Album: Strangeways, Here We Come by The Smiths (1987)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Record Label: Rough Trade
Format: Album

Description: Sadly, the Smiths could not stay together. One of the distinct highlights of the 1980s post-punk landscape, the Smiths as a group conjoined the power of adolescent angst with gorgeous pop melodies. The marriage of Johnny Marr’s music to Morrissey’s lyrics came together for one last push with this, the Smiths’ fourth and final studio album. With Stephen Street as co-producer, the British quartet achieved a fuller sound that made Marr’s guitar colorings particularly bright with strings and horns added in strategic spots. Morrissey matched the production’s additional hues by writing another batch of punchy, pithy musings, including “Girlfriend In a Coma,” in which solemn horror is eased by an indelible melody. “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before,” “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” and “Unhappy Birthday” encapsulate and extend Morrissey’s heartfelt self-pity. He’s clearly aware of the impression he’s making and reveling in his own cheekiness. This playful demeanor balances the desperate anger that lurks underneath (“Paint a Vulgar Picture,” “I Won’t Share You’).

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1980s, Album, Rough Trade

Additional Context: Rating score: 7. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Sadly, the Smiths could not stay together. One of the distinct highlights of the 1980s post-punk landscape, the Smiths as a group conjoined the power of adolescent angst with gorgeous pop melodies. The marriage of Johnny Marr’s music to Morrissey’s lyrics came together for one last push with this, the Smiths’ fourth and final studio album. With Stephen Street as co-producer, the British quartet achieved a fuller sound that made Marr’s guitar colorings particularly bright with strings and horns added in strategic spots. Morrissey matched the production’s additional hues by writing another batch of punchy, pithy musings, including “Girlfriend In a Coma,” in which solemn horror is eased by an indelible melody. “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before,” “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” and “Unhappy Birthday” encapsulate and extend Morrissey’s heartfelt self-pity. He’s clearly aware of the impression he’s making and reveling in his own cheekiness. This playful demeanor balances the desperate anger that lurks underneath (“Paint a Vulgar Picture,” “I Won’t Share You’).

Album: The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths (1986)
Genre: alternative rock | Style: neo-acoustic
Record Label: Sire Records
Format: Cassette

Artist Background: The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey (vocals) and Johnny Marr (guitar), the band also included Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Critics have called them the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. The group was signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records, on which they released four studio albums, several compilati... Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Dale Hibbert, Mike Joyce, Johnny Marr, Morrissey

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, neo-acoustic, 1980s, Cassette, Sire Records


Album: The World Won't Listen by The Smiths (1987)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Record Label: WM UK
Format: Compilation

Description: While The Smiths were one of the most important bands of the '80s, their album catalog is a complex mess. While the band issued four official studio albums, many of their finest tracks were originally released as singles and then assembled onto collections much like this one. Here, a few excellent album tracks (“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side”) are accompanied by indispensable singles and b-sides such as “Panic,” “Ask,” “Half a Person” and “Shoplifters of the World Unite.” It makes for a headache when trying to complete their catalog. The group recorded few missteps. “Oscillate Wildly” is an instrumental that begs for a Morrissey vocal, but it also makes for a perfect karaoke performance for anyone with ambition to score their own lyrical theme over Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar purr. Yet there’s no arguing with the band chemistry on “You Just Haven’t Earned It Yet, Baby” or “Stretch Out and Wait.” In four short years, The Smiths accomplished a decade’s worth of first-rate material.

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1980s, Compilation, WM UK


While The Smiths were one of the most important bands of the '80s, their album catalog is a complex mess. While the band issued four official studio albums, many of their finest tracks were originally released as singles and then assembled onto collections much like this one. Here, a few excellent album tracks (“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side”) are accompanied by indispensable singles and b-sides such as “Panic,” “Ask,” “Half a Person” and “Shoplifters of the World Unite.” It makes for a headache when trying to complete their catalog. The group recorded few missteps. “Oscillate Wildly” is an instrumental that begs for a Morrissey vocal, but it also makes for a perfect karaoke performance for anyone with ambition to score their own lyrical theme over Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar purr. Yet there’s no arguing with the band chemistry on “You Just Haven’t Earned It Yet, Baby” or “Stretch Out and Wait.” In four short years, The Smiths accomplished a decade’s worth of first-rate material.

