

The article is credited to Bob Stanley.

The contents page describes the feature as an exploration of the group's career and their importance before the Beatles became dominant figures in British rock.

The Shadows – British Rock History

The Shadows became one of Britain's most successful instrumental groups during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The band were also closely associated with Cliff Richard.

Important members included:

• Hank Marvin

• Bruce Welch

• Jet Harris

• Tony Meehan

• Brian Bennett

Their recordings include:

• Apache

• Man of Mystery

• Wonderful Land

• The Savage

• Foot Tapper

• Atlantis

Their distinctive guitar sound influenced generations of British musicians.

Interior Photograph – The Shadows

The contents page includes a black-and-white archival group photograph of The Shadows.

The musicians are pictured together with guitars, wearing matching suits and ties.

The photograph reflects the group's early-1960s appearance and provides a visual connection to the article's historical subject.

Graham Nash – Page 64

An extensive feature examines the career of Graham Nash, beginning on page 64.

The article is credited to Peter Doggett.

The contents page describes the feature as exploring Nash's work with The Hollies, Crosby, Stills & Nash and his subsequent musical career.

Graham Nash – Musical Career

Graham Nash first achieved major success as a member of British pop-rock group The Hollies.

He later became a founding member of Crosby, Stills & Nash, alongside David Crosby and Stephen Stills.

The group subsequently performed and recorded with Neil Young as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Notable recordings associated with Nash include:

• Bus Stop

• Carrie Anne

• Marrakesh Express

• Teach Your Children

• Our House

• Chicago

The feature examines a musician whose career connects British 1960s pop with the American folk-rock movement.

Interior Photograph – Graham Nash

The photographed contents page includes a black-and-white close-up portrait of Graham Nash.

He is shown with longer hair and facial hair, looking slightly away from the camera.

The image has a distinctive archival appearance and complements the retrospective nature of the article.

The Smiths – Page 82

An important historical feature examines The Smiths, beginning on page 82.

The contents page describes the article as an in-depth account of the band's earliest live performances.

The feature is credited to Johnny Black.

The Smiths – Early Concert History

The article provides a retrospective look at the band's formative period.

The Smiths developed a devoted following through their distinctive combination of Johnny Marr's guitar arrangements and Morrissey's lyrics.

Their early live performances helped establish the band's reputation before they became one of the most influential British groups of the 1980s.

The article is particularly relevant to collectors interested in:

• The Smiths' early history.

• Morrissey and Johnny Marr.

• Manchester alternative music.

• Early concert performances.

• British independent record labels.

• 1980s indie-rock culture.

The combination of the Morrissey cover interview and this separate Smiths retrospective makes the issue especially appealing to fans of the singer and his former band.

Special Feature – 100 Most Miserable Songs – Page 89

One of the magazine's most distinctive features is its special selection of 100 of the Most Miserable Songs of All Time.

The feature begins on page 89.

The photographed contents page describes five MOJO contributors selecting and discussing particularly melancholy recordings across five themed CDs.

The article explores the emotional impact of music and the appeal of sad or introspective songwriting.

Interior Photography

The contents page includes a portrait of a male singer wearing a light-coloured jacket and shirt.

The photograph is labelled Miserable Songs – Page 89.

The feature adds another substantial element to the magazine beyond its individual artist interviews.

Additional Music Coverage

The photographed contents pages reveal a wide range of additional music journalism, reviews and regular features.

Page 7 – All Back to My Place

A regular feature referencing:

• Richard Pryor

• Dolf DeDatsun

• Angelique Kidjo

Page 9 – Theories, Rants, Etc

Music commentary and reader contributions, including references to Nico and other subjects.

Page 13 – Hot News

Music-industry news and commentary featuring:

• Blondie

• Modstock

• The Gun Club

• Bobby Jameson

• Eric Matthews

• The Cure

• Harry Smith

• Iggy Pop

• Damian Dempsey

• Eagles of Death Metal

• Alanis Morissette

Page 28 – Harry Smith

A feature associated with the influential American music collector and filmmaker Harry Smith.

The photographed page includes a black-and-white portrait of Smith wearing glasses, with long hair and a beard.

Page 34 – The MOJO Crossword

The magazine's regular music-themed crossword.

Page 38 – Real Gone

A retrospective feature mentioning Bob Copper.

Page 97 – Albums

The album-review section includes:

• Loretta Lynn

• Sonic Youth

• PJ Harvey

• John Martyn

• Alanis Morissette

Page 118 – Reissues

The reissue section references:

• Nick Drake

• The Faces

• Brian Eno

• Tim Buckley

Page 130 – Books

Music-related book reviews covering subjects including The Beatles and David Toop.

Page 132 – DVDs

Music DVD coverage featuring:

• The Who

• Blondie

• Howlin' Wolf

Page 134 – Lives

Live-performance reviews featuring:

• Sonic Youth

• Lightning Bolt

• The Shins

• Dizzee Rascal

• Arthur Lee

• Pixies

• British Sea Power

Page 150 – How To Buy

A music-collecting guide featuring The Fall.

Page 152 – Memorabilia

A music-memorabilia feature mentioning a cardboard Marlene Dietrich item.

Page 154 – Enlightenment

A regular question-and-answer feature referencing Futura 2000 and James Last.

Page 158 – Buried Treasure

A retrospective feature examining singer-songwriter Karen Dalton.

Page 162 – Hello/Goodbye

A historical music feature referencing:

• Hubert Sumlin

• Howlin' Wolf

Interior Photography and Artwork

The supplied photographs show two original contents pages, providing a useful overview of the magazine's design and editorial material.

Page 3 – Main Features

The first contents page includes:

• A large colour photograph of Morrissey beside a swimming pool.

• A black-and-white archival photograph of The Shadows.

• A black-and-white group photograph associated with John Lennon.

• A colour photograph of The Shins in superhero costumes.

• A black-and-white portrait of Graham Nash.

• A portrait accompanying the 100 Most Miserable Songs feature.

The page uses MOJO's distinctive layout, with gold-coloured page numbers, black headings and a combination of colour and archival photography.

Page 4 – Regular Features and Reviews

The second contents page includes:

Harry Smith: A black-and-white portrait showing the music collector with glasses, long hair and a beard.

Sonic Youth: A colour concert photograph showing a musician playing bass guitar on stage.

PJ Harvey: Album-cover artwork accompanying the music-review section.

Reissues: Cover artwork associated with the reissue section.

Loretta Lynn: A colour performance photograph showing the country singer holding a guitar and wearing a red outfit.

These images highlight the magazine's mixture of contemporary alternative music, classic rock, country music and historical features.

Publication Details

Magazine: MOJO

Issue Number: 127

Publication Date: June 2004

Original UK Cover Price: £3.80

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed Music Magazine

Main Cover Artist: Morrissey

Main Cover Feature: Morrissey – The Ultimate Interview

Additional Featured Artists: John Lennon, The Smiths, Graham Nash, The Shins, The Shadows, Pixies and others

SKU: 1590

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned original magazine showing visible signs of previous handling and age-related wear.

The supplied photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The red front cover remains visually striking, with Morrissey's portrait clearly visible.

The large white MOJO masthead and surrounding headlines remain legible.

The cover retains its strong original colour, although some surface wear and handling marks are visible.

Visible Wear and Imperfections

• General light surface rubbing across the front cover.

• Fine scuff marks and handling scratches, particularly noticeable over darker areas.

• Minor wear along the top edge.

• Slight rubbing around the upper corners.

• Light wear along the right-hand edge.

• Minor wear around the lower corners.

• Some handling wear along the spine and left-hand edge.

• Small surface marks visible against the red background.

• Slight page curvature visible in the photographed interior pages.

• Minor handling wear to the interior page edges.

There is also a visible narrow crease or surface mark running through part of the lower front-cover area near the large MORRISSEY lettering.

The supplied photographs do not show any obvious major tears or large missing sections of the front cover.

Spine and Binding

The spine appears present, with minor visible wear consistent with previous handling.

The magazine opens to display the photographed contents pages.

However, the complete binding has not been inspected page by page.

Interior Pages

The photographed interior pages appear generally clean and readable.

The photographs, printed headings and article descriptions remain clearly visible.

Some natural curvature is visible where the magazine has been opened.

No obvious major tears are visible on the photographed pages.

The entire magazine has not been checked page by page, so full internal completeness cannot be guaranteed.

Overall Condition

Good pre-owned vintage appearance based on the supplied photographs.

The magazine shows general handling wear, light surface rubbing, some minor creasing and edge/corner wear.

It is not being sold as mint or immaculate.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

Important – Original Free Gifts and Additional Items

MAGAZINE ONLY.

Any original free gifts, promotional CDs, supplements, loose inserts or additional items that may originally have accompanied this issue are no longer included.

Only the printed magazine shown in the photographs is being sold.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during overseas shipping.

Collector Appeal

This original June 2004 MOJO issue may appeal to collectors of:

• MOJO Magazine back issues.

• Morrissey memorabilia.

• The Smiths.

• Johnny Marr.

• Andy Rourke.

• Mike Joyce.

• Morrissey's solo career.

• You Are the Quarry era memorabilia.

• John Lennon.

• The Beatles.

• 1970s New York music history.

• The Shins.

• The Shadows.

• Hank Marvin.

• Graham Nash.

• Crosby, Stills & Nash.

• Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

• Pixies.

• British indie rock.

• Manchester alternative music.

• 1980s independent music.

• 2000s indie rock.

• Classic rock history.

• Vintage music journalism.

• Original music-magazine cover photography.

• Collectible music publications.

Summary

An original MOJO Magazine, June 2004, Issue 127, featuring Morrissey on the front cover.

The magazine includes an extensive Morrissey interview from the period of his You Are the Quarry comeback, alongside a separate historical feature examining the earliest performances of The Smiths.

Other major features include John Lennon, Graham Nash, The Shins, The Shadows and the 100 Most Miserable Songs of All Time.

Additional coverage includes Pixies, Sonic Youth, PJ Harvey, Loretta Lynn, Nick Drake, Brian Eno, The Fall, Blondie and numerous other musicians.

Condition: Good pre-owned vintage appearance with light surface rubbing, minor creasing, edge and corner wear and general handling marks. Full internal completeness has not been verified.

Important: Any original accompanying free gifts, CDs or loose promotional items are not included.

UK Packaging: Protective hardback envelope.

International Packaging: Sturdy cardboard mail-size box.

SKU: 1590