The Smiths: Complete

The Smiths is one of those bands that I've always been meaning to catch up on, but I somehow made it through college without bothering to buy any of their albums. When I recently started looking around for used LPs, I was surprised by the prices they were going for. After mulling things over a bit, I finally decided to just take the plunge and get this set. Considering the prices of the current reissues, this box is actually a decent deal. Plus, Amazon has this as an AutoRip title, so you get a digital copy of the whole thing if you buy it directly from them and not a third-party seller (the box itself DOES NOT included a download code). Rhino did a great job with this set. The box, jackets, and LPs are very high quality, and each LP has a custom inner sleeve. The three gatefolds are particularly nice, and they threw in a couple of posters. While I'm not overly familiar with all the various CD and vinyl issues of these albums, these records sound great to me. If there's any complaint, it's that because of the inclusion of the three compilations, several songs appear twice. As one reviewer mentioned, a more practical move might have been to assemble a new compilation to catch all the non-album tracks. Then again, I'm sure there are fans with sentimental attachments to those original comps, so maybe it's best they left them that way.

If you are looking at this collection, then I'll assume you already know the music. The Smiths were one of the most important and original bands of the 80s, and it's about time all this great music was re-released. They were immensely popular in England, and while they are known in the US, they never reached the level of success here that they deserved. I guess that's hardly surprising. This is a really nice collection that will replace my original CDs. Does it have everything? Probably not, they released a lot of stuff. However, it's got most of what you need. So, I'll limit this review to the remasters themselves. I haven't gotten through all the CDs in this box yet, but those that I have listened to sound excellent. Johnny Marr supervised the remastering, and did a great job. These CDs are not overly loud or brick-walled like some newer discs. The levels are a bit higher than the originals, but in a good way. If there is any difference in the applied compression then it was done correctly and musically. I had the original vinyl and the original CD versions of most of these albums, and IMO the remasters here offer a significant improvement in sound quality across the board, especially on a good system. I also think the packaging is clever and effective. Each CD is contained in a miniature version of the original cardboard outer album sleeve, accurate right down to the stickers on the front and free poster included with "Rank". The cool thing is that the inside album sleeves are also included. So, the CD is inside a more slippery inner paper sleeve printed like the original, and then that fits in the outer cardboard sleeve, just like a vinyl album. I hate CDs that come in just a cardboard sleeve because they are difficult to get in and out without getting fingerprints all over them, and I generally have to put them in a separate jewel case. However, the inner paper album sleeves that come with these are very easy to get the CD in and out of, and then these slide right into the cardboard outer sleeve. So, the packaging is fun, compact, and easy to use, without the constant fuss to avoid smudges like normal cardboard sleeves. So, overall this is a must-have for the Smith's fan, even if you have the original CDs. The price is pretty low for all that you get, and the remastered versions sound great. Don't wait too long - good stuff like this seems to disappear way too quickly these days to make room for more awful, syntho-dance crap.

The quality of this box set, from its cover art to the remastering at the hands of Johnny Marr, is superb. This is a big beautiful set, with so much high quality material. All The Smiths vinyl singles and B-sides are such a treat! The remastering is perfect and is tastefully done. The drums, bass, guitars, and Morrissey's voice are perfectly mixed. The value of this set is sure to skyrocket over the next few years, so consider it as an investment if the price tag scares you now. So what could have made the set better? Well for the greedy (like me), I wish it had a complete live concert video to accompany "Rank." There is so much unreleased material that's surfaced on YouTube that I wish made it the set. But this shouldn't stop you from treating yourself to this comprehensive, perfectly crafted box set.

