’80s English indie rock band The Smiths have recently released a new compilation album “The Sound of The Smiths: The Very Best of The Smiths,” this past Tues. Nov. 11 on Rhino records.
The Smiths formed in 1982 and broke up in 1987 over the five year span they released several albums including: “The Smiths,” “Louder Than Bombs,” “Meat Is Murder,” “The Queen Is Dead” and “Strangeways, Here We Come.” Their newest is the choice of a two-disc compilation consisting of songs from all of these albums as well as live cuts, B-sides and rarities.
The second song off of the first disc, as well as their second released single is “This Charming Man.” This hit is probably The Smiths most well known and story telling song. The upbeat drumbeats and Morrissey’s pleasing vocals makes this song most appropriate to listen to when out for a bike ride with a prospective boo or getting ready to start the day.
“Still Ill” the fourth song starts off with a cliché ’80s feel with a complex drum and guitar intro. This song is the most depressing so far on the album. With lyrics such as “Ask me why, and I’ll die, oh, ask me why, and I’ll die,” this song is probably not appropriate to start a day off with, especially a snowy one. It can be said that this song rages in a sad way.
The fifth song ironically does not sound like it’s title at all, “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.” The song is very catchy with maracas and Morrissey exhibiting his ability to hit high notes. The easy going guitar chords and drumming allows for a painless listen.
The first single off of “Hatful of Hollow” is also the sixth song on the first disc “William It Was Really Nothing.” The lyrics are directed towards a man named William who recently split-up from a “fat girl” who he wanted to marry, the protagonist of the story tells William, “it really is nothing.” The only complaint with the song is that it ends too abruptly leaving the listener questioning if the song is actually over.
Repetitive and appealing at number eighteen is “Sheila Take a Bow,” featured off of the album “Louder Than Bombs.” Starting the song with trumpets and somewhat of a military band feel goes straight into Morrissey’s typical questionnaire lyrics. The straightforward lyrics allow for the song to be a memorable one.
The second disc begins with the disheartening track “Jeane.” This is not a good first choice to start off a fresh track list with, and only makes the listeners want to not continue listening.
The seventh song is one that every boy can relate with, “Girl Afraid.” The guitar is the most prominent piece of this song, very new-wave pop sounding in comparison to the usual depressing rock style. Morrissey sadly does not entertain us with his talents of hitting high notes and changing the pitch of his voice.
“Asleep” most recently mentioned in the Stephen Chbosky epistolary novel “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is number twelve. The lethargic four-minute song is perfect for a restless Sunday morning. The simple piano balanced with vocals is all that is necessary for this song. It is the perfect interlude song for this track list.
The unique rockabilly sounding song “Vicar in a Tutu” is fifteen on the album. The song is a clap along; a downside of the pace is that Morrissey’s lyrics cannot be fully understood. The most comprehendible part of the vocals is the chorus, which is the title of the song, like much of The Smiths chorus choices.
“Pretty Girls Makes Graves,” the most clever and straight to the point title comes in at nineteen out of the twenty-three-song album. The song is exactly what the title is, a “pretty girl” who makes her way around with several men. The song is far too upbeat for the title.
It is quite obvious that The Smiths have set the standards for the majority of alternative indie acts of today. The 45-song album is available on Amazon.com for $24 as well as local music stores.