The Smiths - Rank

180-gram double LP

Features "The Queen is Dead" and "Bigmouth Strikes Again"

Digitally remastered edition of this live album from the legendary British quartet. Recorded live at the National Ballroom, London, in October of 1986, roughly six months before they disbanded altogether, these 14 songs capture The Smiths performing in full-on rock-star mode.

The only official live album of The Smiths' career, Rank emerged in the wake of Morrissey's debut solo album, Viva Hate, and it features a portion of the band's October 23, 1986 performance at London's National Ballroom. Its contents were distilled from the full show by Morrissey himself, leaving a surprising number of the band's signature tracks on the cutting room floor, including "There Is a Light that Never Goes Out" and "How Soon Is Now?" Still, there's plenty here to show that the band could really tear it up live. It's just a shame more Americans didn't get the opportunity to see them do so before they called it a day.

Here the band's performance is suitably epic, hit-packed, and engrossing. Morrissey is in fine form providing plenty of banter and personality. Similarly, Marr's distinctive manic jangle demands much attention, especially on his solo creation "The Draize Train."

Side 1

The Queen Is Dead

Panic

Vicar In A Tutu

Ask

Side 2

His Latest Flame/ Rusholme Ruffians (Medley)

The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

What She Said

Is It Really So Strange?

Side 3

Cemetry Gates

London

I Know Its Over

Side 4

The Draize Train

Still Ill

Bigmouth Strikes Again

Be the first to write a review for this item OR just rate it