It was released in February 1995 by the new owner of their back catalogue, WEA (Sire Records in the United States).

[1] WEA (now the Warner Music Group) acquired the entire Smiths back catalogue in early 1992.

", "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" and "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" were the full-length album versions, that are on the original 12" singles, as opposed to the original single edits.

WEA decided to promote the album in the UK by re-releasing the "Ask" single with its two original B-sides, "Cemetry Gates" and "Golden Lights".

In the United States, Sire decided to release "Sweet and Tender Hooligan", a single of rarities, to promote the album, with a newly designed sleeve by Morrissey.