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Post-PunkRock

The Complete Vinyl Collector's Guide to The Smiths

The Smiths remain one of the most collectible post-punk bands in vinyl history, despite their brief five-year existence from 1982 to 1987. Their four studio albums and numerous singles on Rough Trade Records have become essential pieces for serious collectors, with original UK pressings commanding premium prices. Morrissey's poetic lyrics and Johnny Marr's jangly guitar work translated beautifully to vinyl, making their records both sonically rewarding and culturally significant.

Active 1982-1987
Origin United Kingdom

Essential The Smiths Albums on Vinyl

Every Smiths collection should begin with their self-titled debut 'The Smiths' (1984) and the masterpiece 'The Queen Is Dead' (1986), both essential post-punk records. 'Meat Is Murder' (1985) showcases the band's political edge, while 'Strangeways, Here We Come' (1987) serves as their poignant farewell. The compilation 'Hatful of Hollow' (1984) is particularly prized for its BBC sessions and superior versions of early singles. Original Rough Trade pressings of these albums offer the best sound quality and are highly sought after by audiophiles and collectors alike.

Rare and Valuable Pressings

First UK pressings on Rough Trade Records (catalogue prefix ROUGH) are the holy grail for Smiths collectors, particularly 'The Queen Is Dead' with its original inner sleeve featuring the full band photo. Early singles like 'Hand in Glove' (RT 131) from 1983 and 'This Charming Man' (RT 136) are extremely valuable, especially in picture sleeve condition. Test pressings and promotional copies with white labels can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Limited edition colored vinyl releases, though often later pressings, also command attention, particularly the 1992 WEA reissues on colored wax.

Collecting Tips

Authentic Rough Trade first pressings feature specific matrix numbers etched in the run-out groove, often including engineer Stephen Street's signature or studio codes like 'TOWNHOUSE'. Check for the original Rough Trade labels with the distinctive logo and correct catalogue numbers. Matrix numbers, sleeve variations, and inner sleeve details are crucial for authentication—'The Queen Is Dead' first pressings, for example, have 'ROUGH 96' on the label and specific Porter-etched matrices. Always inspect the vinyl condition carefully, as The Smiths' records were heavily played and mint copies are increasingly rare.

Price Guide and Market Trends

Original UK Rough Trade pressings of 'The Queen Is Dead' in near-mint condition typically sell for £80-150, while the debut album ranges from £40-80. Rare early singles like 'Hand in Glove' can command £100-300 depending on condition and pressing variant. The market for Smiths vinyl has remained consistently strong, with prices steadily increasing over the past decade as original pressings become scarcer. Sealed original pressings can double or triple these values, while later Sire and WEA reissues remain affordable entry points at £15-30 for collectors on a budget.

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FAQ: The Smiths Vinyl

What is the most valuable The Smiths vinyl? The most valuable standard release is typically the original 1983 UK pressing of 'Hand in Glove' (RT 131) on Rough Trade, which can fetch £200-400 in excellent condition. However, test pressings, acetates, and promotional items can be worth significantly more. Factory sample copies with 'A1' or 'Demo' stamps and misprints like the rare withdrawn 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' 12-inch with incorrect track listings are particularly valuable. Signed copies by all four band members are extremely rare and can command four-figure sums at auction.
How to identify a first pressing? First UK pressings bear the Rough Trade label with catalogue numbers beginning with 'ROUGH' (albums) or 'RT' (singles). Check the matrix numbers in the run-out groove—original pressings often feature hand-etched codes and engineer signatures like 'Porky' or 'Strawberry'. The label should show 'Rough Trade Records' with the London address, not later WEA or Sire distributions. Inner sleeves, insert quality, and specific sleeve variations also help identification—for example, first pressings of 'The Queen Is Dead' have thicker card stock and the full gatefold design. Always cross-reference catalogue numbers, matrix codes, and label details with discography databases like Discogs.
Where to buy The Smiths vinyl? Discogs is the most comprehensive marketplace for The Smiths vinyl, offering detailed pressing information and seller ratings to ensure authenticity. Specialist UK record shops, particularly in Manchester and London, often stock original pressings and can verify authenticity. Record fairs and vintage markets occasionally yield bargains, though prices have risen significantly. Online platforms like eBay require careful scrutiny of photos and descriptions to avoid counterfeits or misidentified pressings. For guaranteed original pressings, established vinyl dealers and auction houses like Omega Auctions offer authenticated copies, though typically at premium prices.

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