The Smiths - Hatful Of Hollow

CD: WE835
RELEASED: 1984
LABEL: Warner

By the mid 80s The Smiths were building a strong and passionate fan base. Many people were disillusioned with the pretentious New Romantic movement and found that the Smiths had a strange allure, developed by the rhythmic exuberance of Marr and Morriseys sullen verbal complexities. The second album they released was Hatful of Hollow in November 1984. The album essentially a compilation with BBC sessions mixed in with some new tracks. The album is put together by the group and also includes new songs, along with the sessions of tunes from the first album. The excellent "Hand In Glove" and "What Difference Does It Make" are accompanied by a number of other brooding classics such as "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" and "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want". The real gem of this album though, and reason alone to buy it is "How Soon Is Now?". The song displays Morrisey at his sometimes depressing and always inspired best but the real hero of this piece is Johnny Marr. He must have given his guitar a good beating before he recorded this song because you know it is in pain. The rumbling bass line that prevails throughout provides a dark background to the inspired overtones and helps make this song among the best ever recorded. The qualities of the singles on this album are exceptional so although it may not have the passion and soul of 'The Smiths' it is still an essential album to own.

Beoordeel