Album: Louder Than Bombs by The Smiths (1987)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Record Label: WM UK
Format: Album

Description: Originally issued in the U.S. market in 1987 as a compilation of singles, b-sides, BBC sessions and random album tracks, Louder Than Bombs proved to be the band's defining release for many stateside Smiths fans. The group's studio albums stretched out their approach, while the singles were guitarist Johnny Marr's métier. The band has since issued far too many collections of singles and greatest hits. As great as those are, Louder Than Bombs has an artistic sweep that's irresistible. Morrissey's lyrical acumen is never better targeted than during "Shoplifters of the World Unite," "Half a Person," "Panic," "William, It Was Really Nothing," "Ask" and the powerfully compact "These Things Take Time." The band's brilliance can't be overstated, and the pacing throughout is superb. The Smiths' ability to rock, reflect and ache is second to none. This album is an embarrassment of riches, really, and along with Hatful of Hollow and the band's debut album ranks as a perfect look at the best rock 'n' roll band of the '80s.

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1980s, Album, WM UK

Additional Context: Rating score: 8. Based on 1 votes

Originally issued in the U.S. market in 1987 as a compilation of singles, b-sides, BBC sessions and random album tracks, Louder Than Bombs proved to be the band's defining release for many stateside Smiths fans. The group's studio albums stretched out their approach, while the singles were guitarist Johnny Marr's métier. The band has since issued far too many collections of singles and greatest hits. As great as those are, Louder Than Bombs has an artistic sweep that's irresistible. Morrissey's lyrical acumen is never better targeted than during "Shoplifters of the World Unite," "Half a Person," "Panic," "William, It Was Really Nothing," "Ask" and the powerfully compact "These Things Take Time." The band's brilliance can't be overstated, and the pacing throughout is superb. The Smiths' ability to rock, reflect and ache is second to none. This album is an embarrassment of riches, really, and along with Hatful of Hollow and the band's debut album ranks as a perfect look at the best rock 'n' roll band of the '80s.

Album: ...Best II by The Smiths (1992)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Format: Compilation

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1990s, Compilation


Album: The Very Best of The Smiths by The Smiths (2001)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Format: Compilation

Description: Over four years, from 1983 to 1987, the Smiths produced an enduring catalogue that included four studio albums and a slew of singles and b-sides often collected on a variety of compilation albums. This 2008 collection, overseen by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, collects 23 tracks in its “single-disc” edition and an additional 22 tracks, including B-sides, exclusive 12-inch releases and live recordings, for the “two-disc” expanded version. Taken either way, it’s an embarrassment of riches, as Johnny Marr’s lyrical guitar riffs supply the empathetic poetry necessary to support Morrissey’s emotionally charged lyrical concerns. From shameless self-pity to rampant narcissism, unrelieved sorrow to bursts of temporary joy, the Smiths took adolescence and channelled its hormonal wildness into gorgeous pop songs. The two-minute nightclub apocalypse of “Panic,” the wallflower ennui of “Ask,” and the sublime damp futures of “William, It Was Really Nothing” and “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” highlight the flow of The Smiths’ unrelenting single releases, while the majesty of such b-sides as “Half A Person,” “Girl Afraid,” and the live versions of “Meat is Murder” and “London,” attest to the group’s fully formed strengths.

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 2000s, Compilation

Additional Context: Rating score: 6. Based on 2 votes


Over four years, from 1983 to 1987, the Smiths produced an enduring catalogue that included four studio albums and a slew of singles and b-sides often collected on a variety of compilation albums. This 2008 collection, overseen by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, collects 23 tracks in its “single-disc” edition and an additional 22 tracks, including B-sides, exclusive 12-inch releases and live recordings, for the “two-disc” expanded version. Taken either way, it’s an embarrassment of riches, as Johnny Marr’s lyrical guitar riffs supply the empathetic poetry necessary to support Morrissey’s emotionally charged lyrical concerns. From shameless self-pity to rampant narcissism, unrelieved sorrow to bursts of temporary joy, the Smiths took adolescence and channelled its hormonal wildness into gorgeous pop songs. The two-minute nightclub apocalypse of “Panic,” the wallflower ennui of “Ask,” and the sublime damp futures of “William, It Was Really Nothing” and “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” highlight the flow of The Smiths’ unrelenting single releases, while the majesty of such b-sides as “Half A Person,” “Girl Afraid,” and the live versions of “Meat is Murder” and “London,” attest to the group’s fully formed strengths.

