The Smiths

First off, no, this box set doesn’t contain the Complete Smiths, not even in its super-deluxe edition containing vinyl replicas of the group’s singles and LPs. Stray B-sides don’t appear here, nor do the scrapped sessions for the first album and a few other heavily bootlegged numbers, but what is here are sterling remasters – allegedly supervised by Johnny Marr – of the band’s four albums, three compilations, and lone live album, all released during the band’s exceedingly brief lifespan…

Redefining an 80s generation of disillusioned youth caused by Britain’s inane ability to rid itself of the poverty and turmoil of the era, The Smiths were the neo-intellectual person’s answer to the dullness surrounding them. As is so often the case, the sum of The Smiths parts was always less than the whole, the group’s influence on modern rock music incalculable, their unique sound echoing through the strains of countless indie success stories and untold hopefuls alike. The Smiths provided a guitar-based alternative to the synth-pop sounds of so many other early 80s UK bands, paving the way for the 90s Brit-pop explosion, and the Smiths' distinct LPs are still studied by millions of sensitive types all over the world.