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The Smiths
The Sound of The Smiths
Review By George A. Paul
When the Smiths emerged from Manchester, England in 1982, flamboyance was de rigueur among pop stars. Singer Morrissey, with his quiff hairstyle, Oscar Wilde sense of drama and angst-ridden, controversial lyrics, definitely stood out. Johnny Marr’s jangly and melodic guitar work enthralled, while Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke memorably tied everything together. A moderate success at home, the quartet attained a cult following in America that grew substantially after its 1987 split. Eventually, The Smiths became one of the most influential alt-rock bands of the era.
There have been numerous retrospectives over the years, but The Sound of The Smiths does the best job at distilling the group’s legacy. Available in both single and double disc configurations (and digitally), the deluxe version is essential for diehard fans. The CD booklet contains two dozen full-page band photos and detailed credits. Sound was compiled with the full cooperation of Morrissey and Marr (who supervised the remastering process and suggested tracks). In a recent interview, the guitarist explained that some of his minor parts and keyboard work have been restored. Even the oldest songs (the breezy “This Charming Man,” a stomping “Jeane”) still sound fresh a quarter century later.
All the European singles, plus “What Difference Does it Make? (John Peel Session)” and an extended 12-inch mix of “How Soon is Now?” comprise the 23 selections in chronological order on Disc 1. There are 22 single B-sides and rarities on Disc 2. Highlights include live takes on “Handsome Devil (The Hacienda, 1983),” “Meat is Murder (Oxford Apollo, 1985),” “London (Kilburn National Ballroom, 1986)” and the hard-to-find cover of James’ “What’s the World (Glasgow Barrowlands, 1985).” Also noteworthy: Francois Kevorkian’s danceable “This Charming Man” remix, the Troy Tate-produced demo of “Pretty Girls Make Graves” (from an early version of the self-titled debut) and frantic “Sweet and Tender Hooligan (John Peel Session).”
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