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I appreciate a songwriter like Morrissey with so much restraint.

We all know how funny Morrissey is. Actually, you know what? I say that sarcastically. His songs are some of the funniest songs I've ever heard in my life. I mean, really. I mean, not that the 'Girlfriend in a Coma' is, like, really funny.

I rate Morrissey as one of the best lyricists in Britain. For me, he's up there with Bryan Ferry.

I kinda learned to sing singing to Echo and the Bunnymen songs and Smiths songs: Morrissey would be a big favorite.

I never wanted to write the sort of song that said, 'Look at how abnormal and crazy and out there I am, man!'

Marvin Gaye was one of the coolest. I look to him as a style icon and as an artist.

I went to watch Coldplay in Florida and saw Chris Martin before they went on. He sang 'What Makes You Beautiful' before the chorus of 'Yellow' kicked in. That was so strange because he's an inspiration for me. I think he's so good, he's sick... he's a really nice guy too.

I was obsessed with David Bowie - still am. He's a babe, a total babe. His music is killer; his visuals are beautiful.

I'm a songwriter, that's what I love.