Meat Is Murder is the album that turned The Smiths from a really good band into a really great band. Morrissey and Johnny Marr started injecting more political commentary into the writing, they famously forbade the other members from being photographed eating meat, and the band branched out their sound quite a bit as well. From the aggressive alternative rock on "The Headmaster Ritual," to the rockabilly sounds of "Rusholme Ruffians," the wistful ballad that is "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore," and the funky bass on "Barbarism Begins At Home" - probably the most club worthy track out of all of them. Of course, most Americans know it for "How Soon Is Now," but because this reissued version follows the tracklist of the original UK release, that track isn't included here. Even without that song, this one is required listening and a nice lead in to the more polished sounds that were still to come on The Queen Is Dead. 9 tracks total on thick 180g vinyl, recommended.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
• remastered sound
• printed insert
  
• music label: Rhino 2009

reviewed by Hires 05/2011