Artist: The Smiths
Title: What Difference Does It Make?
Label: Rough Trade
Catalogue Number: RT 146
Country: United Kingdom
Original Release Year: 1984
Pressing Year: 1984 UK Original Pressing (Morrissey Sleeve)
Format: 12" Vinyl Single
Speed: 45 RPM
Description
What Difference Does It Make? is one of The Smiths' defining singles, originally released in 1984 from their landmark self-titled debut album. Written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, the song combines Marr's instantly recognisable guitar work with Morrissey's sharp, introspective lyrics, making it one of the band's most enduring recordings.
This sought-after 12-inch edition features the rare Morrissey sleeve, depicting Morrissey recreating the famous image after the original sleeve featuring actor Terence Stamp was withdrawn due to image rights issues. As a result, the Morrissey sleeve has become one of the most recognisable and collectible variants in The Smiths' catalogue.
Pressing Notes
Original 1984 UK Rough Trade 12-inch pressing, catalogue number RT 146. This edition features the Morrissey picture sleeve, issued after the original Terence Stamp artwork was replaced. Pressed on heavyweight vinyl and housed in the iconic replacement sleeve, this version has become a favourite amongst Smiths collectors and remains one of the band's most desirable original singles.
Track Listing
Side One
- What Difference Does It Make?
Side Two
- These Things Take Time
- Back To The Old House
Additional Information
- Original 1984 UK pressing
- Rough Trade Records
- Catalogue Number: RT 146
- Desirable Morrissey picture sleeve
- 12" Vinyl Single
- 45 RPM
- Written by Morrissey & Johnny Marr
- Features What Difference Does It Make?
- Includes These Things Take Time
- Includes Back To The Old House
- One of the most collectible original Smiths singles
- Essential release for Smiths and indie collectors
Condition
-
Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+)
-
Record: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Rockabuy Records Grading Guide
Near Mint (NM)
Virtually flawless condition. Played only a handful of times with no visible marks or signs of wear.
Excellent (EX)
Lightly played and exceptionally well cared for. May show only minimal signs of handling with no significant marks affecting playback.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
A well-preserved copy with only light signs of use. The sleeve remains clean and structurally sound, while the vinyl shows minimal surface marks that do not significantly affect playback.
Very Good (VG)
Noticeable signs of use with light surface marks and handling wear, though the record plays well throughout without major faults.
Good (G)
Visible wear with more pronounced marks. Playback remains enjoyable with some background noise.
Poor / Fair (P/F)
Heavy wear and significant scratches affecting playback quality.
Shipping
All records are visually inspected and conservatively graded for both sleeve and vinyl condition. Records are securely packaged in professional record mailers with protective stiffeners and dispatched via a fully tracked delivery service to ensure safe arrival.