Probably the most anticipated debut album of indie-land. Everyone was sure that the pride of Manchester were going to sign to their local Factory Records but that would've been far too obvious for a band that took pleasure in being less so.
So it was that 'The Smiths' was released on the den finitely southern based Rough Trade.
Why was it anticipated so? The Smiths carried on one of the great British traditions of releasing a slew of great singles before the release of their debut; singles that quietly changed the face of British music. 'Hand In Glove', 'This Charming Man' and 'What Difference Does It Make' we're like nothing heard before, matching an Oscar Wilde obsessed front man to one of the most original guitarists since ....well probably ever. On these shores at least.
So it was no surprise that the release of the debut in 1984 was a big deal. It's also no surprise that I, in my Howard Jones/Madonna phase, totally ignored it! If anyone were to ask me "Where were you when 'The Smiths' was released?" I'd simply shrug my shoulders and reply "Dunno. Listening to 'Human's Lib'?".
Ah well. I've made up for lost time. Unlike a lot of debuts, this one does match the fervour that preceded it. Full of jangling guitars, wry lyrics and great songs it didn't once fall short of expectations. So what if it contained two of the previous single releases. With tracks such as 'Reel Around The Fountain' and 'Still Ill' it would be churlish to complain. And so what if it passed me by the first time around. Isn't that what life is for? To learn from the error of your ways and to make sure they're not repeated?
Ahh, yes, ahem, I suppose there was also R.E.M........
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