Album: Meat Is Murder by The Smiths
Genre: indie pop
Record Label: Sire Records
Format: CD

Artist Background: Artist from GB, known for alternative rock, britpop, indie pop, indie rock, jangle pop

Musical Influences: Dale Hibbert, Mike Joyce, Johnny Marr, Morrissey

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: indie pop, CD, Sire Records


Album: The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths (1986)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Format: Album

Description: The Queen Is Dead is the third studio album by the English alternative rock band The Smiths. It was released on 16 June 1986 in the United Kingdom by Rough Trade Records and released in the United States on 23 June 1986 through Sire Records. The album spent twenty-two weeks on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at #2. Across the Atlantic, it reached #28 in Canada on the RPM 100 album chart and #70 on the Billboard 200 chart, and was certified Gold by the RIAA in late 1990. It has sold consistently well ever since. The album cover, designed by Morrissey, features Alain Delon from the 1964 film L'Insoumis.

Artist Background: The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey (vocals) and Johnny Marr (guitar), the band also included Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Critics have called them the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. The group was signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records, on which they released four studio albums, several compilati... Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Morrissey, Warsaw, The Cure, Talking Heads

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1980s, Album

Additional Context: Based on 3 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


The Queen Is Dead is the third studio album by the English alternative rock band The Smiths. It was released on 16 June 1986 in the United Kingdom by Rough Trade Records and released in the United States on 23 June 1986 through Sire Records. The album spent twenty-two weeks on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at #2. Across the Atlantic, it reached #28 in Canada on the RPM 100 album chart and #70 on the Billboard 200 chart, and was certified Gold by the RIAA in late 1990. It has sold consistently well ever since. The album cover, designed by Morrissey, features Alain Delon from the 1964 film L'Insoumis.

Album: The Smiths by The Smiths (1984)
Genre: alternative rock
Record Label: Rough Trade
Format: Cassette

Artist Background: The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey (vocals) and Johnny Marr (guitar), the band also included Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Critics have called them the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. The group was signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records, on which they released four studio albums, several compilati... Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Dale Hibbert, Mike Joyce, Johnny Marr, Morrissey

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, 1980s, Cassette, Rough Trade


Album: The Smiths by The Smiths (1984)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Record Label: Rough Trade
Format: Album

Description: Even in an era of radical post-punk, The Smiths is an utterly unique debut. From the woozy charms of “Reel Around the Fountain”, Morrissey’s fragile croon commences its love affair with Johnny Marr’s twinkling guitar. The band brings fire to “You’ve Got Everything Now” and “This Charming Man”, a Motown dance beat embroidered with slippery guitar. Gentle in its rage, “Suffer Little Children” takes on child abuse as no other band could, whilst the group’s singular allure glows within the dreamy licks of “I Don’t Owe You Anything”.

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1980s, Album, Rough Trade

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 3 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace

Even in an era of radical post-punk, The Smiths is an utterly unique debut. From the woozy charms of “Reel Around the Fountain”, Morrissey’s fragile croon commences its love affair with Johnny Marr’s twinkling guitar. The band brings fire to “You’ve Got Everything Now” and “This Charming Man”, a Motown dance beat embroidered with slippery guitar. Gentle in its rage, “Suffer Little Children” takes on child abuse as no other band could, whilst the group’s singular allure glows within the dreamy licks of “I Don’t Owe You Anything”.

Album: The Sound of The Smiths by The Smiths (2008)
Genre: Indie | Mood: Quirky
Format: Compilation

Description: The Sound of The Smiths is a Smiths compilation released on 10 November 2008. It is available as both single and double disc editions. Morrissey is credited with having coined the compilation's title, while Johnny Marr was involved in the project's mastering. Early promotional material for the album originally saw it entitled Hang the DJ: The Very Best of the Smiths, but this was changed for the final release.

The album charted No. 21 in the UK Album Charts and No. 98 on the Billboard Album Charts. The pictures on the covers of the original and deluxe editions were taken by Tom Sheehan. It’s the only album featuring the band members on the artwork.

