I really like Unknown Pleasures but when I listened to some Smiths I didn't like it at all.

Whoa whoa!! ha ha. It's the Smiths man...the Smiths!

Well it's not just about the guitar. Some of Morrissey's lyrics are really great, if a bit depressing.

I have listened to a couple tracks of theirs but have yet to get interested. They just seem meh, to me. Did they grow on you guys or did you love them right away?

I started with a greatest hits and wasn't impressed at all. There just wasn't anything that interested me in the music. Then I decided since they were so legendary, they deserved a proper studio album listen. I got their debut and have been a huge Smiths fan ever since. There was something about putting those songs in the context of an album that just clicked with me.

That sounds like my reaction so far. I think I will give that a try.
Thanks :thumb:

I usually think listening to greatest hits or a best of, the worst way to get into a group. Listening a few key albums is far better.

That's how I am now. I used to be all about the introductory greatest hits album. I figured it should be their best, so if I would like any of the music I would like it on the greatest hits. I have since learned the error of my ways.

Depressing?

They're funny as hell.

There are certain circumstances where having an artists Greatest Hits album is the best way to go, but it usually doesn't serve as a good introduction to their music.

Artists who are very singles oriented, who tend to put out albums with a handful of good songs surrounded by filler definitely merit a greatest hits album. There are actually some great bands who I prefer to have the greatest hits of. I love Steely Dan, but aside from maybe Aja, I'm not going to sit and listen to any of their albums start to finish. I'd rather just happen to have a playlist of the songs I love. A Decade of Steely Dan pretty much fits that bill.

There's also a lot of music released pre-1960's that was never released in full-length LP format, so singles compilations is almost critical If you want to amass a good amount of an artist's material. A lot of Jazz, blues, and first wave ska is like that.