The Smiths "Girlfriend In A Coma" Review

THE SMITHS: Girlfriend In A Coma (Rough Trade)

Who else but the Smiths could make a bouncy little pop gem like this, but of such depressing subject matter. His girlfriend is hovering between life and death but Morrissey's catchy vocals seem non-committed about the whole thing, while the overall feel evokes shades of the Beach Boys and other early '60s teen vocal groups. This grows with each listen and as someone who normally finds the Smiths about as inspiring as watching EastEnders, I found it surprisingly refreshing. Easily the pop single of the week.