The Smiths
Hatful of Hollow

The Soundwaves Vinyl of the Week is The Smiths, Hatful of Hollow.

 

There is a strong argument to be made that Hatful of Hollow is the definitive album from The Smiths, even if it technically arrived as a compilation of BBC Radio 1 sessions and early singles. Released in 1984, just months after their self-titled debut, this record captures exactly what attracted so many people to their music. 

 

Side A of the vinyl immediately treats you to Johnny Marr’s upbeat, rhythmic guitar stylings paired with Morrissey’s signature mix of melodrama (or drama) and wit on the track "William, It Was Really Nothing". Their debut single "Hand In Glove”(another favorite of mine) showcases the band's unparalleled chemistry.

 

This collection of tracks bridges the gap between danceable indie-pop and deep, atmospheric melancholy. Take for instance, “This Charming Man”. It serves up one of the most infectious, cascading basslines and guitar interactions of the 1980s. 

 

My first introduction to The Smiths was through the song “How Soon Is Now?”, that also appears on this album. It has this hypnotic, psychedelic, dreamy flair to it with the coolest overdubbed guitar drones that are expansive. I remember watching a YouTube video where Johnny Marr explained the crazy way that he created the guitar sound heard on this track by using multiple amps with a tremolo effect. The overall soundscape that they created could have easily just been an instrumental.

 

As the album winds down, the emotional weight shifts, proving why this band resonated so deeply with a generation of artists and outsiders. The song “Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" has this bright and breezy melody with Morrissey's somber lyrics, creating this unique, tonal juxtaposition. But it’s the fragile, acoustic beauty of the closing track "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" that truly stops you in your tracks. It’s brief, it’s poetic, and it provides the ultimate emotional comedown.

 

For a band that really was only active for five years (yup, that’s it), they really put their stamp on things. When talking about the alt-rock or post-punk genres, this is one band that cannot be overlooked. It’s too bad I never got to see them live.