Wea/Rhino Records
With
the break-up of the Smiths in 1987, one could have
concluded that Morrissey would be just another casualty
signifying the end of the '80s. This album is truly an
overview of this pop icon who is a champion of the
underdogs. His legions of hardcore fans have adapted his
mantras and personal philosophies as their own, holding
them close to their heart.
This is however not the first best-of album from
Morrissey's solo endeavours. Like the Smiths,
compilations are a common feature in Morrissey's solo
career, including works such as The World of
Morrissey and Suedehead: the Best of
Morrissey. Unlike those however, Morrissey
hand-picked certain songs to be included on this release. Previous
compilations were done, often without his permission,
during his stormy relationships with past labels.
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The obvious titles are on this album, such as
"Suedehead" and "Everyday is Like Sunday,”
alongside more interesting romps inside the mind of a man
who has at times been considered a bit fragile emotionally.
He is not the shrinking violet, misanthrope
hiding in his mother's basement who the world did not
love enough. On the contrary, his music suggests a person
who whole-heartedly embraces the vast array of human
qualities and does not pretend to be ashamed of them. To
see his lyrics as morose or depressing misses the
point entirely as he describes the human condition in ways
which are only now entering the minds of those in our pop
culture world.
Songs such as "We Hate It When Our Friends Become
Successful," he shows us the hypocritical side of
mankind, the part of us all that we hate. Then in
"Alma Matters," he croons about his unfortunate
life choices, but stands firmly beside them: "It's
my life to wreck my own way."
However, he does not
discount the entire human race as useless, as he sings
about the importance of friendship in "Hold On To
Your Friends." He also brilliantly captures the
longing for love of his not-yet-found-significant-other,
by urging the person in question to hang on in "I
Know It's Gonna Happen Someday." This song would
make even the most cynical person want to wish upon a
star for his/her beloved.
Sonically, this compilation captures the peak
performances from his band mates and does not take a
backseat to the lyrics. The underlying soundscape has a
'50s rockabilly flare about it, exemplified by “Sing
Your Life.” There are some grittier guitar driven
tracks that have a more raw modern twist, such as “Glamorous
Glue” but also whimsical moments as in “Certain
People I Know.”
Other featured songs contain bits of sampled dialogue
that weave through the guitars and give the mix a
desperately chaotic feel. In addition, there are some
early tracks such as, “Hairdresser On Fire,”
that contain a string section which also add a bit of
romanticism and serene beauty into the millieau. As a
whole, the songs in this compilation effortlessly flow
into one another without losing their individual
qualities that make each one special. It goes well for
listening in times of self-contemplation or when the
introverted side of ourself once again decides to join
the realms of the masses. Obvious songs that were
excluded from the album such as "Ouija Board, Ouija
Board", "Billy Bragg" and "Picadilly
Palare" though missed, may have detracted from the
album rather than add to it.
This collection is the perfect introduction to those
who have not yet had the Morrissey experience. By the
time the last track, "Disappointed," rolls
around, and he sings "This is the last song I will
ever sing," you will pray that it isn't so. Then the
cheeky manipulative side of his personality emerges:
"No, I change my mind again." You'll be glad
that he did.
By Aly Hirji, CanEHdian.com
