Rhino announces the release of THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS, a new collection of classic and rare recordings that will be available November 11. The compilation was completed with the full cooperation of Morrissey, who provided the title, and Johnny Marr, who personally supervised the mastering. They both assisted in the track selection, and their joint involvement ensures that this will be the most comprehensive look back at The Smiths' extraordinary career to date.
THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS will be available as either a single-disc or two-disc collection. Each will be available at all retail outlets, including rhino.com, for a list price of $18.98 for the single disc and $29.98 for the double-disc. THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS will also be available digitally $11.99 (single-disc) and $25.99 (double-disc).
Disc One contains 23 tracks and presents all of The Smiths' memorable single releases, reinstating singles that were scheduled but eventually unreleased in that form ("Still Ill" and “You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby"); plus European-only singles ("Barbarism Begins At Home" and “The Headmaster Ritual.") The core of Disc One, however, is that matchless run of singles from the band's first Rough Trade 7-inch “Hand In Glove," to the posthumous “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me." The collection includes classic hits such as “Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now," “How Soon Is Now," “Panic," and “Girlfriend in A Coma," which marked the pinnacle of that unique creative collaboration between vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. Indeed, Morrissey's eloquence and proselytizing was always matched by the compelling musicianship of Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce.
The two-disc version offers an additional 22 tracks, including rare B-sides, tracks that were exclusive to 12-inch releases and selected live recordings. Among the rarities are the Troy Tate-produced “Pretty Girls Make Graves"; a live version of “Meat Is Murder" from the vinyl 12-inch single version of “That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore"; and “What's The World?," a cover of the fellow Manchester band James that was recorded live in Glasgow and originally released only on cassette single.
Listen to an exclusive 10-track preview
The Sound of THE SMITHS
Listening Party track list:
1. Hand In Glove
2. This Charming Man
3. What Difference Does It Make? (Peel Session version)
4. How Soon Is Now? (12" version)
5. That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore
6. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
7. Panic
8. Girlfriend In A Coma
9. Meat Is Murder (Live)
10. The Queen Is Dead
For more information contact 1888 Media.
