Posted February 5, 200718 yr MORRISSEY PHOTO EXHIBITION OPENS IN NEW YORK 2007-02-05 21:22:22 A new photo exhibition documenting the legendary loyalty of MORRISSEY fans has opened in New York City. US photographer RYAN McGINLEY spent nearly two years following former SMITHS star when he toured the US, UK and Mexico. McGinley is a long time fan of Morrissey and collected thousands of photos from hundreds of concerts to create the IRREGULAR REGULARS exhibit. The photographer used his intimate knowledge of the singer's sets to predict the biggest reactions from the crowd and chose 20 of the best for his exhibit. The show is expected to run until 10 February (07) at Team Gallery in Manhattan. Prints from the show are being offered for sale in a very limited run with price tags up to $6,000 (£3,000).
February 5, 200718 yr Author Stars add voice to Burberry closure protest Feb 4 2007 James McCarthy, Wales on Sunday A HOST of big name singers - led by Morrissey, Charlotte Church and Neil Young - have added their support to the Burberry workers' campaign to keep their jobs. This week their fight reached cyberspace with the ex-Smiths frontman and legendary rocker Neil Young among those listed as friends on a Keep Burberry British MySpace site. Support also came from Super Furry Animals' bassist Guto Pryce, cult artist Pete Fowler, Dirty Sanchez star Lee Dainton, trendy band Bloc Party, Eggsy and 2Hats of Newport rappers Goldie Lookin' Chain, Pembrokeshire folk-rocker Euros Childs and Borat, the character created by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. Charlotte, 20, also came forward in protest at the company's decision to close the Treorchy factory and transfer jobs to cheaper China. "Burberry have made clothes in Wales for years. Their Treorchy workers have given them great service and helped make their brand what it is today," she said. "If Burberry want to be seen as a British brand they should not be sending these jobs overseas."
February 5, 200718 yr Author Morrissey still dramatic; whips Pasadena crowd into frenzy Article Launched: 02/04/2007 12:00:00 AM PST By George A. Paul, Staff Writer At the beginning of the dramatic epic ballad "Life is a Pigsty," Morrissey sings "it's the same old S.O.S." British rock's reigning misanthrope has always written witty songs that served as a lifeline for disaffected teens and young adults. His brief 1980s tenure in The Smiths and moderately successful solo career influenced countless musicians, right up to the latest alternative acts making waves today. The Manchester native was recently named the No. 2 U.K. icon of all time in a BBC TV-sponsored poll. He still places Top 20 singles there with regularity. Here in the States, Morrissey doesn't have a chart presence, but maintains a large and extremely loyal cult following. That's especially true in Los Angeles, where he resided for nearly a decade before moving to Rome to record 2006's "Ringleaders of the Tormentors" with producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T-Rex). A true enigma, Morrissey rarely gives interviews, but seems to have opened up more about his personal life on the latest CD (candid sexual lyrics abound; song titles include "To Me You Are a Work of Art," "At Last I Am Born"). Local fans waited over two years for the singer's return. Tickets for all three Pasadena Civic shows were snapped up in minutes. He could have easily done additional dates. Last time around, it was a pair of nights at the (former) Universal Amphitheatre. Built in 1931 and primarily used for Broadway musicals, the relatively intimate Civic is still in prime condition and beautiful inside. The opportunity to catch a rock concert there was a rare treat. Morrissey has a special relationship with his Latino followers (one tour T-shirt printed dates in Spanish). They were in full force on Friday night alongside scores of gay men. Before everything kicked into gear, vintage television clips were shown on a large screen: the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, a 60s French variety show, mid- 70s Dutch show Musik Laden featuring guest The New York Dolls, a silent 1954 wardrobe test from "East of Eden" with James Dean, old backstage Dolls footage and a female impersonator reciting "The 12 Days of Christmas." When Morrissey appeared onstage, he took a bow. Then the backing band dressed in matching white and tan attire launched the 90-minute gig with a jaunty "Panic," the first of five Smiths classics. Morrissey, clad in black dress shirt and slacks, looked pleased as everyone shouted the song's ending