Morrissey's 2004 album, You Are the Quarry, was often described as a comeback, but frankly, I don't think he ever left. Since leaving the Smiths, Morrissey has been recording stellar solo albums, in the vein of his former band, that have been met with cultish enthusiasm. What separated Quarry from the others, though, was that Morrissey seemed to channel his sadness into sassiness, even getting a bit political. Ringleader continues this trend but pushes it much, much further. Given our current cultural climate, it's hard not to attach a political context to the subtle middle-eastern instrumentation of opener "I Will See You in Far Off Places," setting the tone for an album that is more aggressive than anything he has done prior. One that may not necessarily please much of his devoted fanbase. Johnny Marr, Morrissey's former songwriting partner, recently revealed that the Smiths were offered $5 million to play the Coachella Festival - and, apparently, such offers are not uncommon. If it's not the two decade-old feud between Marr and Morrissey that keeps the band apart, it will be the fact that Ringleader takes Morrissey in a musical direction so far removed from the Smiths, I don't think there's any going back.
The theme of death is present throughout the entire album, from single "You Have Killed Me" (stream) to the suicide story, "The Father Must Be Killed," where he declares, "This death will complete me." The declaration is more than just dark storytelling; dead is Morrissey as we know it. Dead is the Morrissey who was simply sad and alone, with a difficulty concealing a sick sense of humor. Alive is the Morrissey who cannot ignore his own disgust with the American and British governments or with the general public's habits of consumption. Alive is the Morrissey who seeks to rally the cult that sings his every word as if it were the gospel into a movement - one that can change the world, and how we live our lives. He calls out to them on "The Youngest Was the Most-Loved," accompanied by a children's choir, singing, "There is no such/thing in life as normal." Coming from anyone else, such a statement may seem insignificant, but with his self-assured swagger and a voice that is powerful as it has ever been, it is downright inspiring.
As the situationist title suggests, Morrissey is no longer content to sit idly, and watch life go by. Ringleader is equal parts a beginning and an end, but most importantly, it's a triumph.
4.5 (out of 5)
7 comments:
Hmm...I had no idea Morrissey could play the violin.
I remember when he was interviewed just before this album came out. I thought to myself...this guy hasn't aged.
I've got it, and haven't listened to it yet, but your review has just made me more eager for a vegetarian bellyfull of Mozzer over the weekend.
And I thought getting regular sex would marr (sic) his skills.
Regular sex?
AMAZING album ( i got the leak) although will be buying the anyway!
All the songs are awesome, but certain gems stuck in my head are: "On the Streets I Ran", "Future ALl is Well" and "Life IS a Pigsty"
And his NYDolls Cover for Human Being is to die for
He's said that he is no longer celibate, right Ben?
I too have heard that he's no longer celibate, but I'm not sure how regular the sex is.
It's a pity he's refusing to come to Canada...
Yeah apparently he's getting it, although he won't reveal sources.
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