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Various - How Soon Is Now? The Songs Of The Smiths (Sore Point)

Lianne Steinberg
7/ 7/2004

AN odd proposition this. Who buys tribute albums except for ardent fans of the featured band, or ardent fans of the bands paying homage?

Clearly, this album of Smiths tracks is listenable for the fact that it contains some of the greatest pop songs ever written.

However, featuring such underground types as Cursive, Lomax and Million Dead, this was never going be easy listening.

Walter Walter's version of 'Ask' still keeps all the bounce of the original but with none of the cheek. Meanwhile, thisGirl take advantage of 'Shoplifters'' grungy edge but downturn the melody into fuzz.

The best efforts depend on how much a band's personality actually shines through such a legacy. But on the strength of this, the ratio is quite low.

What do you think of the album? Have your say.

Released June 28, 2004.