The CD Singles '88–91'

Although each disc contains the three or four songs from the original Compact Disc edition, they are housed in a cardboard sleeve (instead of a jewel case) and replicate the 12-inch artwork, with the titles of songs that were exclusive to CD written on afterwards.

Several of the A and B-sides on these singles appeared on the compilations Bona Drag (1990) and My Early Burglary Years (1998), while others were made available again for the first time since their first release, including "I Know Very Well How I Got My Name", "East West", and the full version of "Will Never Marry".

A number of cover versions also appear: "East West" by Herman's Hermits, The Jam's "That's Entertainment"; T. Rex's "Cosmic Dancer"; Bradford's "Skin Storm"; and a version of "Sweet and Tender Hooligan" by Morrissey's former band The Smiths.

The ten discs are housed in a flip-top box. The cover image is from a photograph by Anton Corbijn. It first appeared in the CD booklet for Morrissey's debut album Viva Hate.[2]

In a 4/10 review, the NME described the set thus:[3]

There's an air of tragedy about this box set, of a rare talent pissed away and a limited, increasingly embittered range of expression. It's a long decline that has now reached the point where labels keep recycling his back catalogue rather than release new songs. An antique curio, a relic from an England that's slowly, mercifully, dying - and that, ironically, he now chooses to keep far away from.

Writing for AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine was more enthusiastic:[4]

...the main reason to purchase this, of course, are items like the covers of the Jam's "That's Entertainment" and T. Rex's "Cosmic Dancer," which are the kind of B-sides that never make B-side compilations and are worth tracking down for any hardcore fan. It's nice that this box makes the search a little easier.

In September 2000 the set was followed up by The CD Singles '91-95'.

There is also a 7" vinyl version of this box set.