The Sound Of The Smiths

The Sound of The Smiths is a Smiths compilation originally released on 10 November 2008. It is available as both single and double disc editions. Morrissey is credited with having coined the compilation's title, while Johnny Marr was involved in the project's mastering.

Disc one comprises 23 tracks and presents all the Smiths' memorable single releases, reinstating singles that were scheduled though eventually unreleased in that form ("Still Ill" and "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby") plus European only singles including "Barbarism Begins At Home" and "The Headmaster Ritual". The core of disc one, however, is that matchless run of singles from their first Rough Trade 7 inch "Hand In Glove" to the posthumous "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me". The collection includes genuine classic hits such as "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now", "How Soon Is Now", "Panic" and "Girlfriend in A Coma" which marked the pinnacle of that unique creative collaboration between vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. Indeed, Morrissey's eloquence and proselytising was always matched by the compelling musicianship of Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce.

The two disc format adds a further 22 tracks including rare b-sides, tracks that were exclusive to 12 inch releases and selected live recordings. Among the rarities are the Troy Tate produced "Pretty Girls Make Graves", "What's The World", a cover of a track from the fellow Manchester band James, recorded live at Barrowlands, Glasgow, originally released only on a cassette single and the live "Meat Is Murder" from the vinyl 12 inch single version of "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore".