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Amazon.co.uk Review
When you listen to this collection of nearly all the noteworthy singles by the Smiths, you might marvel over the fact that Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr collaborated and co-write so many astonishing tunes only to break up a mere four years into their creative burst. The first half of Singles is a relentless parade of top-notch emotional Morrissey punches. Then just when you think you're going to catch your breath, "Bigmouth Strikes Again" breaks out and the poignancy and wit of that charming man really hits home. From the shimmering "Ask" to the dark crooner "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" to the closing hit "There is a Light That Never Goes Out", the collection leaves one feeling wistful, for these tracks will never be matched. --Lorry Fleming
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Cd > Popular Music > RockCD > POPULAR MUSIC > ROCK
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The Smiths represent the turning point of 1980s music and, especially, indie. The particular brilliance of the first great indie guitarist, Johnnie Marr, took us from post-punk into retro guitar music and it is in a large part to him that Oasis, Blur etc owe their style (they freely acknowledge this fact). Partnered with the brilliant lyricist and perennial wierdo Morrissey the group produces some of the finest hits of the eighties. This compilation, featuring all 18 singles from 1983-1987 is the ideal introduction to the band, as well as an essential purchase for those fans owning other albums/compilations by the group. Highly recommended.
If you like this try: The Queen is Dead, the Smiths and one of pop's finest albums ever.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
after hearing 'panic' in a compilation tape, i legged it out and bought a smiths cd. i wasn't disappointed. this is simply breathtaking. morrissey's wry humour comes through clearly on many of the tracks such as 'bigmouth strikes again' and 'shoplifters of the world unite' and some of the guitar playing, such as the first few bars of 'this charming man' are incredible. each song brings something new. some of the moments in this cd seem to be completely perfect. i wish it went on forever because i can't find anything to match it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The Smiths have always been a confusing band, with mixed reactions from all the general public and all ages, some who think they are musical caviar and chips, others who see them as just another whining, miserablist indie band. Perhaps they don't get the point of them. I must admit Morrissey's voice was rather grating and whiney on a lot of the singles and doesn't particularly add much as an instrument. Mind you, if it wasn't for that, it wouldn't be "him" - one of music's true, celebrated outsiders.
In an era of fun, but bloated commercial pop/rock like Duran Duran and Bon Jovi, these were a truly refreshing musical experience - Johnny Marr was possibly the best indie guitarist of the decade. (How on earth does he introduce "William, It Was Really Nothing" with a cheesy Spanish hotel bar band style-riff and still make it sound like a great art?)
"What Difference Does It Make?", "This Charming Man", "Bigmouth Strikes Again" and "Panic" were defining singles of the era and it's hard to think of many who would use lyrics like "Hang the DJ" in the era where many old-time "political" punks smartened up and softened. It's also fascinating to find how much modern indie takes its cue from this band - you can see how much Feeder, Travis, Keane, Coldplay and the (now sadly departed) James were inspired by "BSA" alone.
So, a great compilation, as long as you've got the CD skipper button at the ready. It's not perfect, but that's how great pop music should be - and when it's good, how good it is.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
the definitive...
The definitive Smiths 'best of', with the singles in chronological order, and it's all good stuff. I always liked the Smiths at the time they were current, but re-visiting them... Read more
Published 16 months ago by S. FREEMAN
I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening...
The Smiths never meant that much to me - they were a little after my time, but I always enjoyed their singles. Read more
Published on 5 April 2010 by A. Willard
Satisfaction guaranteed.
This item was for my son,and if it had not been to his satisfaction,then it would have been returned,and as he has not sent it back,then he's obviously happy with it.
Published on 18 Feb 2010 by M. M. Hildred
Perfect if Vulgar Picture
The Smiths were one of the greatest singles bands of not just the eighties but of all time and this album collects them all together in chronological order. Read more
Published on 23 Feb 2008 by Ian Wood, Author of 'Here's 2 Absent Fathers'
This Charming Band.
The Smiths are still a breath of fresh air in an era pulsing with money, sex and the need to be flirtatious to sell records. Read more
Published on 31 May 2006 by ~ToMmY MoNrOe~
Not for the hardcore fan
Its interesting to hear some peoples views on the Smiths because there are such mixed feelings. The songs are not all miserable and depressing, meloncholy maybe, but in a... Read more
Published on 13 Oct 2005 by "stevasonic"
Oh please!
Why oh why oh why? I don't understand why the Smiths get so much acclaim. Most of their following must be lonely, outsiders who can't be arsed to do anything about their misery. Read more
Published on 24 July 2005 by "maythebloodiestwinners"
Sheer genius
Having influenced a huge number of artists, from hip young bands like Franz Ferdinand, The Ordinary Boys (named after a Morrissey song), The Libertines and more established acts... Read more
Published on 23 Oct 2004 by "howsoonisnowuk86"
There IS a light that never goes out....
This is THE ultimate Smiths compilation featuring ONLY the singles in chronological order.Now the Smiths fan can go back in time & listen to the singles in their correct order... Read more
Published on 17 Jan 2002
Best band since The Beatles!
What a great record ! For anyone not familiar with The Smiths this is the best place to recieve your education! Read more
Published on 28 Jan 2001 by mrdazzlin@aol.com
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