The Smiths was an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. The group consisted of vocalist Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke, and drummer Mike Joyce. Critics have called them one of the most important bands to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. In 2002, the NME named the Smiths “the artist to have had the most influence on the NME”. In 2003, all four of their albums appeared on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”. The band broke up in 1987 due to internal tensions and have turned down several offers to reunite.
Final lineup:
Morrissey – lead vocals, percussion (1982–1987)
Mike Joyce – drums (1982–1987)
Andy Rourke – bass (1982–1986, 1986-1987)
Ivor Perry – guitars (1987)
Former members
Johnny Marr – guitars, piano, keyboards, harmonica (1982–1987)
Steven Pomfret – guitars (1982)
Dale Hibbert – bass (1982)
James Maker – dancing, maracas, backing vocals (1982–1983)
Craig Gannon – bass (1986), guitars (1986)
The live tracks on Disc One were recorded at the BBC Whistle Test at Derby Assembly Rooms on December 6, 1983, but are presented here in a different order.
Disc Two comprises cover versions of songs by The Smiths by various artists (see back cover photo for details).
This is a limited edition French import.
Tracklisting:
DISC ONE, SIDE A
01. Hand In Glove – The Smiths
02. The Boy With The Thorn On His Side – The Smiths
03. This Charming Man – The Smiths
04. Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now – The Smiths
05. This Night Has Opened My Eyes – The Smiths
06. What Difference Does It Make? – The Smiths
DISC ONE, SIDE B
01. Pretty Girls Make Graves – The Smiths
02. Miserable Lie – The Smiths
03. Reel Around The Fountain – The Smiths
04. Still Ill – The Smiths
05. Handsome Devil – The Smiths
06. Those Things Take Time – The Smiths
DISC TWO, SIDE C
01. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want – William Fitzsimmons
02. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out – Trespassers William
03. Shoplifters Of The World Unite – Tanya Donelly
04. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Love Me – Dala
05. What She Said – Katy Goodman
06. Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others – Chikita Violenta
DISC TWO, SIDE D
01. How Soon Is Now? – Mike Viola & The Section Quartet
02. What Difference Does It Make? – Joy Zipper
03. Reel Around The Fountain – Douf Martsch
04. Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This Before – The Rest
05. I Won’t Share You – Sixpence Non The Richer
