The Smiths “Louder Than Bombs” 1987. Original gatefold double LP. Today, May 22nd, is Morrissey’s birthday (b. 1959). (It’s also the Vault’s 18th wedding anniversary and fortunately we are much happier than Morrissey appears to be on his birthday.) Louder Than Bombs is a comp album stocked with Smith singles, b-sides and BBC sessions released for the US market. In ‘87 Hatful of Hollow and The World Won’t Listen were only available on pricey imports so this US release has much of that same material, plus cuts from The Smiths. The opening track, “Is It Really So Strange” does not appear on any other albums, just on single format. Notable (i.e. fave) tracks: “Shakespeare’s Sister,” “Sheila Take a Bow,” “You Just Haven’t Earned It Yet, Baby” (“supposedly inspired by a record exec’s condescending answer to Morrissey’s question about why the Smiths hadn’t been made a larger priority at their label”- Allmusic), “These Things Take Time” and “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want.” Their one cover, “Golden Lights” (originally by Twinkle in 1965) is a sappy little swinger that really could have been left off. However, the internet is the giver of all good gifts so while searching You Tube I discovered “Golden Lights” making an appearance on The Simpsons.