Hatful Of Hollow - The Smiths

Whether we're talking image or (does it exist?) artistic integrity, the ideal moment for a greatest hits compilation is not 8 months after your debut LP. Especially when said compilation contains, in largely similar form, 5/10th of said debut LP's contents. And Truly Dedicated Smith's Fans are going to be doubly pissed off with this (cut-price, I understand) record as it will slash the value of their collections of hitherto rare singles ('the flip-sides, maan, are really excellent') and Peel sessions (those long nights sitting in with the three-in-one, all for nought).

Your subject, Mr. Kelly.

Well, as against the cogent arguments advanced by my learned colleague, Mr. Kelly, Hatful Of Hollows gathers together almost all the best bits of Smithness and leaves out almost all the worst bits. As well as versions of all five singles and various other famous Smithsongs, this record treats us to such little-heard delicacies as 'How Soon Is Now' (Ian McCulloch will be jealous), the acoustic Greensleevery of 'Back To The Old House' (plunkin good), and that great unsung classic, 'Handsome Devil' (Boy addresses Boy: *let me get my hand/on your mammary glands*).

In short, Hatful Of Hollow give us 16 of the best, just in time for Christmas. Caddish, perhaps, but great fun.