The Smiths
Girlfriend in a Coma

Writing a review about "Girlfriend In A Coma" inevitably means talking about the last session in the studio for the Smiths. The anthology track placed on the A-side of the record is simply one of the most famous songs in the Manchester band's repertoire, as well as one of the most lugubriously titled singles ever to climb the British charts. Just two minutes in which all the pop genius of Johnny Marr and the cynical poetry of Morrissey are condensed into an applause-worthy vaudeville. But if everything is practically known about the title track, attention cannot but shift to the two B-sides, which are the last songs recorded by the Smiths.

When the group enters the studios of new producer Grant Showbiz in May 1987, Marr has already announced his decision to leave the band. However, it is necessary to complete one last task: recording the B-sides for the first single from the last album, "Strangeways, Here We Come."

The first track in question is a cover of Cilla Black's "Work Is A Four-Letter Word," yet another demonstration of Morrissey's infatuation with female-oriented pop (alongside that for writer Shelagh Delaney, portrayed on the cover), which Marr does not hide his disdain for.

The second track, however, is a previously unreleased song, "I Keep Mine Hidden," a glam-influenced music hall piece that contains what is probably one of the singer's most autobiographical lyrics, torn between self-pity and envy.

When, after the recordings are finished, the two leaders bid each other a cold farewell, they perhaps don't even imagine that it will be years before they see each other again. And as Morrissey whistles the concluding track, the Smiths are already History.