THE SMITH - Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded as the relationship between Morrissey and Johnny Marr was beginning to splinter, Strangeways, Here We Come is the most carefully considered and elaborately produced album in the group's catalog. Though it aspires greatly to better The Queen Is Dead, it falls just short of its goals. With producer Stephen Street, the Smiths created a subtly shaded and skilled album, one boasting a fuller production than before. Morrissey and Marr also labored hard over the songs, working to expand the Smiths' sound within their very real boundaries. For the most part, they succeed. "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish," "Girlfriend in a Coma," "Stop Me if You Think You've Heard This One Before," and "I Won't Share You" are classics, while "A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours," "Death of a Disco Dancer," and "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" aren't far behind. However, the songs also have a tendency to be glib and forced, particularly on "Unhappy Birthday" and the anti-record company "Paint a Vulgar Picture," which has grown increasingly ironic in the wake of the Smiths' and Morrissey's love of repackaging the same material in new compilations. Still, Strangeways is a graceful way to bow out. While it doesn't match The Queen Is Dead or The Smiths, it is far from embarrassing and offers a summation of the group's considerable strengths. by Stephen Thomas Erlewine  
Tracklist :
1    A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours    3:00
 Johnny Marr / Morrissey
2    I Started Something I Couldn't Finish    3:45
 Johnny Marr / Morrissey
3    Death Of A Disco Dancer 5:25
 Johnny Marr / Morrissey
Piano – Morrissey
4    Girlfriend In A Coma    2:02
 Johnny Marr / Morrissey
5    Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before    3:32
 Johnny Marr / Morrissey
6    Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me    5:02
 Johnny Marr / Morrissey
7    Unhappy Birthday    2:45
 Johnny Marr / Morrissey
8    Paint A Vulgar Picture    5:35
 Johnny Marr / Morrissey
9    Death At One's Elbow    1:58
 Johnny Marr / Morrissey
10    I Won't Share You    2:49
 Johnny Marr / Morrissey
Credits :
Bass Guitar – Andy Rourke
Drums – Mike Joyce
Guitar, Piano, Arranged By [Strings and Saxophone] – Johnny Marr
Strings – Orchestrazia Ardwick
Voice, Artwork [Sleeve] – Morrissey