THE SMITHS WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

Billy Albert explores a world of unreleased singles and rejected sleeves

Throughout the life of any established band, there are always alternative histories of what might have been, and The Smiths are no exception.

Depending on their luck, discussions and disagreements over potential single releases could have pushed or pulled the band into ever decreasing or increasing fortunes.

As a consequence, there are records that were pressed, but then withdrawn before going into full production, which have become the most sought-after ‘holy grails’ for collectors. The procedure for designing these inspired record sleeves meant potential ideas would be presented in a number of colour schemes before a decision on the final sleeve was taken.

Sometimes, different cover stars were chosen and then rejected, or cover stars were approached and declined to agree to having their images appearing on sleeves. With all of these decision changes comes a wealth of rare and archive material detailing an alternative story of the band that runs parallel to the actual events.

Over the years, RC has titillated readers with many aspects of the Smiths brief but prolific career, ranging from articles on the rarest records, histories and discographies, to the sources and roots of many of the band’s inspiring songs. This feature brings together a history of what could have …

by Billy Albert
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