The definitive independent British band of the 1980s, The Smiths were driven by the collaboration between lead singer and lyricist Morrissey and lead guitarist and co-songwriter Johnny Marr. Rhino's new 2-CD compilation of their hugely influential music, THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS (DELUXE EDITION) was completed with their full cooperation - Morrissey provided the title, Marr personally supervised the mastering and they both participated in the track selection. Collecting hits, album tracks, choice B-sides and rarities, it's the most comprehensive anthology to date of their extraordinary body of work.

Disc One features 23 tracks and is anchored by The Smiths' matchless run of singles, opening with their debut Rough Trade 7-inch "Hand In Glove" and closing with "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me," issued after they disbanded. All the memorable singles are featured in between, including the definitive hits "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now," "How Soon Is Now," "Panic," “This Charming Man” and "Girlfriend in A Coma." The collection also reinstates 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").

Disc Two of the DELUXE EDITION of THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS boasts an additional 22 tracks including rare B-sides, tracks that were exclusive to 12-inch releases and choice live recordings. Rarities include the Troy Tate-produced "Pretty Girls Make Graves,” a live version of "Meat Is Murder" from the vinyl 12” single of “That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore” and "What's The World," a cover of a song by fellow Manchester band James that was recorded live in Glasgow (originally released only on cassette single).

Comprised of Morrissey plus Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums), The Smiths formed in Manchester in 1982. In addition to their remarkable series of singles, the group released four studio albums between 1983 and 1987: The Smiths, Meat Is Murder, The Queen Is Dead and Strangeways, Here We Come. They wielded an influence far exceeding their time together and laid down a marker for guitar pop-rock that remains unsurpassed.

The definitive independent British band of the 1980s, The Smiths were driven by the collaboration between lead singer and lyricist Morrissey and lead guitarist and co-songwriter Johnny Marr. Rhino's new 2-CD compilation of their hugely influential music, THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS (DELUXE EDITION) was completed with their full cooperation - Morrissey provided the title, Marr personally supervised the mastering and they both participated in the track selection. Collecting hits, album....+Read More...