The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get

"The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get"
Single by Morrissey
from the album Vauxhall and I
Released	28 February 1994
Format	7", 12", CD, cassette
Genre	Indie pop
Length	3:43
Label	Parlophone (UK)
Writer(s)	Morrissey, Boz Boorer
Producer(s)	Steve Lillywhite
Morrissey singles chronology
"Tomorrow" (1992) "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get" (1994) "Hold on to Your Friends" (1994)

"The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get" is a song by Morrissey, co-written by Boz Boorer released as a single in February 1994. It was taken from the then-unreleased Vauxhall and I album and was the first Morrissey single to be produced by Steve Lillywhite.

Reaching number 8 in the UK Singles Chart, the single became Morrissey's first top ten hit since "Interesting Drug" in 1989. It is also Morrissey's only charting single in the United States Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 46, as well as becoming a number 1 Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart hit.

Track listings

7" vinyl and cassette

1. "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get"
2. "Used to Be a Sweet Boy"

12" vinyl and CD (UK)

1. "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get"
2. "Used to Be a Sweet Boy"
3. "I'd Love To" (UK version)

CD (USA)

1. "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get"
2. "Used to Be a Sweet Boy"
3. "I'd Love To" (USA version)

Reviews

NME gave the single a bad review, describing the song as a "formless neutered ramble" and that his "gleaming reputation tarnishes" with this release.^[1]

Musicians

• Morrissey - vocals
• Alain Whyte - guitar
• Boz Boorer - guitar
• Jonny Bridgwood - bass guitar
• Woodie Taylor - drums

Live performances

The song was performed live by Morrissey on his 1995, 1999–2000 and 2004 tours.

Covers

The song has been covered in live performances by Sara Watkins with a country swing feel. Her arrangement features fiddle, acoustic guitar, electric bass and drums.

The song was also covered by the English pop band Acacia in an "Asian underground" electronic dance-pop style, with the band releasing their version as a single in 1994.

See also

• Morrissey discography

References

1. ↑ NME The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get Review