I didn't buy this box set right away since I already own all the albums (multiple versions), but after reading the interviews with Johnny Marr, and the reviews on this site, I decided to spend the money. So, I own; the original Rough Trade pressings; the original US Sire pressings; the mid 2000 Rhino reissues; and, now these new Johnny Marr remasters (Why someone needs 4+ copies of the same record is a different story...). I purchased the vinyl box set, and sat down to really compare these pressings. Equipment: Rega P3 table w/ Ortofon Bronze cartridge; Moon 340i Integrated Amplifier; B&W DM604 S3 Loudspeakers; and, a pair of Sennheiser HD800 headphones. For this test, I utilized both the headphones and loudspeakers, and had the same results. For the sake of keeping this simple, I'm going to lump this into three separate categories: Original 80's presses; Mid 2000's Repress; and Current Remaster. The original Rough Trade press sounds better than the Sire, so I am just going to really focus on the Original Rough Trade press as my 80's original. First up: The Queen is Dead - "Frankly Mr Shankly". I chose this song because Andy Rourke's bass tone is simply incredible, and the song does have a bit of variety. On the Original Rough Trade and mid-2000's Rhino repress, his bass tone sounds identical across presses; it's clean, crisp and has that warm sound that is prevalent throughout this album. The guitar work, drums and vocals sound pretty much identical as well across presses. This is the version of the album I grew up on. Now, on to the new remaster. The first thing I noticed was the Rourke's bass tone has changed. It has lost a bit of that "edge" it had in the earlier mixes, and is slightly less pronounced than before. With the case of this album, I would prefer to listen to either the original Rough Trade or mid-2000s repress. It's almost as if someone decided to turn the bass down on this album (I wonder why...) Next: Strangeways, Here we Come - "A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours" & "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish". I decided to listen to these two songs back to back. Honestly, I had a hard time picking out differences between the Rough Trade and mid-2000's repress. They both sound great, as these are the versions I've heard the most. When I put on the new Remaster, I could actually hear a subtle difference for the better. The separation of instruments is more pronounced, and overall, it just feels "fuller". It had more "umph" overall, and when played loudly through my loudspeakers, it really shined. If I had to pick a version for Strangeways, it would be the new Remaster. Next: Meat is Murder - "The Headmaster Ritual" & "Rusholme Ruffians". I started with the Rough Trade press, and then moved to the mid-2000's repress. Between these two, the biggest difference was the volume level. The original is definitely quieter (this was before the "loudness wars" ruined record mastering), but that isn't a bad thing: it just means you have to turn your amplifier up. The Mid-2000's press was a bit too bright and loud. I then put on the remaster and was glad to hear that that volume was restored to a normal level. It was slightly louder than the original, but in no way was it as loud as the mid-2000's press. If I had to pick a version here, I would go with the new Remaster since it most definitely sounds warmer/fuller, and the most noticeable difference is that Morrissey's vocals sound so clean. Last: The Smiths (debut) - "Still Ill". My favorite track off this album. I started with the Rough Trade press, and then went to the mid-2000's press. Between these two, the biggest difference is volume. The latter is a tad louder (just as "Meat is Murder" was), but still sounds good. When I put on the Remaster, what I noticed was similar to "Meat is Murder" above. Morrissey's vocals sound smooth, and Rourke's bass is actually a little more pronounced in this mix compared to earlier (which is surprising!). Marr's guitar is also a bit more pronounced in the mix (which is a good thing, since it was hidden by Morrissey's vocals during parts of the song). They didn't change the way the song sounds, they just made it sound better. Overall - I would pick the Remaster for this album. (Sorry, I didn't feel like going through the compilation albums, or "Rank" one by one, but the Remasters all sounded great.) Conclusion: If you don't have any of the original LP's, then this box would be a great way to pick up all the LP's at once. If you have the original Rough Trade pressings (and they are still in good shape), then the price of this box might not be worth the subtle differences I was able to pick out. I was hoping that the changes would be more noticeable, but unfortunately the differences I was able to hear were minor. Yes, they are there, but for $225, I can't say if it was worth it. I will keep this set since it is nice to have audiophile vinyl that doesn't have the use/abuse of 20+ year old records, and these will be the records I pull out to listen to when I have chance to sit down and really listen to these albums.

This is a great box set and I can't tell the difference between this and the old vinyls that I had. Very good remastering job... This was the beginning for Morrissey and Marr and it's obvious that they are young and enjoying what they are doing. They were learning about life and laying it down and really connected with their audience. I always liked the "English" sound of the Smiths. The steady beat and the chiming and ringing guitars and unique Morrissey vocals that was their signature still sounds great and wears well. In other words it's not boring. Love to see Marr and Morrissey get back at it but it's not gonna happen. They've grown up and grown apart. We have this set....it will have to do. ....also, got this for half price last year through Amazon by ordering it new from the UK....($41..plus shipping) that price still stands. (actually less now) Over and out....

