The Sound Of The Smiths

The Smiths were the definitive British independent band of the 1980s. From 1983 to 1987 they amassed a loyal and devoted audience as they released a series of singles and albums that were critically and commercially acclaimed.

The Sound Of The Smiths compiles their output over these years, following the evolution of the band through their singles and a select smattering of rarities (live versions and b-sides). It is the first Smiths compilation to feature creative input from both Steven Patrick Morrissey and Johnny Marr, the creative pair at the heart of the band. The former's witty, often self-deprecating (but always meaningful) lyrics were matched by the latter's intricate guitar work. They were the finest musical pairing of their generation - a Lennon & McCartney for alternative music.

However, the creative relationship between Morrissey and Marr was always strained. The eventual breakup of the band (after leaving Rough Trade for EMI - a move that provoked criticism from a section of their fans) was prompted by Marr, who left before the release of their final album ("Strangeways, Here We Come"). He was disillusioned with the direction of the band, becoming increasingly frustrated with Morrissey's '60s obsession ("I didn't form a group to perform Cilla Black songs"). Morrissey was unhappy with his song-writing partner's work with other artists. Although their singles and albums regularly charted in the UK, he was also frustrated with the lack of mainstream recognition.

The post-Smiths career of Morrissey has been eventful - the courtroom dramas, music industry feuds and accusations have been well documented. Despite having a reputation as being one of the most difficult men in music (he once sacked band member Andy Rourke by leaving a message on his car windscreen that read "Andy - you have left The Smiths. Goodbye and good luck, Morrissey."), he retains a large and devoted following; a few years ago, when he was without a record label or album to promote, he was still able to sell out London's Royal Albert Hall two nights running. Johnny Marr has recorded with a number of artists and bands, including New Order's Bernard Sumner (as Electronic) and, most recently, Modest Mouse.

Although there have been big money offers for the pair to reunite (without bassist Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce), both have ruled out a tour. In a typically acid-tongued reply to the reunion question, Morrissey summed up his feeling on the matter: "I feel as if I've worked very hard since the demise of The Smiths and the others haven't, so why hand them attention that they haven't earned? We are not friends, we don't see each other. Why on earth would we be on a stage together?"

Perhaps The Smiths ended at the right moment; by the end of the 1980s, change was in the air as indie bands laid down their guitars and started to experiment more with computers and programmed beats (ironically, the pioneers of the indie-dance crossover were the Happy Mondays and The Stone Roses, both from The Smiths' native Manchester). Acid house and the rave scene were also developing. When you contrast the exuberance of this new style of music - which touched on aspects of soul, hip hop and electro - with the miserabilist style of The Smiths, you wonder if they could have survived in the changed climate. After all, this was a band who once pleaded with their listeners to "Burn down the disco/Hang the blessed DJ".

However, The Sound Of The Smiths shows that, over twenty years since their breakup, The Smiths' music has stood the test of time. Few groups packed as much originality and notoriety into such a relatively short life span, which is why The Smiths continue to command such enduring fascination.