Customer Reviews

Rank

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this album way back in the early 90s. At first I didn't like it, Morrissey changed some of the lyrics to some of his hit songs. After giving the tape another try, this album put its hooks into me and has not let-go since then. I believe Morrissey is 10X better live than recorded. I have seen him in concert three times and he is never a disappointment as a live act. Songs like "The Drazie Train" are not found on other albums and are a must-have for the true fan. Of all the albums, this is really not an album but a piece of Smiths history. It is a true treasure. These versions are refreshing departures from the studio-recorded songs. My advice: Buy all of the original Smiths albums and this one too. Don't waste your money on any of the "Best Of" albums.

I am on of the biggest Smiths fans there is. And yes, you must get this if you are a fan. But, you can't help but wonder why (especially on cd) why Morrissey (apparently, he decided what songs were to go on this album) skipped out on many great tracks that the Smiths played on this night.

Songs like: "Frankly, Mr. Shankly" , "There is a light that never goes out", "I want the one I can't have", "How soon is now?" and others were sadly omitted. The overall sound is very good but you can't help but feel like your being swindled here. I hope "they" decide to release another live album to make up for "Rank".

quite simply one of the best live pop albums ever. live, the smiths were very different from their records. they were a rock band. "Still Ill" and "I Know It's Over" are utterly heart-wrenching on this record. get it.

Hard to believe it's been 20 years since the release of this album, which came out after the band disbanded and just before Morrissey ventured out on his own.

This is not a "must have" but showcases some of the Smiths' best work (albeit mostly from The Queen is Dead).

Recording quality is average.

First: The only reason this album did not get a five-star rating, is that this is a Smiths album, and as such, must live up to some pretty high standards. Now, the Smiths were without doubt the greatest band of the eighties (and one of my all time favourites), and had a reputation for being a huge live-attraction. Now, unfortunately, I never had a chance to catch their live acts (primarily because they split up when I was ten years old), but I do imagine that some piece of their worth as a live band were due to Morrisseys enigmatic stage performance, which isn't easily transformed to a sound recording. That said, all the band members were (are) excellant musicians, as this album is a proof of. Now, to summarize my thoughts about this album:

For:

-It's the Smiths, it must be good. (and it is)

-Good sound quality. Far superior to the bootlegs I have heard.

-Some of the songs are featured in great live versions. This recording of The Queen is dead really opened my eyes, I mean ears, to this song. The studio version of the song had never really appealed to me. Until this one.

-The Draze Train. Amazing intrumental tune. Awesome performance by Marr (as always).

Against:

-Less than great song selections. Vicar in a tutu, Ask, Rushholme ruffians and London have never been among my favourite Smiths-songs, though this version of Vicar is in my opinion far superior to the studio one.

-Less than great live versions of some of the songs. I much prefer the regular album versions of What she said, I know it's over and Bigmouth.

-Though backed by secondary guitarist Carig Gannon, Marr doesn't achieve the amazing guitar-tracks as he does when layering guitars on the studio-album. Still, Marr allways performs well, and this is no exception.

So, if you are a Smiths fan, you already own this album. If not, you are going to buy it tomorrow. If you like the Smiths, but aren't a diehard-fan, then I'd still recommend this album. You won't be disapointed. If you are new to the Smiths, get The Queen is Dead or Louder than Bombs instead (and then get all the others). If you hate the Smiths, then go get the new remixes of Modern Talkings greatest instead.

the smiths only official live album 'rank' is a treasure among live albums.. morrissey's charismatic stage presence and vocal talent obviously seem to steal the show.. but this is a great band effort with some great guitar playing by johnny marr... the song selection covered all their albums up to that time and featured their current single 'ask'.. There is a great excitement to this album.. the band sounds fresh and daring.. it is a shame that they would break up so soon.. but that is the way it goes.. morrissey would go on to what is still proving to be a great solo career..

I especially love the live renditions of Cemetery Gate, and Big Mouth, much more so than the studio album versions, although I like all of the songs selected on this album. They are to me a really balanced selection of the Smith's styles. The album versions seem a bit, well, studio-like and restrained. Performed live, the songs take on an added essentiallness, drive, and verve. I like listening to the album in its entirety, very loudly or through headphones and each time I am transported to a magical experience. I know the other reviewers have mentioned that this album was a "filler" release after the Smiths broke up but to me this album really exhibits the essential beauty of Morrisey's emotional-laden songs and Johnny Marr's melodicism. By the way, if you like Morrissey's solo work, I recently bought "Maladjusted" and I must say it's a GREAT work!

This album was my introduction to The Smiths, and when I finally heard the original recordings I never felt the band's studio sound measured up to the raw quality of Rank. There is an intensity that runs throughout. When I first heard it aged 13, this album brought on the most intense feelings of connection to the music. Finally, someone understands me! Boo hoo.
I'm over that now, but whenever I put Rank on it's still blows me away

this is the first smiths record i ever bought, and i think its probably the best introduction to the smiths that one could hope for. this was recorded live in 86 on the smiths' last tour. all the songs, except for "the draize train" and the shot, cute elvis cover "his latest flame", have been released on previous LP's. the songs have a more raw and dare i say punk sound then the studio versions. get this and i guarantee you will want the rest of their stuff.

So great. I agree that The Smiths sound even better live and how many bands, now or then, can say that? Morrissey's voice sounds fantastic and what more can be said of the genius of Marr, Rourke and Joyce? Favorite track is "Rusholme Ruffians" with the "(Marie's The Name of)His Latest Flame" intro. Sublime. I listen to it nearly every day. "What She Said" and "Still Ill" are also amazing. Grab it!