Artist Background: The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey (vocals) and Johnny Marr (guitar), the band also included Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Critics have called them the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. The group was signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records, on which they released four studio albums, several compilati... Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Morrissey, Warsaw, The Cure, Talking Heads

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Quirky, 2000s, Compilation


The Sound of The Smiths is a Smiths compilation released on 10 November 2008. It is available as both single and double disc editions. Morrissey is credited with having coined the compilation's title, while Johnny Marr was involved in the project's mastering. Early promotional material for the album originally saw it entitled Hang the DJ: The Very Best of the Smiths, but this was changed for the final release.

The album charted No. 21 in the UK Album Charts and No. 98 on the Billboard Album Charts. The pictures on the covers of the original and deluxe editions were taken by Tom Sheehan. It’s the only album featuring the band members on the artwork.

Album: Meat Is Murder by The Smiths (1985)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Record Label: Rough Trade
Format: Album

Description: The Smiths would prove themselves as a singles act, releasing an onslaught of infectious tunes that mostly escaped inclusion on their studio albums. The unusually funky (by Smiths standards) and hauntingly tremolo-ed “How Soon is Now?” was appended to the American release of the British quartet’s second album and it’s a welcomed addition, as much of Meat is Murder is ruled by some odd obsessive turns. The title track is a heavy-handed pronouncement for vegetarianism, while the brilliantly sad “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore” and the futile pleas of “I Want the One I Can’t Have” expose the strengths and weaknesses of Morrissey’s fearless, unrelenting attack against societal norms. He’s a sad, passionate man beautifully backed by a rhythm section that never attempts to move beyond its carefully constructed grooves — all while providing the ideal template for the melodic wanderings of guitarist Johnny Marr and, of course, Morrissey, who uses these backings to deliver witty, conflicted observations and feelings until it’s all Morrissey’s world and we just listen to it.

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1980s, Album, Rough Trade

Additional Context: Based on 4 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace

The Smiths would prove themselves as a singles act, releasing an onslaught of infectious tunes that mostly escaped inclusion on their studio albums. The unusually funky (by Smiths standards) and hauntingly tremolo-ed “How Soon is Now?” was appended to the American release of the British quartet’s second album and it’s a welcomed addition, as much of Meat is Murder is ruled by some odd obsessive turns. The title track is a heavy-handed pronouncement for vegetarianism, while the brilliantly sad “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore” and the futile pleas of “I Want the One I Can’t Have” expose the strengths and weaknesses of Morrissey’s fearless, unrelenting attack against societal norms. He’s a sad, passionate man beautifully backed by a rhythm section that never attempts to move beyond its carefully constructed grooves — all while providing the ideal template for the melodic wanderings of guitarist Johnny Marr and, of course, Morrissey, who uses these backings to deliver witty, conflicted observations and feelings until it’s all Morrissey’s world and we just listen to it.

Album: “Rank” by The Smiths (1988)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Format: Live

Description: As one of the most important bands of the '80s, The Smiths made music that relied on a delicate balance of the twisted egoisms of vocalist Morrissey and the sublime jangle of guitarist Johnny Marr, all powered by a rhythm section that was far more muscular than the group's pop credentials would suggest. This official live album of the band’s October 1986 performance at London's National Ballroom shows the band almost in hard rock mode, as Morrissey sings nearly breathlessly and the band pumps it up with relentless force. Considering The Smiths' large catalog of worthy tunes–written in a furious four-year rush–it’s inevitable that something is missing for everyone, and the inclusion of Marr’s obscure “The Draize Train” seems odd. However, there’s no denying the epic power of “The Queen Is Dead,” the pure concert-hall glee of “Panic,” the T. Rex swagger of “Is It Really So Strange” and the feeling of solidarity surrounding Morrissey for “Still Ill.”

