MORRISSEY - YOU ARE THE QUARRY

Morrissey is the ex-lead singer of 80's pop icons, The Smiths... He went on to have esoteric success as a solo artist. He's got a devoted following of fans who follow his every move. He's an interesting man in a number of ways. I've noticed how he uses his influence to help other artists. He directs his following towards other bands he respects or personally enjoys. But he's also unapologetic about aspects of himself such as his ego or cruel things he's done. I believe Morrissey holds grudges. To me, he reflects many traits we normally try to hide from others. I feel this because he writes neurotic and often self deprecating lyrics. But let's be honest, we all feel like this... Few of us actually talk about it. Hehehe. We all wonder if someone actually loves us. We all wonder if we're good people, or lovable in any way. Morrissey takes those ideas and writes songs about them. His subject matter is truly unique. There's also a "Greaser" or rockabilly quality to his look. He appeals strongly to a more centered type of crowd.

On this album, the grand tradition of Morrissey's solo albums continues in good form. He doesn't have a musical collaborator like Johnny Marr from the Smiths; which often leads to sub standard hooks or music that can sound somewhat generic at times. Still, it's usually an even split between filler songs and great material. This album follows that formula but leans more towards the great material than the filler.

The first two tracks, though controversial and even confrontational, are ok but nothing to get excited about. Then comes 'I Have Forgiven Jesus'... What an amazing tune. Using Jesus as a metaphor for social acceptance, he forgives the messiah for abandoning him as a youth. This is a thinly veiled discussion of the hardships he struggled with, (mostly internally it seems), namely because he was gay. Most gay people share a common experience of being ostracized from their social circles because they're different. Especially in America, religion can have a huge impact on the social structure of a community and many gay people find themselves alone without any of the advantages of a community simply because they love differently. They're left to find other places to make home and other people to love. I could go on forever about this, but it's enough to say I can relate to the song and it's impact is powerful.

Following it up with a one, two punch... 'Come Back To Camden' is a strong number followed by an even stronger track. 'I'm Not Sorry', is a wonderful piece about living without the burden of social guilt. It's musically flowing and quite fun to sing along with. I love the line, "Slipping below the waterline". Both 'First Of The Gang To Die' and 'Let Me Kiss You' are brilliant tunes. 'First Of The Gang To Die' is a track similar to 'Boy Racer' and other numbers in that same sound genre. Although he names the lead character, "Hector"; which makes me think it was inspired by the gang scene in Los Angeles where Morrissey was living, the song still maintains that 50's feel. 'Let Me Kiss You' seems more like a tragedy rather than a song. He expresses that infatuation you can feel with someone. Morrissey reminds you that if you could have just one night, one time, nay... Just one kiss even... From that someone you've wanted for years, you could die blissfully happy. It's very sweet in it's own way.

'I Like You' is a rather poignant song about gradual development. About taking the time to learn to like someone rather than jumping into it. He sings about that moment of discovery where you turn around and say, "Hey, I actually like this person".

I'm very happy with 'You Know I Couldn't Last'. It's an almost rock anthem of sorts. Morrissey talking about the fading career of a superstar. He gives you the impression he knew it would happen all along. In fact, he was waiting for it. Hehe. So I'm quite happy and fond of this Morrissey record and I enjoyed listening to it again. My final words: WHAT A BLAST!

MORRISSEY - YOU ARE THE QUARRY
01. America Is Not The World
02. Irish Blood, English Heart
03. I Have Forgiven Jesus
04. Come Back To Camden
05. I'm Not Sorry
06. The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores
07. How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel?
08. First Of The Gang To Die
09. Let Me Kiss You
10. All The Lazy Dykes
11. I Like You
12. You Know I Couldn't Last