I must begin this review with the disclaimer that my admiration for The Smiths’ ‘Meat is Murder’ and Morrissey’s ‘Your Arsenal’ has led me to listen to ‘Years of Refusal’ with a ferocity not instantly felt from the last 2 solo releases. With that acknowledgment of the continued battle that we, obsessive devotees, and professional music critics have with comparisons to the past, Morrissey’s ninth solo album is definitely one of the best releases of his solo and entire career.
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Morrissey
|  Entertainment
Art
"Years of Refusal"
(Lost Highway)
Released February 16, 2009
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Why? ‘Years of Refusal’ is a flat out rock solid record dominated by aggressive music and lyrics resulting in the most meaningful, first person written assault in…FOREVER! Viva Autonomy, Individuality, and Humor! Good on ya Mozza!! They all still look grand on you.
Here is the track list with this author’s completely biased views on the stand out parts and thoughts/feelings provoked by each song.
1. "Something Is Squeezing My Skull" (Morrissey/Alain Whyte) (2.38)
Eliminate the psychoactive drugs with dry mouth suffering and Moz utters, “I know by now you think I should have straightened myself out. Thank you. Drop Dead.”
2. "Mama Lay Softly on the Riverbed" (Morrissey/Whyte) (3.53)
‘Mama’ reminds of the continued fear tactics used in the world.
3. "Black Cloud" (Morrissey/Boz Boorer) (2:48)
Best track (with Jeff Beck providing his guitar’s support), BUT really #1a.
4. “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” (Morrissey/Boorer) (2:31)
‘Paris’ makes me think of the way I photograph images with either no people or more importantly minus myself
5. “All You Need is Me” (Morrissey/Jesse Tobias) (3:13)
Egocentric? NOT really. Morrissey’s personal dreams verses quick societal judgments? Well, he is telling you these facts, isn’t he?!
6. "When Last I Spoke to Carol" (Morrissey/Whyte) (3:24)
‘Carol’ is just a great sounding track with a solid narrative.
7. “That’s How People Grow Up” (Morrissey/Boorer) (2:59)
Regular people who lack some dignity and much more maturity/perspective? We have all been down this road at least once or twice.
8. "One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell" (Morrissey/Boorer) (2.57)
Morrissey is always the ever clever wordsmith. “And when I die, I want to go to hell. And that’s when goodbye SHOULD be farewell” “So grab me while we still have the time.”
9. "It's Not Your Birthday Anymore" (Morrissey/Whyte) (5.10)
Absolute # 1 best track because it truly “can’t compare in any way to the love I am now giving to you right here right now on the floor”. I hear a lot Josh Caterer and Smoking Popes in this track, but really Morrissey is the kind teacher who adds some vulgarity verses Josh’s huge musical talent, continued lyrical questioning, and performance sincerity. Great style lessons Mr. Morrissey.
10. "You Were Good in Your Time" (Morrissey/Whyte) (5.01)
I am asked to relax, but then I soberly realize many furiously quality songs have quickly passed through me.
11. "Sorry Doesn't Help" (MorrisseyTobias) (4.03)
Who is he talking to? Could it be “a man with sullen ways”?
12. "I'm OK by Myself" (Morrissey/Tobias) (4.48)
‘OK’ summarizes the point of this record and hopefully life in general.
Great thanks and praise to Morrissey, his band, Jerry Finn, and all other individual contributors. I am really enjoying what was created. I look forward to giving my “member of the crowd” thanks when he performs live April 3rd (The Eagles Ballroom at The Rave - Milwaukee) and April 4th (Aragon Ballroom - Chicago).
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Written by Guest on 2009-03-24 23:15:32
Hands down, you win, I will go listen to the damn album right now!
DJ Zoe |
huh
Written by Guest on 2009-03-27 01:10:49
who is Morrissey? |
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