Product Description

Compiled mostly from tracks on the two UK releases HATFUL OF HOLLOW and THE WORLD WON'T LISTEN, LOUDER THAN BOMBS is one of the best examples of the recorded genius of the Smiths.While the band's album releases were always anxiously awaited and well received, their most enduring gems could often be found on their singles.
The Smiths took full advantage of the then-popular 12" single format, usually including non-album tracks on their B-sides, and this 24 track CD includes the most interesting examples of these. Numerous standout moments include "Ask", "Half A Person", "Shoplifters of the World Unite", "Panic", "William It Was Really Nothing", "Sheila Take A Bow", and "Stretch Out and Wait". An essential addition to any Smiths completist's collection.

Track Listing

1. Is It Really So Strange
2. Sheila Take a Bow
3. Shoplifters Of The World Unite
4. Sweet And Tender Hooligan
5. Half A Person
6. London
7. Panic
8. Girl Afraid
9. Shakespeares Sister
10. William, It Was Really Nothing
11. You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby
12. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now
13. Ask
14. Golden Lights
15. Oscillate Wildly
16. These Things Take Time
17. Rubber Ring
18. Back To The Old House
19. Hand In Glove
20. Stretch Out And Wait
21. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want
22. This Night Has Opened My Eyes
23. Unlovable
24. Asleep

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2430 in Music
• Released on: 1995-02-20
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Great place to start
In an ideal world, this would be remastered by now. Actually, all Smiths albums should be remastered, starting with this and 'The Queen Is Dead'. Any latecomers to the Smiths will probably opt for 'Best' or 'Very Best' instead. Do yourself a favour and take the plunge here. This album is chock full of brilliant riffs from Marr and some legendary lines from Morrissey. I lost my copy 8 years ago and recently bought a new one. Listening to this now, I'm amazed how well it holds up. When this first came out, the general consensus was that only reclusive geeks could enjoy it. Probably something to do with Morrissey sounding like a cabaret singer at granny's funeral. And yet the funny thing is that he sounds almost cheerful when you listen to him now (almost). Maybe my ears have been softened by the likes of Radiohead, MMJ and Editors etc. Seriously, if you fancy the odd Smiths album in your collection, this is a great place to start. You get a perfect overview of the Smiths at a time when they reached their creative peak. And if you can't stomach 'Golden Lights', press skip (there's plenty more to tickle your fancy). This should be first on your list together with 'The Queen is Dead'.

This Album Will Blow You Away
If, like me, you hate the idea of compilations then this may be the compilation to change all that. Originally released in the US to coincide with the UK release of 'The World Won't Listen', I was fortunate enough to purchase this as an import when it first came out and have loved it ever since. 23 out of the 24 songs on this album are brilliant - the only bad apple is 'Golden Lights' - a tribute to the original singer 'Twinkle' (one of Morrissey's favourites from the mid sixties) which to be honest is a poor song and stands out like a sore thumb.
This is a fine introduction to The Smiths and showcases the brilliant lyrics penned by Morrissey and the awesome tunes written by Mr Johnny Marr. A pleasure to own. Buy It!!

The Smiths...by name by nature
Smiths followers have always had the stereotype of being lonely outsiders either respected for their stance against the Thatcherite movement of the 80s or dismissed for the above reason. Without doubt the standout track on this album and, for me, the greatest song recorded by this group is 'Rubber Ring', an outstanding song, showcasing everything that the Smiths were about - Johnny Marr's jangly guitar, Morrissey's witty, sarcastic lyrics (see also the snippet at the end) and his characteristic miserablist yearnings for recognition ("but they were the onle ones who ever stood by you.") The other songs on the album, particularly 'You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby' and 'Ask' are songs of the quality you have come to expect from the Smiths - don't miss this superb collection!