The Sound Of The Smiths: The Very Best Of The Smiths [Original recording remastered]

The Smiths | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 11, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Rhino Records
• ASIN: B001ED7C5S
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,423 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #12 in Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo-Fi > General
  • #24 in Music > World Music > Europe > British Isles > Britain
  • #86 in Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo-Fi > Indie Rock

Editorial Reviews

The Smiths formed in Manchester in 1982 and quickly rose to become the quintessential British indie rock band of their day. Powered by the collaboration between lead singer and lyricist Morrissey and lead guitarist and co-songwriter Johnny Marr, their sound had a literary and musical depth that was complex, emotional and often controversial-at the same time, it rang with The Smiths' unique twist on timeless melodic pop sensibilities. On Rhino's new compilation, the group's biggest hits and most important tracks are represented.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Half A Collection, January 3, 2009

By 

Neil Laslett (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sound Of The Smiths: The Very Best Of The Smiths (Audio CD)

A great first CD of an excellent 2-CD remastered set. So..um...why are you even looking at this page? Go find the "2 CD Deluxe Edition". Please. Buying this CD is like buying half of a boxed set.

The second disk contains more of the rarities in addition to more can't-miss standout tracks. Overall, this collection is a true remastered set, overseen by Johnny Marr, and offers a lot of new and original material, not like those tired record label releases we've seen over the past years.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quintessential Smiths..., June 16, 2010

By 

Adam J. Byrne "Music Connaseur and Singer" (Fairfield, CA...Cordelia Villiage) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sound Of The Smiths: The Very Best Of The Smiths (Audio CD)

Gripe all you want... Yes, there is a 2 disc version of this... I have this edition, and wanted the two disc one, but thought about it. I have all the individual albums. Why spend another 30 bucks on the same songs. I only got this for a concise collection to play for friends and otherwise. As an introduction to an amazing band, this 23 track career spanning single disc collection is a revelation. To say the least. The band didn't make an amazing storm ride up the charts in America, but American fans have garnered an amazing following. The songs are incredibly tuneful, fun, smart, and full of messages. Starting with the prolific Hand in Glove, the album dips from early to legendary with ease and knowledge. The reward in these songs is really how well they stand up in the 2010's as if they were a new band with new ideas. Seriously, the songs in general just speak volumes to listeners. This Charming Man - A short sweet jumpy tune that just makes you smile - "I Would go out tonight, but I haven't got a stitch to wear...." - Is that not what people do when trying to be charming? One of personal favorites - Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now... What to say besides it blew me away the first time I heard it. The chord changes, the vocal acrobatics, the ease of the groove... Incredible. That bass work alone is worth hearing the song. William It Was Really Nothing is a fast paced song of apology and How Soon Is Now is easily put as Sex on Record. Amazingly effective. Shoplifters Of The World Unite is also an invigorating tour de force and another highlight outright. There are no duds here speaking volumes for the group as they really did make amazing music throughout their tenure as a band. The fact that you can listen to 23 tracks without stopping really does say alot about The Smiths. A band alot of people hear but I doubt alot of people have seriously experienced. Simply put, these are songs that must be heard. They are pure, they are melodic, and they are easily said... Brilliant. The album artwork and liner notes are also effective, lush and worth the price. The photos are truly like a time capsule. Easily one of the finest Best Of/Compilation albums out at the time of this review, I cannot recommend this outstanding masterpiece enough. Experience this with yourself or someone special!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Soultry Sound of The Smiths, December 8, 2009

By 

Nina Adib "bright eyed girl" (bay area, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sound of the Smiths (Audio CD)

Having not heard much of The Smith's work, I decided what better way than to purchase this fully loaded double disc compilation to give me the full Smith's experience? I was right. I listened to all 46 tracks with instant pleasure and a new found liking for the charming 80's English rock band. Steven Morrissey's deep, sultry voice had a calming sooth effect that kept me hooked song after song. The band's complementing guitar and drums added the perfect vibe to bring the listener back to an era where English punk rock was at its prime. Whether you know and love the Smith's already, or are just a blooming fan hoping to hear some unheard material, this fully packed compilation is for you. The price and quality are definitely worth the investment, and quite frankly, who wouldn't love The Smiths?