The Smiths – ...Best II LP

The Smiths – ...Best II LP

Vinyl LP • Greatest Hits Compilation • 14 Tracks • Alternative Rock / Indie Rock / Post-Punk • Original Compilation 1992

Available at Bennies Fifties and the online Fifties Store

...Best II is an outstanding compilation album by legendary British band The Smiths, originally released in 1992. The record is the second volume in the band's well-known Best... series and brings together fourteen essential recordings from their brief but extraordinarily influential career.

Formed in Manchester in 1982, The Smiths became one of the most important British alternative rock bands of the 1980s. With Morrissey's distinctive voice and poetic lyrics, Johnny Marr's inventive guitar work and the powerful rhythm section of Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce, the group created an instantly recognisable sound.

Their music combined shimmering guitar melodies, melancholy, humour and sharp observations about love, loneliness, social insecurity and everyday life. In doing so, The Smiths offered a compelling alternative to the synthesizer pop and arena rock that dominated much of the decade.

...Best II provides an excellent introduction to the band's remarkable versatility, while also offering established fans a convenient collection of favourites on a single LP.

The album opens with The Boy With The Thorn In His Side, one of the most beloved songs in The Smiths' catalogue. Johnny Marr's melodic guitar arrangements and Morrissey's unmistakable vocals make it a timeless indie classic.

Next comes The Headmaster Ritual, originally featured on the band's 1985 album Meat Is Murder. Its biting lyrics about authoritarian school discipline are accompanied by one of Marr's most inventive guitar arrangements.

Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now remains one of the band's best-known singles. The track perfectly demonstrates their ability to combine bright, melodic instrumentation with melancholy and ironic lyrics.

Ask reveals a lighter, more optimistic side of the group. Its infectious melody and lively arrangement make this 1986 single one of their most accessible recordings.

Oscillate Wildly is a remarkable instrumental track that places Johnny Marr's guitar playing at the centre of attention. It demonstrates the musical creativity that helped distinguish The Smiths from their contemporaries.

Nowhere Fast and Still Ill are additional highlights. In particular, Still Ill is an essential recording from the band's early catalogue, combining an energetic rhythm with lyrics full of frustration, longing and social commentary.

The second side includes Bigmouth Strikes Again, one of the most famous tracks from The Queen Is Dead. Its driving guitars, memorable melody and Morrissey's ironic self-deprecation have made it a lasting fan favourite.

That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore reveals the band's more restrained and emotional side, while Shakespeare's Sister is a compact, energetic single with an unusual rhythmic character.

Another important inclusion is Shoplifters Of The World Unite. Released as a single in 1987, the song combines powerful guitar arrangements with an unforgettable chorus and stands among the band's final major recordings.

Stretch Out And Wait further explores the introspective side of The Smiths, while The Queen Is Dead captures their adventurous approach to alternative rock.

The compilation closes with There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, one of the most celebrated songs in the band's entire catalogue. Its sweeping melody, romantic melancholy and unforgettable lyrics provide a perfect conclusion to this collection.

Although The Smiths disbanded in 1987, their influence has remained enormous. Their music inspired countless later artists and bands, including The Stone Roses, Suede, Radiohead, Oasis and many others.

Combining celebrated singles, favourite album tracks and distinctive B-sides, ...Best II is an essential compilation LP for fans of The Smiths, British indie music, alternative rock, post-punk and classic eighties music.

Tracklist

Side A

The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

The Headmaster Ritual

Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now

Ask

Oscillate Wildly

Nowhere Fast

Still Ill

Side B

Bigmouth Strikes Again

That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore

Shakespeare's Sister

Shoplifters Of The World Unite

Stretch Out And Wait

The Queen Is Dead

There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Specifications

Artist: The Smiths

Title: ...Best II

Format: LP

Number of records: 1

Number of tracks: 14

Original compilation year: 1992

Original label: WEA

Genre: Alternative Rock / Indie Rock / Post-Punk / Jangle Pop

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Vocals: Morrissey

Guitar: Johnny Marr

Bass guitar: Andy Rourke

Drums: Mike Joyce

Recording period: 1983–1987

Album type: Greatest Hits / Compilation

Special features: Second volume in the well-known Best... compilation series

Notable songs: The Boy With The Thorn In His Side, Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, Ask, Bigmouth Strikes Again and There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Highlights

An essential compilation LP by The Smiths

Originally released in 1992

14 classic recordings from their influential career

Includes The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

Featuring Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now

Also includes Ask and Bigmouth Strikes Again

Contains the beloved classic There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Features the instrumental Oscillate Wildly

The unmistakable musical partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr

A wonderful introduction to British indie and alternative rock of the 1980s

A valuable addition to any Smiths vinyl collection