The time has come. We've been talking and talking about the release of The Sound Of The Smiths for quite some time.
The release hits shops today. Let's re-cap.
Details on the standard one-disc version and the two-disc deluxe version here.
Details on extra tracks available via iTunes here.
The Smiths rank as our favorite band ever. Hardcore fans probably have most of the tracks included in this collection, but there are a few things that really make this set worth it -
1) The Johnny Marr involvement in the remaster of the music. We heard things we've never noticed in Stretch Out And Wait and Morrissey's vocal on Sweet And Tender Hooligan comes across much more raw and vivacious, giving the track a completely new life.
2) The live version of Meat Is Murder recorded at the Oxford Apollo in 1985. Fans will remember this live version as the b-side to the vinyl release of This Joke Isn't Funny Anymore. A true favorite, it is nice to finally have a remastered copy of it ready for the digital age. One of the most powerful live recordings ever put to tape during the band's short lived career. It still gives us chills with each listen. Morrissey's haunting vocal is completely impassioned while the dramatic switch-up in the music sets it apart from the original conception.
3) The package. Rhino did it right. The deluxe edition contains beautiful glossy photos both posed and live. The backdrop to the CD trays is made up of the singles original covers. A token of Morrissey's genius as art director for The Smiths. The accompanying booklet plays out as a tiny photo book containing 22 images. Many of them shot by long-time Smiths photographer Kevin Cummins.
4) The music itself, of course. This anthology is a reminder of why the band is still one of the most talked about, respected and enjoyed musical entities of all time. Morrissey's lyrics alone have spawned pages after pages of critical thought and wonder in magazines, books and even classes.
A nice place start if you are new to The Smiths but surely not a substitute for the actual albums. A good collection of remastered material and random b-sides, live takes and alternate versions for the more hardcore.
The Smiths, Stretch Out And Wait live - Irvine, CA 1985
I think they did a decent job on this, though I was a bit disappointed that the booklet didn't have an essay or even really detailed liner notes.
That live version of Meat Is Murder is indeed really fucking great. I wish they'd properly release that whole concert. I have a decent quality bootleg of it (need a copy?) and it's just great all the way through.
Posted by: Joseph | December 05, 2008 at 04:48 PM