refrain, "hang the DJ," at top volume. Musically, the setlist concentrated on latter-day material from "Ringleaders" and 2004's amazing comeback effort, "You Are the Quarry." The propulsive "First of the Gang to Die" and seething "Irish Blood, English Heart" definitely stood out. Drummer Matt Walker did some tribal-style beats on "Disappointed" (from 1990's "Bona Drag"). Strong new B-side "Ganglord" criticized law enforcement. Here, Morrissey sang "the police are grinding me into the ground" and "get yourself back to the ghetto." The singer was talkative and frequently shook hands with people in the general admission pit section. He noted "we were all very sad to the see the passing of Tower Records" before crooning the torchy "I'll Never Be Anybody's Hero Now." Au contrare! Later, Morrissey apologized for tickets being so expensive, and said "no Grammys or awards for me, except the ones that really count from you." He then introduced majestic hit "Everyday is Like Sunday" by taking a swipe at L.A. radio ("Think back to when I was played on KROQ; I know some of you weren't even born"). Elsewhere, most Smiths tunes sounded superb (the jangly, acoustic guitar-led "William, It Was Really Nothing" and "Girlfriend in a Coma," a tender "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want"). Guitarists Boz Boorer (a longtime sideman) and Jesse Tobias really made an impact live. Boorer handled the famous Johnny Marr vibrato effect on "How Soon is Now?", yet it still came off sluggish at a slower tempo. He also clinked shot glasses together during "Pigsty" and did a short sax solo to finish "I Want to See the Boy Happy." Meanwhile, Tobias crashed cymbals together on "Dear God, Please Help Me" and did some sizzling work on glam rocker "In the Future When All's Well" and "National Front Disco." Although security wasn't any tighter than usual, it managed to keep Morrissey's overzealous admirers off the stage until the end of the evening (one guy broke away and touched the singer). Morrissey ripped off a few shirts and threw them into the crowd. Fans quickly dashed over for a piece of the "holy" cloth. In Pasadena, the rock music deity was in fine vocal form. He injected high drama at every turn and can still whip people into a frenzy like no one else around. CONCERT REVIEW MORRISSEY Where: Pasadena Civic Auditorium When: Feb. 2 Morrissey still dramatic; whips Pasadena crowd into frenzy
February 5, 200718 yr Author Johnny Marr reveals The Smiths' 'most enduring song' NME Without further ado it is... The Smiths' guitarist Johnny Marr has declared the band's 1985 single 'How Is Soon Is Now?' the "band's most enduring record". But the star, talking about the seminal track in this month's issue of Uncut, doesn't like Russian pop duo T.A.T.u.'s 2003 version, calling it "plastic music". Marr said of the song: "It's possibly our most enduring record. It's most people's favourite. And it's the guitar track I'm still most asked about. "When we'd done 'How Soon Is Now?', we knew it was something else." The new Healers (Marr's sometime band) do a really good job of it. I know Morrissey still does it live, too. But T.A.T.u.'s version was just silly. Plastic music." The interview is part of a look at The Smiths' 30 greatest songs, chosen by the likes of REM, Ian Brown, Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand.
February 5, 200718 yr Johnny Marr reveals The Smiths' 'most enduring song' NME Without further ado it is... The Smiths' guitarist Johnny Marr has declared the band's 1985 single 'How Is Soon Is Now?' the "band's most enduring record". But the star, talking about the seminal track in this month's issue of Uncut, doesn't like Russian pop duo T.A.T.u.'s 2003 version, calling it "plastic music". Marr said of the song: "It's possibly our most enduring record. It's most people's favourite. And it's the guitar track I'm still most asked about. "When we'd done 'How Soon Is Now?', we knew it was something else." The new Healers (Marr's sometime band) do a really good job of it. I know Morrissey still does it live, too. But T.A.T.u.'s version was just silly. Plastic music." The interview is part of a look at The Smiths' 30 greatest songs, chosen by the likes of REM, Ian Brown, Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand. I like TaTu's version of it, I think they're the only ones who managed to do a good job of that song. I remember hearing Morrissey's response when asked about it he said it was fantastic, when the reporter told him they were teenage russian lesbians he replied 'well arn't we all' lol :lol: .
