Oh, Stephen, what am I to do with you? I loved you in The Smiths, and I have loved your solo releases over the years (by and large). I even loved you after you stormed off stage in The Echo Arena, Liverpool, after one and a half songs, but your politics make it hard for me to love you now. And yet, when I saw this album was due for a rerelease, I knew I would buy it.
Forget the politics; let's focus on the music. Initially released in 1993, this album was recorded in December 1992 at The Zenith, Paris, and The Astoria, London, and brilliantly captures the tour that supported the release of 'Your Arsenal'.
The live record includes every song from the studio album except the track 'Tomorrow' (for some reason).
This means you get to enjoy the singles 'We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful', 'You're The One For Me, Fatty', 'Certain People I Know', and 'Glamorous Glue' in their full glory.
It also includes controversial tracks' National Front Disco' and' November Spawned A Monster' as well as some rare B-sides like 'The Loop' and 'Sister I'm A Poet'.
It also includes tracks from 'Bona Drag' like 'Such a Little Thing Makes Such a Big Difference', 'He Knows I'd Love to See Him' and the mighty 'Suedehead'.
This is the first time the record has been reissued, and to celebrate, it has been meticulously remastered at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, ensuring the highest quality sound. It is available on biovinyl in either black or this beautiful orange. If you fancy a copy, it will set you back around £30 from your favourite independent retailer.
Tracks To Try: Any Of Them.
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