The Smiths' catalogue returned to focus on Thursday as details emerged of a new boxset compiling the band's classic singles from the Rough Trade era, with both Morrissey and Johnny Marr contributing to the project. The collection targets collectors seeking rare vinyl pressings.

The boxset gathers singles the Manchester band recorded for Rough Trade Records in the mid-1980s, the label that first released their self-titled debut and singles including 'This Charming Man' and 'How Soon Is Now?'. The band split in 1987, and their recordings have since become among the most reissued in British indie music.

Involvement from both Morrissey and Marr is notable given the well-documented tensions between the two founders over publishing, royalties and the use of the band's name. The pair have rarely collaborated on any project since the group disbanded, making a shared contribution to a reissue unusual.

The release adds to a steady stream of Smiths reissue activity, which has kept the group commercially relevant nearly four decades after their breakup. Collectors and fans on social media responded to the news with interest, with attention centred on which formats and unreleased material the set might include.

Rough Trade Records has built much of its recent reissue strategy around remastered vinyl aimed at long-time listeners and younger collectors. The Smiths remain one of the label's most valuable heritage acts, and any product carrying both founders' names is expected to draw strong demand.