BookishBoy
Well-Known Member
Today's A-Z entry is "Days of Decision" from the California Son album.
The original was by Phil Ochs, from his 1965 album I Ain't Marching Any More.
What do we think of Morrissey's version?
I probably like this album a bit more than you do but agree with most of this. This song is very pretty indeed and his voice is gorgeous here - as it is on the whole album. I really enjoy listening to this song.I don't much care for California Son (even the pun in the title is tired from overuse), but musically this might be prettiest song on the album. The vocal melody is lovely. It would be nice to hear why Morrissey has chosen each of the songs covered on the album. Lyrically this sixties protest song could nowadays be interpreted in a rather sinister fashion and I find it rather depressing that Morrissey is probably well aware of it.
"These are the Daves of decision"...A very Dylan-esque song to cover.
I am one of those who don't care much for Morrissey to cover songs. I'd rather embrace his originality in general. Having said that however, I am pleasantly surprised at the sincerity of his effort and quality of his voice with many of the songs of this album.
Before CA Son, I wouldn't have believed Moz would want to create a whole album of covers. But its clear he has considered the entirety of his musical efforts and felt strongly enough that he could challenge himself and add his own take to these songs for another generation.
So while not a big fan, writ large, I appreciate that he's taken on something different overall. I mean, they all can't be Dagenham Dave!
MrShoes
I probably like this album a bit more than you do but agree with most of this. This song is very pretty indeed and his voice is gorgeous here - as it is on the whole album. I really enjoy listening to this song.
But yes, I feel slightly uneasy at the idea of taking a protest song like this and - given his stated views on certain topics - giving the lyrics (perhaps) a somewhat different meaning. All of which is down to our own interpretation, of course and perhaps (if we're being charitable) that's what Morrissey was doing with this song: flagging up how "meaning" can shift over time...
Or, just trolling.
I don't have an issue with California Son as it didn't come in place of an original album, it came in addition to an original album. Talking purely about the music, I can't see too much to complain about regarding Morrissey releasing 2 albums in successive years at this stage of his career.
I don't judge the covers in comparison with Morrissey originals, and they are mostly fine compositions well sung. I am glad that he opted to generally choose songs from respected songwriters, and avoided recording either kitschy tunes or things by his mates as he had at the start of his career.
I think this is one of the strongest tracks and he gives a great vocal performance. Morrissey also made several slight lyrical changes, and I think he tailored it to suit his voice. It's only a small point, but I enjoy his use of, "Mhm, decision" as it offers some variety.
In the poll on the Hoffman board it ranked 63rd from 264 solo tracks.
If you read my posts at the start of this day-to-day fest, I mentioned that I may as well post the ranking simply to give one more opinion (this thread is all about opinions after all). I don't consider any poll to be remotely definitive - there have been polls on this board in the past - but they just give a flavour of how other fans feel.Hey Flib - do you really put any value in a poll of Moz's music? If these "A-Z" posts prove anything, its that ranking songs is an exercise in futility.
Yeah I must have missed that notice early on... Roger that on offering it up as a point of comparison.If you read my posts at the start of this day-to-day fest, I mentioned that I may as well post the ranking simply to give one more opinion (this thread is all about opinions after all). I don't consider any poll to be remotely definitive - there have been polls on this board in the past - but they just give a flavour of how other fans feel.
I don't much care for California Son (even the pun in the title is tired from overuse), but musically this might be prettiest song on the album. The vocal melody is lovely. It would be nice to hear why Morrissey has chosen each of the songs covered on the album. Lyrically this sixties protest song could nowadays be interpreted in a rather sinister fashion and I find it rather depressing that Morrissey is probably well aware of it.
Very much agree with this.I don't have an issue with California Son as it didn't come in place of an original album, it came in addition to an original album. Talking purely about the music, I can't see too much to complain about regarding Morrissey releasing 2 albums in successive years at this stage of his career.
I don't judge the covers in comparison with Morrissey originals, and they are mostly fine compositions well sung. I am glad that he opted to generally choose songs from respected songwriters, and avoided recording either kitschy tunes or things by his mates as he had at the start of his career.
I think this is one of the strongest tracks and he gives a great vocal performance. Morrissey also made several slight lyrical changes, and I think he tailored it to suit his voice. It's only a small point, but I enjoy his use of, "Mhm, decision" as it offers some variety.
In the poll on the Hoffman board it ranked 63rd from 264 solo tracks.