The Crate
The Smiths
Hatful Of Hollow
Hatful of Hollow is a 1984 compilation by The Smiths, released in the UK on 2 November 1984. It collects BBC Radio 1 session recordings, plus the band’s early A-sides and B-sides, offering an intimate snapshot of their peak indie-era sound. It peaked at No.7 in the UK and would later see a US release in 1993. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatful_of_Hollow))
Recording History
The album assembles 1983 BBC session material (Maida Vale, London) for John Peel and David Jensen, plus a studio-origin track (“This Night Has Opened My Eyes” although the accompanying Peel release). Primary producers credited are John Porter (1,5,9,12,13,16), Roger Pusey (2,4,6,8,10,14,15), with the Smiths themselves producing track 7; engineers include Martin Colley (3,11) and Mike Robinson (12). The depicted sessions span 18 May 1983 to 14 September 1983, with the 14 September Peel session later informing the album’s version of “This Charming Man.” Hatful of Hollow also includes the band’s debut single “Hand in Glove” and the 1983–84 singles “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” and “William, It Was Really Nothing.” ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatful_of_Hollow))
Chart Performance & Recognition
Hatful of Hollow reached No. 7 on the UK Albums Chart and remained on the chart for 46 weeks. It was issued in the US by Sire on 9 November 1993. The UK edition is certified Platinum (300,000+), while US shipments exceed 133,000. The album’s reception included a nod from Q magazine, which ranked it among the UK’s greatest albums. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatful_of_Hollow))
Cultural Impact & Legacy
Hatful of Hollow is widely regarded as a pivotal, revelatory collection that foregrounds The Smiths’ BBC-era potency and songcraft. It has inspired ongoing exploration of their Peel-era performances, and songs from Hatful have lived on in covers and reissues. Notable covers include Love Spit Love’s 1996 take on “How Soon Is Now?”, tied to The Craft soundtrack, and The Killers’ 2019 live Glastonbury rendition of “This Charming Man” with Johnny Marr, highlighting the enduring influence of Hatful of Hollow’s material. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Soon_Is_Now?utm_source=openai))