A Mans Man
A Mans Man
MORRISSEY
Years of Refusal Polydor ****
He’s had to tolerate accusations of miserablism throughout his career, but most detractors confuse cheerlessness with Morrissey’s talent for articulation. As he approaches 50, the Mancunian is as proficient as ever at expressing his feelings on isolation, but that doesn’t mean his ninth solo album is a glum affair. It’s a sinewy, snappy collection of timeless songs and styles, with Morricone-style rollicks, big emotional ballads and brawny guitar riffs a-plenty, as well as the usual priceless lyrical castigations. Unsurprisingly, there are also several tracks that hark back to the “Golden Age of Pop”, while guitarist Jeff Beck even makes a guest appearance on the taut thriller Black Cloud. Well-played and terrifically sung, Year of Refusal is easily one of Morrissey’s best solo albums to date. www.truetoyou.net LAUREN MURPHY
Download tracks: It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore, All You Need Is Me
Years of Refusal Polydor ****
He’s had to tolerate accusations of miserablism throughout his career, but most detractors confuse cheerlessness with Morrissey’s talent for articulation. As he approaches 50, the Mancunian is as proficient as ever at expressing his feelings on isolation, but that doesn’t mean his ninth solo album is a glum affair. It’s a sinewy, snappy collection of timeless songs and styles, with Morricone-style rollicks, big emotional ballads and brawny guitar riffs a-plenty, as well as the usual priceless lyrical castigations. Unsurprisingly, there are also several tracks that hark back to the “Golden Age of Pop”, while guitarist Jeff Beck even makes a guest appearance on the taut thriller Black Cloud. Well-played and terrifically sung, Year of Refusal is easily one of Morrissey’s best solo albums to date. www.truetoyou.net LAUREN MURPHY
Download tracks: It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore, All You Need Is Me
