Smiths: Rank (2LP)

"For many Smiths fans, Rank is what to expect from a live performance by Morrissey, Johnny Marr and company. Recorded at the National Ballroom in London in October 1986, some six months before they broke up, these 14 songs show the Smiths in full rock-star mode. Although Grant Showbiz's production and engineering consistently place Morrissey's voice too loud compared to the rest of the band, the performance is appropriately epic, full of hits and captivating. Morrissey is in fine form, warbling and crooning throughout and offering enough cocky banter and personality that the fact that he's nearly out of breath halfway through the performance doesn't put a damper on the festivities." (AllMusic)