THE SMITHS - HOW SOON IS NOW? 12" Single CBS UK 1st PRESS VG+/G++ RARE
  £   30
  $   40

 


£ 30 Sold For
Nov 7, 2025 Sold Date
Mar 23, 2025 Start Date
1 Number Of Bids
  Great Britain Country Of Seller
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Description

The 12" single of How Soon Is Now? by The Smiths was released in 1985 by Rough Trade in the UK (catalog number RTT 176). It features one of the band’s most iconic and atmospheric tracks, known for Johnny Marr’s hypnotic tremolo guitar and Morrissey’s melancholic lyrics about isolation and longing.

 

Condition: 

 

Record: VG+ (Very Good plus): plays beautifully and the super clear powerful sound that you expect from a 1st Press vinyl. 

 

The vinyl is in great condition and still has a very impressive glossy look and minor hairline scratches which do not impact the sound quality or playback.

 

Sleeve: G+ ( Good+) - sleeve is graded a good + because there is a small tear on the rear. I've included extra photos of the sleeve. Some copies came with a poster - no poster with this one.

 

Special Features: 12' Single

Year Of Press: 1985

Record Label: Rough Trade

Catalogue Number: RTT 176

Version: 1st Press CBS pressing

 

Matrix / Runout (Side A runout - etched): RTT-176-A1 THE TATTY TRUTH

Matrix / Runout (Side B runout - etched): RTT-176-B1 timtom cbs

Matrix / Runout (Side A/B runout - stamped): ∴

Label Code: LC 5661

 

Notes: 

Artwork produced from a still of Sean Barrett taken from the 1958 movie "Dunkirk". Some copies include fold-out poster of front sleeve.

 

"How Soon Is Now?" From the Rough Trade LP "Hatful Of Hollow" (Rough76)

"Well I Wonder" From the Rough Trade LP "Meat Is Murder" (Rough 81)

 

Side A: © 1984 Warner Bros. Music

Side B: © 1985 Warner Bros. Music

 

Mastered at CBS

Made in the UK

UK distribution by The Cartel

 

Tracklist (UK 12")


"How Soon Is Now?" – A brooding, psychedelic anthem with haunting lyrics.

"Well I Wonder" – A soft, melancholic ballad with rain sound effects.

"Oscillate Wildly" – An instrumental track showcasing Marr’s shimmering guitar work.

 

Notable Features


Originally a B-side to William, It Was Really Nothing but later became a standalone single.

The cover features an image of actor Sean Barrett from the 1968 film Dunkirk.

The song became one of The Smiths’ most famous tracks, despite not being a major chart hit at the time.

 

This 12" release helped cement How Soon Is Now? as one of The Smiths' defining songs, influencing countless alternative and indie bands.

 

I am a record fan/collector too and I know how important it is that 'the new arrival' makes you happy and pleased to have it in your collection, so any issues please contact me anytime.

 

Your record has been carefully cleaned in a HumminGuru Sonic vinyl cleaner, visually inspected and a fully play-tested. Every vinyl is sent in a Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (Mofi) high-quality antistatic inner sleeve and a quality outer sleeve to keep your record pristine.

 

Shipping:

Your collector's item will be securely & professionally packaged for safe delivery to you.

 

Guarantee:

If you're not 100% satisfied, a no-quibble full refund is provided on return, available for 30 days.


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