Hatful Of Hollow - The Smiths

Hatful of Hollow is my in my opinion one of the greatest albums ever. It is not slick or studio clean - it is rough, raw and almost accidental in its beauty. The album launches into poignient lyrics from Morrissey (unpretentious because they are so heartfelt) and sublime guitarwork from Marr (the greatest guitarist of the 1980s) with the opening track 'William it really was nothing'. This track covers the sorts of themes always expressed by Mozza, unrequited love and the misery of 1980s provincial Britain - but Morrissey as a lyricist is not the end of his role on the album, he uses his voice as an instrument to achieve superb notes which compliment ...  Read the complete review

'Hatful of Hollow' is over an hours worth of essential listening. It contains sixteen raw, punishing & fabulous songs; showcasing Morrissey, Marr, Joyce & Rourke at their most unvarnished- it is perhaps my favorite Smiths release. More or less an "apology" for the fans who found the sound of their eponymously-titled debut LP too soft- 1984's 'Hatful of Hollow' is a treasury of b-sides, alternate takes and Peel sessions released at a budget price. To fully comprehend the contribution the Smiths made to early 80s brit-indie, one need look no further than this incredible release; from the jangly plucking and lyrical chicanery of ...  Read the complete review

Hatful of Hollow was the first Smiths album that I bought. Not strictly an album as such, Hatful is a collection of radio, BBC and studio sessions, as well as b-sides and early tracks, such as Handsome Devil, Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now and Accept Yourself. However, the production of the album gives it a sound of near-perfection. Instead of the over production that marred (no pun intended!) the Smiths' first album, Hatful is minimalistic, fresh and clean. On tracks such as What Difference Does It Make, This Charming Man and my personal favourite, Hand In Glove, the band seem to have reached a level at which perfection becomes effortless. With ...  Read the complete review