The Smiths

A rocking debut by the Mancunians.Moz is in full effect and Marr’s guitar is at his jangly zenith. The rhythm setting of Rourke and Joyce is brilliant.With the exception of maybe three songs those here are fast enough. Opening track “Reel Around The Fountain” is slower but devastatingly brilliant. “You’ve Got Everything Now,” “Miserable Lie,” “Still Ill,” “Hand In Glove,” and “What Difference Does It Make?” are masterpieces.The production doesn’t add much sheen so instruments and the voice breathes. There isn’t cluttered sound like you hear on an Aerosmith album. The production continues in the minimalist vein harvested with great success by Joy Division.I’ve never liked the Smiths’ slower songs and, though very good, those here don’t do as much for me as the faster songs. When Marr is rocking, Moz is shrieking, and drums and bass are keeping it going the Smiths rock like most bands wish they could. The Bunnymen’s first album also rocks like this as do Gang of Four’s, REM’s and the Cure’s.I saw the Smiths once on the Meat Is Murder tour and twice on the The Queen Is Dead tour. Great times though I don’t remember much about two of the shows.Marr and Morrissey grew apart and at least one of them didn’t handle success well. Supposedly Marr’s becoming tired of Morrissey made him leave shortly after the Smiths finished their last album. A far too brief run.This is a great album. If you’re a rock fan and haven’t heard it now’s your time. The jewel case came in good shape and the insert is good with readable lyrics, though the print is small.Moz went on to a somewhat successful solo career marked by at least one very long break between albums and uneven quality. Marr’s been in at least two other bands since and I enjoyed an album by a band he was is a member of. Unlike Lennon and McCartney, they were much better together than apart.Dig it.

Order arrived on time and in perfect condition

It’s great to hear the Smiths on vinyl again. This remastered, reissued 180g record contains the original UK track list. So “This Charming Man” is absent on this US version. However, when I got the AutoRip download that comes with the album purchase, it did contain the original US release track list. So you do get “This Charming Man” that way, but not on the vinyl. The rest of the songs merit well on own on this debut though. This was the start of the classic Smiths sound

Ive heard of this band but never heard their music until about 6 months ago. I love 80's music, synth, light rock etc so I figured I would give this band a chance, get a couple of CD's and see what they were all about.When I first heard it I didnt know what to think. I knew they sounded different than any other band ive ever heard. As I listened to it I began to like it more and more. It grew on me.The lyrics are some of the smartest ive ever heard..I also purchased a Morrisey CD and was looking up some of the lyrics while listening to the songs and thought wow, this guy can write. I also see the reviewer said this was a Joy Division inspired band- that might have something to do with why the sound grew on me considering I love Joy Division. I definitely recommend this CD but as far as who would like this music I cant say. Its more of a mellow sound with contemplative lyrics.

Simply amazing - revived and redefined a genre.

The Smiths may have put out bigger and better albums later, but they would never again have this type of raw energy. Hard to believe that a band could put out as literate and fully realized album on their first try without being pretentious as the Smiths did on this record.

You can’t go wrong with The Smiths. Just ask me, I won’t say no… how could I?

Great...just what i ordered