{{Single infobox2 |
| Name = Ask
| Cover = Asksmiths.gif
| Artist =
The Smiths
| from Album ='''
The World Won't Listen
| Released = October 20 1986
February 6 1995 (re-issue)
| Format =
| Recorded = Summer 1986
| Genre = Alternative rock
| Length = 3:10
| Label = Rough Trade
| Writer = Johnny Marr
Morrissey
| Producer =
| Video director =
| Certification =
| Chart position =
| Reviews =
| Last single = "Panic"
(1986)
| This single = "Ask"
(1986)
| Next single = "Shoplifters of the World Unite"
(1987)
}}
"Ask"''' is a song by
The Smiths. It was released as a single in October
1986, reaching #14 in the
UK Singles Chart. As with most of The Smiths' singles, it was not included on an original album. It can be found on the compilations ''
The World Won't Listen'' and ''
Louder Than Bombs'' as well as the live album ''
Rank'', where it is introduced as the band's new single. The UK cover contains
Yootha Joyce who starred in the UK television series
George & Mildred.
The song featured
Kirsty MacColl on backing vocals, who also originally supplied the backing vocals for "
Bigmouth Strikes Again" though in the final cut she was replaced by the fictional
Ann Coates.
There are two versions of this song. The version that appears on the single releases and the album
The Very Best of The Smiths fades out slightly sooner and has the vocal track lasting until the end of the song. The version that appears on all albums (save for the one listed above) fades out later (though the end of the track is audible albeit at very low level if one turns up their speakers loud enough) and has the vocal track ending before the fade begins.
Etchings on vinyl
UK 7" and 12":
ARE YOU LOATHESOME TONIGHT? / TOMB IT MAY CONCERN
German 12":
"NATUR FEEDS THE ZENSOR GROUP" / none
The UK a-side etching is a pun on the Elvis song "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" while the b-side etching is likely a pun on this single's b-side song "Cemetery Gates".
Category:The Smiths songs
Category:1986 singles