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The Smiths Hatful of Hollow Vinyl LP 
Track Listing
Side: 1 1William, It Was Really Nothing (2011 Remaster) 2What Difference Does It Make? (John Peel Session 18/05/83) 3These Things Take Time (David Jensen Session 26/06/83) 4This Charming Man (John Peel Session 14/09/83) 5How Soon Is Now? (2011 Remaster) 6Handsome Devil (John Peel Session 18/05/83) 7Hand in Glove (2011 Remaster) 8Still Ill (John Peel Session 14/09/83)
Side: 2 1Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now (2011 Remaster) 2This Night Has Opened My Eyes (2011 Remaster) 3You've Got Everything Now (David Jensen Session 26/06/83) 4Accept Yourself (David Jensen Session 25/08/83) 5Girl Afraid (2011 Remaster) 6Back to the Old House (John Peel Session 14/09/83) 7Reel Around the Fountain (John Peel Session 18/05/83) 8Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want (2011 Remaster)


*Hatful of Hollow*, released in 1984, is not just a compilation album; it's a sonic tapestry that showcases The Smiths at their rawest and most evocative. Comprised of a mix of early singles, B-sides, and BBC Radio sessions, this album captures the essence of a band that was redefining the boundaries of alternative music.
From the moment "William, It Was Really Nothing" kicks off the album, it’s clear that The Smiths were a band capable of blending wit, melancholy, and melody like no other. Morrissey's lyrical prowess is in full bloom here, delivering lines that are equal parts introspective and biting, while Johnny Marr's jangly guitar work weaves a lush, intricate backdrop that complements the emotional depth of the lyrics.
Tracks like "How Soon Is Now?" and "Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now" stand as towering achievements, encapsulating the alienation and longing that became synonymous with the band's identity. "How Soon Is Now?" with its iconic tremolo-laden guitar riff, remains one of the most distinctive and enduring tracks of the era, perfectly marrying Marr's inventive musicianship with Morrissey's existential angst.
But it's not all brooding gloom; songs like "This Charming Man" bring a breezier, almost playful vibe, showing the versatility and dynamism of the band. The contrast between the buoyant music and Morrissey’s often sardonic lyrics creates a unique listening experience that is both uplifting and haunting.
The BBC session recordings add an element of rawness that gives *Hatful of Hollow* a live, urgent feel. These versions, often stripped down compared to their studio counterparts, offer a glimpse into the band's early energy and the synergy between Morrissey's vocals and Marr's guitar.
While *Hatful of Hollow* may not have been conceived as a traditional studio album, it stands as a cohesive work that beautifully encapsulates The Smiths’ early career. It's a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike, providing a comprehensive introduction to one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. In *Hatful of Hollow*, The Smiths crafted an album that is timeless, rich with emotional complexity, and undeniably essential.