Let's Talk Morrissey...

[springheeledjim]

The tragically titled new Morrissey album, Ringleader of the Tormentors is released in about six weeks and the new single You have Killed Me has been playing on the radio and streaming on myspace. I've listened to it a couple of times and find it incredibly boring. I mean, this is the kind of music that he and Boz could write in thier sleep...

Comments

it meant more to me than every living thing on earth

[libertina]

Did you see him live in '04? That was the first time I caught the Moz since the Kill Uncle tour in '91 (Christ, I'm old!) although I did have a ticket to the aborted Lollapalooza he was scheduled to headline. Thirteen years hadn't diminished his energy or charisma, but his frequent undressing on stage was a little gratuitous--this from the lithe figure who used to have flimsy women's blouses shredded off him by rabid fans during shows. It was a little bizarre. It was incredibly exciting to hear "How Soon is Now", "Bigmouth Strikes Again" and "Rubber Ring" in person, even without Marr's shimmery guitar...I "discovered" the Smiths the year after their acrimonious split so never got to see them perform. They're one of the few acts I would pay any sum of money to see (all the more for its complete fucking impossibility

Re: it meant more to me than every living thing on earth

[springheeledjim]

Yes, i saw him in 2004 and it was incredible. Even the new songs, which had not been released yet, sounded great live. He didnt sound old at all and hearing primarily Viva Hate era was nice. I think he closed with "There is a Light..." and I got to hear "Maudlin Street" which is a favorite.

I'm having what you're having (that is, I'm not having it)

[teenagegirl101]

a Morrissey-related crisis of confidence. The first song on the album, I will see you in far-off places, initially struck me as the weakest of the three which have leaked - Jesse Tobias (new co-writer) brings absolutely nothing to the table, the production is bombastic (sound effects remind me of Lifeguard Sleeping), and lyrics are b-side quality at best. The second track, Dear God please help me, feels like it goes on and on for no discernible reason. The song never builds, although Morrissey's "release" is on full display in the lyrics, his most overtly sexual ever. The single itself is lyrically weak, but the chorus is mildly catchy. I've been a fan since The Queen is Dead and while the quality of the material has faltered at times (especially Southpaw-Maladjusted), this latest batch just makes me feel sad.

Re: I'm having what you're having (that is, I'm not having it)

[springheeledjim]

Right. Im not asking for Vauxhaul all over again but the watered down quality is getting to me. And i like Southpaw! I like the big guitar quality. I think its the production that kills me. The guitars all sound like radio pop- "punk". I dont know much about the specifics of production, but if he is gonna go for rockin', i would much prefer the sound of Southpaw over Quarry. And the lyrics. You know where you can stuff your hamburger.

Re: I'm having what you're having (that is, I'm not having it)

[teenagegirl101]

Don't get me wrong, I think Southpaw has some great tracks(Teachers, Reader, Boy Racer), but it was recorded in a hurry(as I recall, Moz and co. had a post-tour burst of creative energy) and could've used a little tweaking. I think your comments re: production are right on the mark. I'm no expert on production myself, but I favor the "clean" guitar sound of Your Arsenal over the gauzy/hazy guitars on Vauxhall.

Re: I'm having what you're having (that is, I'm not having it)

[springheeledjim]

I like the hazy feel of Vauxhall. There seemed to be a real idea behind the production of that record over the "push all the levels up" of Quarry. And dont forget the song Southpaw... "the girl of your dreams is sad and all alone".

[springheeledjim]

Ive been listening to that album solidly lately. Hittin' the spot. Hows the Red House Painters Comp double disc treating you?