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"Johnny Marr condemns new Smiths Greatest Hits collection" - NME.com

posted by davidt on Wednesday July 04 2001, @12:00PM
First with the link is Marco:

Johnny Marr condemns new Smiths Greatest Hits collection - NME.com
The star accuses Warner Music UK of seeking a "quick buck" out of the indie legends...
Jul 02 2001 03:26:00:000PM
MARR'S ATTACK!

Former SMITHS guitarist JOHNNY MARR has condemned a new Greatest Hits package of the group's material, accusing the label responsible, WARNER MUSIC UK, of breach of contract on the release and of seeking nothing more than a "quick buck".

Marr hit out in a terse statement saying: "Last week Warner Music UK released an album they titled 'The Very Best of The Smiths'. I would like to make it known that this album was released without any opportunity for either Morrissey or myself to have any input into any aspect of the record or its promotion and, as a result, the record is totally substandard. It has been very poorly remastered and the sleeve is a sad parody of what a Smiths record should look like.

"Warners have seen fit to release a record that does not come up to the standards that we set ourselves and are known for as a group. When The Smiths catalogue was signed to Warners it was on the condition that we maintained artistic control over the catalogue and any new releases. It now appears that Warners feel they can disregard both the word of their then Chairman and the terms of their contract with us in order to make a quick buck."

Warners could not be reached for comment this afternoon (July 2). The album is at number 36 on the UK chart.
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  • Go get 'em johnny, old bean. Good man!

    John Steed.
    Anonymous -- Wednesday July 04 2001, @01:13PM (#14210)
  • Oh Johnny, you're so rough!
    Anonymous -- Wednesday July 04 2001, @04:34PM (#14216)
  • hee hee!
    Anonymous -- Thursday July 05 2001, @08:07AM (#14241)
  • Even though most people seem to be against this CD, I have to say that the story about The Smiths on the inside sleeve is incredible. What a glowing review, saying that England hasn't seen such talent since Lennon/McCartney. At least they got something right on this otherwise useless compilation.
    Anonymous -- Thursday July 05 2001, @01:15PM (#14253)
  • Check out this review of the album I read on Amazon:

    "The Smiths were THE great lost band of the nineties and are probably more successful now than when they were together. This 23 track compilation finally brings together all the best Smiths tracks on a single CD, instead of split between Best of 1 and Best of 2, and the Singles CD. From the genesis of all grunge tracks - "How Soon is Now" ('I am the sun and the air', used on that Toyota commercial) to the anger of "Panic" ('Hang the DJs, hang the DJ's'), to the cruel wit of "Bigmouth Strikes Again" ('Sweetness, I was only joking when I said by rights you should be strangled in your bed.').

    Tracklisting: 1. Panic 2. Boy with the thorn in his side 3. Heaven knows I'm miserable now 4. Ask 5. Bigmouth strikes again 6. How soon is now 7. This charming man 8. What difference does it make 9. William it was really nothing 10. Some girls are bigger than others 11. Girlfriend in a coma 12. Hand in glove 13. There is a light that never goes out 14. Please please please let me get what I want 15. That joke isn't funny anymore 16. I know it's over 17. Sheila take a bow 18. I started something I couldn't finish 19. Still ill 20. Shakespeare's sister 21. Shoplifters of the world unite 22. Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me 23. Stop me if you think that you've heard this one before

    The combined lyrical snideness of Morrissey with the innovative guitar work of Johnny Marr has only improved with age. If you were to pick a single album that defined the direction of music in the nineties, this it is.

    If you miss this, you'll know how Joan of Arc felt as the flames rose to her Roman nose and her Walkman started to melt."

    The great lost band of the nineties? Ok, I posted this only because I thought it was funny and you all would get a kick out of it. Let's be adults and not blast this poor woman with hateful email. Thanks.
    Anonymous -- Thursday July 05 2001, @02:24PM (#14255)
  • Explain to me why anyone would think this CD is "poorly remastered". I have played this Best of against every other Smiths cd and it sounds about ten times better! I would like someone give me one reason the sound is poor. I doubt if Marr heard it and if he has, he hasn't heard the Smiths in a long time!
    Anonymous -- Thursday July 05 2001, @08:20PM (#14272)

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