As equally well written as You are the Quarry, but so much better than Ringleader of the Tormentors, in my mind Years of Refusal is a Moz masterpiece.
Morrissey's hallmark humour, dry wit and opinionated observations make a familiar welcome return onto this album, which although is not deprived of its melancholy laments, is more upbeat and reflective of Morrissey's maturity as he embarks on his fiftieth year.
There appears to be a theme of relationship experiences in his songwriting on Years of Refusal, whereas in the past, both with his solo career and with the Smiths these have so often been tales of searching and longing for a partner. With the exception of 'Black Cloud' and 'I'm throwing my arms around Paris', his lyrics are more dismissive here as if he's been there, done that, and bought the silk shirt to boot. 'I'm OK by myself", 'That's how people Grow Up' and 'Sorry will not help us' are obvious examples of this next chapter.
'When last I spoke to Carol', a tragic tale of the death of a loved one, leans towards a story of suicide, however it's purposely left to the listener to interperet this. There are hints of a broken heart here, which again can be likened to the moods expressed throughout the general tone of the album.
"Something is squeezing my skull", immediately conjures images of struggles with depression and prescription drugs and the manic chants of, "How long must I stay on this stuff? Don't give me any more", appears as a frustrated cry for help from the writer.
There are so many memorable lines on the album which instantly become classic Morrissey quotes. Far too many to mention, so you will just have to buy this and discover them for yourself.
The Special Edition is presented in gatefold with a DVD interview, Wrestle with Russell, where superfan Russell Brand once again has a chance to meet and interview his idol, after whom he named his pet cat. This is both intriguing and equally amusing.
The DVD itself is worth the money, if only just to see the mutual respect of Morrissey and Russell and witness the - at times nervous Brand as he embarks on a linguistic and foppish free for all.
If you are thinking of buying this CD, I would spend the few extra quid and buy the special limited edition edition digipak. You can't go wrong with this one.
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So onward purposely strides the man--Stephen Patrick Morrissey--who, just to state the ... more
bloomin obvious, would make a fine frontman for a great band. And therein lies the main weakness of his solo career, from 1988s post-Smiths Viva Hate onwards; for al...
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Something Is Squeezing My Skull Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed Black Cloud I'm Throwing ... more
My Arms Around Paris All You Need Is Me When Last I Spoke To Carol That's How People Grow Up One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell It's Not Your Birthday Anymore You We...
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Jul 19th, 2009
(Jul 26th, 2009)
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