Most people looking through these review I'm sure will be most interested in the sound quality of the remastered material. I am an audiophile in every sense of the word, and anybody who says 'it's not that much different from the prior cd releases' needs to clean out their ears. The sound quality of these cd is SUPERB beyond belief, amazing. Completely surpasssed my wildest expectations with this. It's rich and full, not over done but rather, sounds as timeless as the music itself. If you knew nothing of the Smiths and played a song in 2011, you would most likely think it came from 2011. That is priceless. So, is it worth the purchase for the immaculate sound upgrade?...yes. 100%.

There is always much fuss whenever a remastered release is announced, and "Complete" is no different. Many see it as a money-grabbing ploy by the label, but let me assure you that this set is the real deal. The differences in quality are not only audible to the audiophile; there is a considerable increase in clarity and audio space, which really lets the music breathe when compared to the old "trapped in a tin can" masters. Save a handful of b-sides and some alternate mixes, virtually every recorded song in The Smith's catalog is here in its fully remastered glory. The live sessions contained in the set have never sounded as immediate and powerful. There are only two downsides to this set, and they are negligible: the first being that you will need a magnifying glass to read the lyrics printed on the mini-lp replica sleeves. The second is that the track "Bigmouth Strikes Again" on The Queen Is Dead has a few minor sound malfunctions which will probably go unnoticed by all but the astute audiophile. The bottom line is that, while not a solid 100/100, this collection gets a very respectable 97. The only difference I would make if I could (aside from the sound issues with "Bigmouth") would be to actually make this set the "complete" collection with the inclusion of a new standalone disc of single versions and their b-sides.

I am a rabid Smiths fan and have been since 'this charming man' hit the airwaves back in the 80's. Repackage, reissue, re-evaluate... as they say. The remastered versions of the songs are incredible, but how many different versions of 'greatest hits' albums do you really need? It seems that Johnny Marr took this opportunity to turn up the guitars and drums in the mix, giving us a new chance to hear what a superb band Morrissey had behind him. Even though much of the complete set is redundant, it is a welcome addition to the collection of one who really does have everything now.

Great product, arrived well packaged, impeccably! Highly recommend to all lovers of good music! I am very happy with this purchase.

I would have to consider any (tired) remarks of "repackage" here inappropriate since this is not a pressing & repackaging of the previously issued versions of old but rather is the first edition of the remastered Smiths albums. Yes the songs have been around a while, yet to listen to these 2011 remasters is to hear The Smiths in a completely new and finer way. Everything has its own space, the vocals sound wonderful, while Johnny's guitar parts have much more resonance and fullness, I can feel that guy's genius more than ever. It's all really beautiful and I've been thrilled with my purchase of The Smiths Complete Box Set. The CDs are housed in mini LP replica sleeves which means, unfortunately, that the original album sleeve lyrics are shrunken down from record album size to CD packaging size and are virtually "un-readable," if that's a word, as they are so ittie-bittie. It would have been nice if Rhino had included an extra (legible) lyric booklet in the box; I mean this is one of the greatest lyricists of our time for pity's sake! Hmmm, I'm pretty sure I've never used the phrase "for pity's sake" in my entire life, aloud or in written form, it being so old-fashioned, but you can see I feel pretty evangelical about one of my favorite bands. I think everyone should have a chance to know this poetry / this music. Little old ladies should buy this set for their grand children who listen to rap or heavy metal and so do the greatest deed in the world. Forget about the socks for a minute and change a life! Lastly I'd like to say, to disagree with another reviewer, that I for one love the album Louder Than Bombs and would naturally expect it to be included in any "complete" Smiths albums set. I've been listening to Louder Than Bombs for hundreds of years now and absolutely enjoy the track-listing. How arrogant for one fan to decide for others that a particular album is redundant and unnecessary. Heresy!

