The Smiths “What Difference Does It Make?” 1984. 12″ single, Rough Trade Records. Though Morrissey and Johnny Marr have stated this single from The Smiths’ debut album is one of their least favorites, it’s one of my top Smiths songs; I love the propulsive beat, the urgency of the guitar and the choice lines of lyrics (i.e. “the devil will find work for idle hands to do, I stole and I lied and why? because you asked me to” and “your prejudice won’t keep you warm tonight”). It became The Smiths first hit, making it to #12 in the UK. This is one of the later pressings of “What Difference Does It Make?” – a few early ones feature Morrissey holding a glass of milk as Terence Stamp initially denied permission for the still from the movie The Collector to be used (he obviously change his mind and most pressings have this photo as the cover).

Side B has “Back To the Old House,” a slow and lovely classic Smiths lament, and “These Things Take Time,” which is much more upbeat but super angsty, so perfect for teenage ears in the 80′s: “Oh, the alcoholic afternoons, When we sat in your room, They meant more to me than any, than any living thing on earth…Vivid and in your prime,You will leave me behind.”

Reblogging myself: The Smiths “What Difference Does It Make?” released on this date, January 16th, 1984.