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1980s, Live


As one of the most important bands of the '80s, The Smiths made music that relied on a delicate balance of the twisted egoisms of vocalist Morrissey and the sublime jangle of guitarist Johnny Marr, all powered by a rhythm section that was far more muscular than the group's pop credentials would suggest. This official live album of the band’s October 1986 performance at London's National Ballroom shows the band almost in hard rock mode, as Morrissey sings nearly breathlessly and the band pumps it up with relentless force. Considering The Smiths' large catalog of worthy tunes–written in a furious four-year rush–it’s inevitable that something is missing for everyone, and the inclusion of Marr’s obscure “The Draize Train” seems odd. However, there’s no denying the epic power of “The Queen Is Dead,” the pure concert-hall glee of “Panic,” the T. Rex swagger of “Is It Really So Strange” and the feeling of solidarity surrounding Morrissey for “Still Ill.”

Album: The Peel Session by The Smiths (1988)
Genre: Indie | Mood: Quirky
Format: Live

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Quirky, 1980s, Live


Album: Singles by The Smiths (1995)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Format: Compilation

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1990s, Compilation


Album: Strangeways, Here We Come by The Smiths (1987)
Genre: alternative rock | Style: male vocalist
Record Label: Sire Records
Format: 12" Vinyl

Artist Background: The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey (vocals) and Johnny Marr (guitar), the band also included Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Critics have called them the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. The group was signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records, on which they released four studio albums, several compilati... Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Dale Hibbert, Mike Joyce, Johnny Marr, Morrissey

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, male vocalist, 1980s, 12" Vinyl, Sire Records


Album: Best... I by The Smiths (1992)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Format: Compilation

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1990s, Compilation


Album: Complete by The Smiths (2011)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Record Label: WM UK
Format: Compilation

Description: While this box set isn't entirely complete, it does sound as fresh and alive as the days of vinyl, courtesy of Johnny Marr's remastering efforts. The Smiths were one of the most essential bands of the '80s, reeling off a string of singles unrivaled in their intelligence, indelible hooks and originality. Each of The Smiths' four studio albums is present here, along with their live album Rank, and various singles compilations. While the sheer quantity available here is clearly aimed at Smiths fanatics, it also saves anyone looking to immerse themselves in the group the hassle of picking things up piecemeal. It's safe to say that if you love one Smiths tune, you'll want them all; such was the quality of their work. Morrissey's lyrics are poignant, humorous and wildly adventurous, while Johnny Marr plays guitar with a similar lyricism. No serious collection of late 20th-century music should be without "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," "These Things Take Time," and another two dozen of the tunes here.

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 2010s, Compilation, WM UK

While this box set isn't entirely complete, it does sound as fresh and alive as the days of vinyl, courtesy of Johnny Marr's remastering efforts. The Smiths were one of the most essential bands of the '80s, reeling off a string of singles unrivaled in their intelligence, indelible hooks and originality. Each of The Smiths' four studio albums is present here, along with their live album Rank, and various singles compilations. While the sheer quantity available here is clearly aimed at Smiths fanatics, it also saves anyone looking to immerse themselves in the group the hassle of picking things up piecemeal. It's safe to say that if you love one Smiths tune, you'll want them all; such was the quality of their work. Morrissey's lyrics are poignant, humorous and wildly adventurous, while Johnny Marr plays guitar with a similar lyricism. No serious collection of late 20th-century music should be without "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," "These Things Take Time," and another two dozen of the tunes here.

Album: Hatful of Hollow by The Smiths (1984)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Quirky
Record Label: WM UK
Format: Album

Description: Released just months after The Smiths’ debut album, this collection of non-LP B-sides and singles finds Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr brilliantly blending deceptively simple motifs with literate, trenchant lyrics. From the anthemic art-pop of “How Soon Is Now?” to the cockeyed, quasi-R&B of “This Night Has Opened My Eyes”, every song here is hummable and melancholic in equal measure. Unquenchable yearning on “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want”, the ironic narcissism of “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”—the moods and themes gel effortlessly too.

Related Artists: Morrissey, The Cure, Talking Heads, New Order

Music Scene: Part of the Manchester, England music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, Quirky, 1980s, Album, WM UK

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 1 votes


Released just months after The Smiths’ debut album, this collection of non-LP B-sides and singles finds Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr brilliantly blending deceptively simple motifs with literate, trenchant lyrics. From the anthemic art-pop of “How Soon Is Now?” to the cockeyed, quasi-R&B of “This Night Has Opened My Eyes”, every song here is hummable and melancholic in equal measure. Unquenchable yearning on “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want”, the ironic narcissism of “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”—the moods and themes gel effortlessly too.

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