release date: Feb. 27, 1988
format: vinyl (12POP 1618)
[single rate: 4 / 5] [3,86]
producer: Stephen Street
label: HMV - nationality: England, UK
Solo debut single by Morrissey taken from his forthcoming album produced by Stephen Street who also co-wrote the tracks with Morrissey. After leaving Rough Trade Records Morrissey signed with EMI and would have his releases issued by the sub-label of His Master's Voice.
The US version of the debut album also includes the final track from the 12'' single, "Hairdresser on Fire", which wasn't included on the 7'' version nor on the European edition of the album but it found its way to the compilation album Bona Drag (1990). The front cover artwork is seemingly a continued style from the days with The Smiths but the cover isn't a retro photo of a 1960s British or US musician or actor but is instead a fan-photograph of Morrissey taken at a live concert with The Smiths by Geri Caulfield. And yes, it suits him well to resemble his own heroes, like a Dallesandro or Dean.
This, the first solo release by Morrissey was highly anticipated, and I recall purchasing it the first week of its release. I was especially struck by the great guitar work of the title track, and basically found it like the continued sound and style of The Smiths, and as it had been the case with one of the very first singles by The Smiths this one only made me want the forthcoming full-length solo album even more.
