Show 101 - The Smiths - The Hacienda Manchester - 6 July 1983

A quick request. If you plan on downloading this and putting it on your YouTube channel or your own bootleg page - I don't mind. But a credit to this website where you found it, and a link back to this page would be really appreciated. It helps me gauge which artists are popular - ie more chance of other restorations coming. Don't just steal it, cut out the intro and outro and take the credit. Thanks.

 

***2023 UPDATE***

This show has now been re-restored from scratch, and improved massively, I think. Noise reduction done, removed clicks and pops, then got to work with EQ and other studio toys to improve the sound - I haven't done a pseudo stereo effect this time, just widened the sound image somewhat after doing everything else before final mastering. 

There is still some of that digital distortion on I Don´t Owe You Anything but the new version is clearer and more of an accurate record of them live in concert at the time, I think. Download it from the link below and let me know what you think!

The new version of this show is available to download HERE as 1 MP3 file.

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The first time I've done a gig by The Smiths. This is from around the time they signed their record deal with Rough Trade, shortly after the release of their first single, Hand In Glove. This was a mono soundboard recording of their 2nd appearance at The Hacienda, with a lot of boomy mid range which was ok played quietly but got wearing on the ears after a while if the volume was up. So a good candidate for a cleanup!

I've done a "pseudo stereo" effect with it, then rebalanced the sound to keep it sounding more natural. Then, I removed hiss and some digital crackles and pops before EQ'ing it to remove that mid range boom, tighten up the bass end a bit and improve the clarity.

Unfortunately most of I Don´t Owe You Anything is marred (no pun intended) by some low level digital distortion - I guess that was generated when it was transferred from tape or vinyl to digital format. Its not unlistenable but just to make you aware its there - I was able to remove a bit but not most of it.

Despite that the finished result is a nice, clear recording which sounds great overall now. 

Setlist
Handsome Devil
Reel Around The Fountain
What Difference Does It Make?
Wonderful Woman
These Things Take Time
I Don´t Owe You Anything
Hand In Glove
Miserable Lie
Accept Yourself

 

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