[CD] THE SMITHS • THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS • U.K. IMPORT

THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS is a 2008 compilation of the definitive British independent band of the eighties - produced with the full co-operation of Morrissey and Johnny Marr; Morrissey provided the title and Johnny Marr personally supervised the mastering, their joint involvement ensuring that this is the most impactful look back at The Smiths' extraordinary career to date.

The disc comprises 23 tracks and presents all the Smiths' memorable single releases, reinstating singles that were scheduled though eventually unreleased in that form (Still Ill and You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby) plus European only singles including Barbarism Begins At Home and The Headmaster Ritual. The core of Disc 1, however, is that matchless run of singles from their first Rough Trade 7 inch, Hand In Glove to the posthumous Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me. The collection includes genuine 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 proselytising was always matched by the compelling musicianship of Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce.