Release debut album The Smiths

In February 1984, the Smiths released their debut album, The Smiths , which reached number two on the UK Albums Chart . “Reel Around the Fountain” and “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” met with controversy, with some tabloid newspapers alleging the songs were suggestive of paedophilia , a claim strongly denied by the group. In March 1984, the Smiths performed on Channel 4 music programme The Tube . The album was followed the same year by the non-album singles ” Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now ” and ” William, It Was Really Nothing “, which featured ” How Soon Is Now? ” on its B-side. Securing the band’s first top ten placing, “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” was also significant for marking the beginning of engineer and producer Stephen Street ‘s long-term working relationship with the band.