365) Morrissey - You Are The Quarry

Remember the days when Morrissey released a record and it went in at number one. Nowadays he has had to fight to get a record released (let’s hope the single Make Up Is A Lie is not the standard of this new record), cancels concerts at a drop of a hat, and has put his business interests in The Smiths up for sale. I saw him in concert last year and before we went to a pub nearby. It was full of people with Morrissey quiffs and Morrissey t-shirts; he will always have his devoted fans no matter what he says or does.

I am not a devoted fan, never was. I love The Smiths and have enjoyed a fair few of his solo records. As a person I usually read what he says and roll my eyes, but I will always give his music a go and hope he can reach former heights.

We have had thirteen solo albums, and You Are the Quarry was his seventh that was released after a seven-year break which is the longest he has ever gone between records.

Opener America is Not To Big opens with the line “America your heads to big,” he’s years ahead here considering who is in the White House now. It’s mid paced and never picks up, as an opener it’s fine but no classic. 

Single Irish Blood English Heart was a great comeback song all rousing guitar and drums as he explores his heritage.

In Glasgow we have our religious moments as discussed before and I am one of the ones who has zero interest in any and Morrissey is no fan of being brought up a Catholic and I Have Forgiven Jesus built on a simple piano examines his disconnection with Catholicism, excellent chorus, as someone who doesn’t care for religion I can enjoy it but can understand if you are of that faith it may not appeal.

I like the shuffling beat of I’m Not Sorry and the flute at the end is a nice touch and elevates the song and The World is Full of Crashing Bores we have him asking us “to take him in our arms and love him,” I have a feeling his eye brow is raised here and How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel? has a nagging catchy riff.  

Best song time now, where he shows he could still do immensely catchy hit singles if he wishes as First of the Gang to Die engages from start to finish and Let Me Kiss You is lush and his voice still carries well.

I’ve not listened to this in years and a few do pass me by, Come Back To Camden and All the Lazy Dykes I don’t need to hear again but I Like You ups the ante and You Know I Couldn’t Last is an epic end all dramatic guitar and voice and all underpinned by piano.

Here’s hoping the new record he can turn a corner, stop cancelling concerts, talk sense and remind us all why we engaged with him in the first place, I am looking forward to hearing it. 

7.5/10

GIVE IT A STREAM: First of the Gang to Die