February 8, 200718 yr Author Grave Morrissey picks burial spot Thursday, February 8, 2007 It seems Morrissey has already picked out his graveSinger Morrissey is known for being a bit morbid, so it's no surprise that he already knows where he wants to be buried. The 48-year-old star wants a spot at the celebrity cemetery Hollywood Forever, near his home in Los Angeles, the Daily Express reports. And not just that, but the former Smiths frontman also wants to be laid to rest near his music idol Johnny Ramone. "I like that cemetery. I stumbled across Johnny Ramone's stone and thought it was very nicely placed," he is quoted as saying. "I sat there for a long time and I felt quite good about it. It was nice his bones were under the soil I was sitting on. So yeah, that's my spot. "I am considering putting money down to reserve a spot there. Death is a serious thing, certainly not to be sneezed at," he added. And as for the inscription? "I want nothing other than name, birth date, death date. I did think of having the words 'Home at last' but Bela Lugosi has already used that," he said.
February 8, 200718 yr The Smiths are the cover stars, and inside there's a rundown of their best songs... with comments by all the band bar Morrissey, and other music stars including REM's Peter Buck, Nicky Wire from the Manics and Ordinary Boy Preston. Some fabulous photos, too... well worth getting.
February 8, 200718 yr It does look good. How Soon Is Now was voted #1. Personally, I think it should have been There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.
February 10, 200718 yr Author You’ve all been there — you’re staring into some gorgeous person’s eyes when suddenly the conversation turns to music. They name-drop bands you’ve never heard of and look at you quizzically when you say you’re really into Nickelback. What do you do? First, break all your Nickelback albums. Second, start researching the following historical musical milestones: “Dirty Boots†— Sonic Youth “Time to take a ride/ time to take it in a midnight eye/ and if you wanna go/ get on below.†Although Sonic Youth’s latest album is great, there’s nothing like a little dose of Goo. Sonic Youth has called the 1990 album a “mistake†— but damn, it’s good. “Dirty Boots†epitomizes early Sonic Youth’s almost-whiny, anxious rock sound and twisted, obscure lyrics. “Girlfriend In A Coma†— The Smiths So you’ve probably heard of The Smiths. Good. But the real question is, do you know The Smiths beyond “Hand In Glove,†“This Charming Man†or “How Soon Is Now?†Any good hipster loves The Smiths and now you will, too. Aside from Morrissey’s voice, one characteristic thing about The Smiths is their ability to write songs about depressing subjects but disguise them behind a catchy synth background. Enter “Girlfriend In A Coma.†You can’t help but dance as Morrissey laments his lover falling into a coma. “Little Fury Things†— Dinosaur Jr. With its strong combination of Lo-Fi and grungy punk, Dinosaur Jr. is one of the best things to come out of the ’80s. You may know the band by association; its vocalist/guitarist J Mascis’ solo career has been quite successful. “Little Fury Things†has tons of distortion, some screaming, self-deprecating lyrics and was released before Lou Barlow was kicked out and Dino started slipping. On a scale of one to 10, this song deserves “bad-ass.†“Silly Girl†— Descendents Descendents are a poppy-punk band formed in the late ’70s known for their great songs and really great joke songs, like “Parents†and “Pervert.†“Silly Girl,†from 1985’s I Don’t Want To Grow Up, foreshadows today’s emo-obsessed music world. It’s really hard not to love a song by an early hardcore band, even if the song is about unrequited love. “Range Life†— Pavement Unfortunately, Pavement— or its lead singer Stephen Malkmus’ solo songs — have probably landed on a couple O.C. soundtracks; of all the bands on this list, Pavement is likely the most accessible. However, all good music still deserves celebration. “Range Life†makes fun of alternative bands and the rock-star lifestyle. The song skateboards with its melody, giving listeners a sense of freedom. This song shows exactly how much fun Pavement can be. Added bonus: “Never Too Young To Smoke†— Superchunk A bonus, you ask? Why, yes. It’s a B-side. And that makes it a bonus. Although the rest of Superchunk’s tunes are more than worthy of further investigation, “Never Too Young To Smoke†is a song to cherish. Like Sonic Youth, Superchunk tunes display anxiousness. “Never Too Young To Smoke†was released on a seven-inch in 1995 and then re-released on 2003’s Cup Of Sand, a compilation of B-sides, singles and other rarities. Enjoy! Other bands worth knowing everything about: Talking Heads, Pixies, Joy Division and Neutral Milk Hotel
February 10, 200718 yr Author Grave Morrissey picks burial spot Thursday, February 8, 2007 It seems Morrissey has already picked out his graveSinger Morrissey is known for being a bit morbid, so it's no surprise that he already knows where he wants to be buried. The 48-year-old star wants a spot at the celebrity cemetery Hollywood Forever, near his home in Los Angeles, the Daily Express reports. And not just that, but the former Smiths frontman also wants to be laid to rest near his music idol Johnny Ramone. "I like that cemetery. I stumbled across Johnny Ramone's stone and thought it was very nicely placed," he is quoted as saying. "I sat there for a long time and I felt quite good about it. It was nice his bones were under the soil I was sitting on. So yeah, that's my spot. "I am considering putting money down to reserve a spot there. Death is a serious thing, certainly not to be sneezed at," he added. And as for the inscription? "I want nothing other than name, birth date, death date. I did think of having the words 'Home at last' but Bela Lugosi has already used that," he said. --- Bit morbid, but it's Moz :P
February 10, 200718 yr ah, it's the Daily Express... don't believe it. After all, Morrissey doesn't even live in LA anymore.....
