Description

2 x 12" Vinyl – R1 46642

It was the band’s newfound machismo that makes Rank such a fascinating, thrilling document. Seconds after the intro tape (buried in the background) and faint drum clatters, Morrissey bellows “HAAALLLLO!!” before Johnny Marr’s wah-wah-meets-feedback smeared riff and Mike Joyce’s drum tattoo introduced The Queen Is Dead’s title-track. The album had been out four months, and the band was high on fire. (Morrissey’s original – and rejected – title The Smiths in Heat says as much). The feverish audience reaction was also given its voice in the mix, and the atmosphere was combustible.