The Smiths
The Sound of the Smiths (Deluxe Edition)
Sire/Rhino
By David Chiu
Even after more than 20 years since their breakup, the Smiths continue to be so popular enough that there were recent rumors of a reunion in the media. It’s a testament to the two main things that made the Smiths arguably one of the greatest British bands ever: the distinct crooning and lyrics of Morrissey and the musical genius of guitarist Johnny Marr. There seems to be more Smiths compilations today than their small but memorable studio output, this latest collection, The Sound of the Smiths, is no different (Marr mastered the set) unless you have this special 2-CD deluxe version. Disc one surveys the Smiths’ most well-known cuts from “Hand in Glove” from the 1984 self-titled debut, through “Last Night I Dreamt Somebody Loved Me” on the 1987 swansong Strangeways, Here We Come. In between are the anthems that every disaffected teen knows by heart such as the classic “How Soon Is Now,” “William, It Was Really Nothing,” and “Bigmouth Strikes Again.” This version of Sound also contains another disc of B-sides and rarities that for those who are just getting into the band. Smiths fans probably own all of the officially released studio and live albums by now, but for the budget-minded casual listener, Sound is more than sufficient.
NewBeats 