'Hand in Glove' and the Development of The Smiths' Sound

Abstract

The Smiths are one of the most commercially successful and influential bands to emerge from the British post-punk movement in the 1980s. Along with elements such as lyrics, harmony, and musical form, a key component of The Smiths’ distinctive musical style involves their sound and, in particular, their sound as represented on studio recordings. Drawing upon the work and insights of scholars such as Albin Zak, Allan F. Moore and Ruth Dockwray, this paper details the complex recording history of the band’s first single ‘Hand in Glove’ in an attempt to trace the development of The Smiths’ unique recorded sound.