Various Artists – How Soon Is Now?

With interest in Morrissey greater than for some time, this covers collection is timely. Unfortunately, its weaknesses only highlight The Smiths’ deathless excellence. Hearing Million Dead hobble through “Girlfriend in A Coma” or Garrison man-handle “Panic” starkly reminds us of the musicianship and panache on show in the originals. There’s also a paucity of imagination. Whereas Schneider TM made “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” their own, My Awesome Compilation’s version here has all the grace of Snuff covering the “Shake’n’Vac” song.