Or, compare and contrast, if you prefer. First up, the August 1982 recording of The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, on which Morrissey and Marr were joined by Dale Hibbert on bass and Simon Wolstencroft on drums. It's a fairly rudimentary song at the best of times, but especially so here. It's a rough and ready (but mostly rough) recording, made overnight to take advantage of the studio being empty (and thereby free), and with the band's principals still learning their craft. Have a listen:
A year later, with Rourke and Joyce on board, here's the version recorded by Troy Tate running the boards:
Which seems quite representative of how they were playing it at the time, if this 1983 gig recording from the Haçienda is anything to go by...
But the band leapt forward with the version that graced their debut album, recorded with John Porter producing rather than Tate, and released in February 1984. So much better...
What a difference a producer makes, eh?
Of course, the relative simplicity of the guitar part makes it a dream for the YouTubers of the world - there are many versions. I'll spare you (and YouTube) mine. But here's an interesting one...
You can never be too young to start appreciating the music of Mozza,Marr,Rourke and Joyce! I have to say though having listened to the studio albums literally thousands of times when I got hold of a bootleg Troy Tate sessions recording many moons ago there was something I really liked about it. Although the sound quality wasn't good I almost preferred the rough and ready raw side of the the performance,particularly Hand In Glove. A matter that continues to be debated amongst Smiths fans to this day I believe......
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, mate. Some urgency, some vitality, got a bit lost on the first album proper, I think. This sing improved though. I seem to recall taping that bootleg off you!
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