The Smiths existed as a band for just five years, from their promising beginning in Manchester in 1982 to their fractious dissolution into a lifetime of mutual hard feelings all around in 1987.

Pretty crazy, then, that the quartet had already amassed enough choice non-album singles, radio sessions and assorted other odds-'n'-sods by 1984 to put together a compilation as crucial to the complete Smiths experience as Hatful Of Hollow. But there you have it: the Smiths' run was a short one, but an inarguably good one. "William, It Was Really Nothing," "How Soon Is Now," "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" and "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" have certainly stood the test of time, in any case; most bands would kill to write one of those evergreens within the first two years of their existence, let alone all of them. And this would be why Hatful Of Hollow remains such a popular title nearly 40 years after the Smiths' acrimonious breakup. 

TRACKLISTING:

1. William, It Was Really Nothing
2. What Difference Does It Make?
3. These Things Take Time
4. This Charming Man
5. How Soon Is Now?
6. Handsome Devil
7. Hand In Glove
8. Still Ill
9. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now
10. This Night Has Opened My Eyes
11. You've Got Everything Now
12. Accept Yourself
13. Girl Afraid
14. Back To The Old House
15. Reel Around The Fountain
16. Please Please Please, Let Me Get What I Want

P Hollow [RHINO/WARNER]