Rhino/Warner Bros. will release a limited-edition 7-inch single by The Smiths on Record Store Day next month that features previously unreleased versions of the band’s 1985 single “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side” and its original B-side, “Rubber Ring.”
The single will be released in both the U.S. and the U.K., and its American release is limited to 5,000 copies. The U.K. list of Record Store Day releases does not specify how many copies will be included.
The 7-inch will feature a young Albert Finney on the sleeve, and includes a “demo mix” of Queen is Dead track “The Boy with the Thorn In His Side,” and the “early Drone Studios version” of “Rubber Ring,” later compiled on Louder Than Bombs. Both are previously unreleased.
Tantalizingly, the U.K. product listing refers to the Smiths 7-inch as “building towards the overall plan for The Queen is Dead releases next year.”
Record Store Day is April 22. Find participating stores at RSD’s U.S. or U.K. websites.
PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS
- Ramones to release 10-disc set of pre-1980 7-inch singles for Record Store Day
- The Cars to issue unreleased ‘Live at the Agora 1978’ on vinyl for Record Store Day
- The The re-enlists Johnny Marr on first new single in 10 years for Record Store Day
- The Cure preparing ‘Greatest Hits,’ ‘Acoustic Hits’ vinyl picture discs for Record Store Day
Solicitors phoned by all four parties in 3… 2… 1…