Ebbene si, lo confesso. Fino a qualche mese fa reputavo gli Smiths un gruppo valido, ma non fino al punto di accaparrarmi il box in questione, contenente tutti gli otto album ufficiali della straordinaria band inglese. Fortunatamente il tempo (ed un ascolto accurato) mi ha permesso di apprezzare in toto le gesta uniche ed irripetibili del quartetto britannico. Un viaggio all'insegna dell'arte del songwriting, che personalmente ho affrontato cronologicamente dal primo omonimo album al capitolo finale di "Strangeways, here we come", ovvero il processo evolutivo da un sound più scarno ed essenziale ad un pop dalle sonorità raffinate. Ovviamente sono incluse le raccolte "Hatful of hollow", "The world won't listen" e "Louder than bombs", che includono rarità, versioni alternative ed i leggendari singoli, fondamentali forse più degli album ufficiali. La confezione del box è piuttosto curata, splendida la foto di copertina ed assai carine le copertine in miniatura "lp replica", anche se i testi inclusi sono francamente assai poco leggibili. Il remastering mi pare molto buono, pur non avendo potuto fare un confronto diretto con le precedenti edizioni in cd. Per coloro che possono permetterselo, consiglierei l'acquisto del box gemello in vinile. In conclusione, più che un oggetto musicale potrei definire "The Smiths Complete" un vero e proprio investimento. Musica senza tempo, che a distanza di un trentennio suona più fresca ed attuale che mai. Il vero "brit-pop" per eccellenza.

La edición definitiva de uno de los mejores grupos de los 80. Una caja enorme ¡pero enorme de verdad! que incluye prácticamente toda la discografía del grupo de Mánchester. Pongo un copia pega de la descripción del contenido de la caja: 8 x CD Mini LP Albums 8 x 12" LP Albums 25 x 7" Singles The Complete Picture DVD 8 x 12" Art Prints Single & Album artwork poster Code to download catalogue as high-quality MP3s Booklet with liner notes and foreword by Johnny Marr Comentar que me he llevado la grata sorpresa de ver que algunos de los 7" son vinilos de color . Otra cosa noticiable es que respetan al 100% el diseño de los discos de la época, incluyendo incluso las pegatinas en las carpetas de los discos, letras e incluso los pósters (por ejemplo el de Rank) En lo negativo, que pese a que en la descripción ponga que incluye código de descarga de todo el catálogo, entre tanto disco aún no lo he encontrado....todo sea que un día de estos me lleve una sorpresa... La caja está numerada y es una edición limitada de 4000 unidades. Pese a estar descatalogada, de vez en cuando reponen alguna, a un precio excelente (supongo que las que van encontrando en algún almacén "perdido")

Hello everyone. I've not had a chance to play this set yet but, if all I've read is accurate, I'm expecting the remastering job to be very good and am looking forward to hearing it (and the music, obviously). Whilst I agree with other reviewers that a set labelled 'complete' should be complete, I wonder if it's just shoddy research on the part of the reissue team rather than any concious attempt to not include stuff. I have a few complete collections with just one or two bits missing that seems to back this up, especially as some of them include some rare material and spare room on the CDs but are missing an 'ordinary' b side. My apologies if the Smiths set has more missing than that - I'm not a Smiths collector so aren't familiar with the finer details of their catalogue. It would be interesting if someone could tell me what's missing. However, I can't argue with the value for money this set offers. I'd rather pay £30-odd for a set with a few bits missing than pay a fortune for a box with every last detail covered (Pink Floyd's new box sets: bloody marbles and a scarf and an £80+ price tag! What's that all about?! As a Floyd fan I'm more than happy with the 2CD sets). I'm hoping that this box, along with the recent release of sets by the Byrds, ELO, Miles Davis, Sam Cooke, Leonard Cohen, Phil Spector and many others all at prices that are good value (or just plain 'bargain' in the case of the Miles Davis Quintet set from Sony - 6 CDs for £12) signals a realisation from (most of) the record companies that overcharging customers for music on which they've made their investment back many times over is not the way to lure people away from illegal downloads. Cherry Red has done a sterling job with the recent Icicle Works reissues: 2 and 3 CD sets for £10/£13). EMI, with their Floyd and Beatles sets seem to be way behind the trend but then they always are! Sorry, this seems to have drifted off the subject somewhat but hopefully you'll forgive me. So, to finish off: if, like me, you're moving up from a Smiths 'Best Of' or are someone wishing to update old CDs with the remastered ones then this is a must-have box set. The mini LP sleeves are lovely (and gatefold where the originals were) and the whole thing is nice and compact. Cheers! Andy.