February 10, 200718 yr Here is the Top 30: 30. Barbarism Begins At Home 29. Sheila Take A Bow 28. You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby 27. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me 26. Reel Around The Fountain 25. Half A Person 24. Asleep 23. The Headmaster Ritual 22. Shoplifters Of The World Unite 21. The Boy With The Thorn In His Side 20. Frankly, Mr Shankly 19. Back To The Old House 18. Hand In Glove 17. Rubber Ring 16. Bigmouth Strikes Again 15. William, It Was Really Nothing 14. Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want 13. Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before 12. Cemetry Gates 11. Handsome Devil 10. I Know It's Over 9. Girlfriend In A Coma 8. This Night Has Opened My Eyes 7. Panic 6. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now 5. This Charming Man 4. What Difference Does It Make? 3. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out 2. The Queen Is Dead 1. How Soon Is Now?
February 15, 200718 yr Author Terrifying night Mozza saw a ghost James Ferguson SCARY TALE: MozzaMORRISSEY claims to have had a close encounter with a ghost on Saddleworth Moor. The former Smiths singer believes he saw the spirit of a troubled young man - naked apart from an anorak - when he drove through the area with friends one night in 1989. Describing Saddleworth as 'the most barren, desolate, desperate place' he said he and his friends saw a frightened man run out from the moor, desperately pleading for their car to stop. He said: "It was a boy of maybe 18 years. He was totally grey, and he had long hair in a sort of 1970s style. He wore a very small anorak and nothing else. "He just emerged from the heather and pleaded to the lights, and we drove past because we all instinctively knew this was a spirit and because it had a history of being a place where so many bodies have been dumped and buried. It's not really the kind of place you hang around. We went to the phone box in the nearest village and called the police. "We said, 'We have just driven down the Wessenden Road on Saddleworth Moor, and somebody has emerged from the side of the road and pleaded to the car. The police said, 'Keep an open mind'." The next day, Morrissey drove back to the same spot to find it totally deserted, with no buildings or pathways within sight. Gang He said: "Was it somebody trying to ambush the car, so we'd stop to help and then suddenly a gang would emerge and take everything from us? "Was it somebody who was being chased? Or was it the spectre of somebody who had been dumped on the moors many years ago? "This person was not human, and it was very, very frightening." Morrissey, who now lives in Rome, has spoken before about the deep impression left on him by the Moors Murders as a child. The Smiths' first song, Suffer Little Children, was written about the killings by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Morrissey, 46, also said in his interview with the Los Angeles Weekly that he wants to return to earth from beyond the grave, and is already thinking about who he would like to spook. He said: "It would be fascinating if one could be a spirit and observe everything. There are a few people I'd like to... unsettle, shall we say."
February 16, 200718 yr Author From Q magazine this month 'Ian Brown has roped ex-Smiths bassist Andy Roruke For new album, 'The World Is Yours'. Brown Promises ''Violins, beats, socially conscious lyrics''.'
February 17, 200718 yr Author Morrissey’s Moors encounter Friday, February 16, 2007 Singer had a strange encounterMorrissey claims to have had a close encounter with the ghost of a victim of Moors murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. The ex-Smiths frontman said he saw the spirit of a young man – naked apart from an anorak – as he drove over Saddleworth Moor one night in 1989. Morrissey, 46, whose first song Suffer Little Children was about Brady and Hindley, said: 'Was it somebody who had been dumped on the moors years ago? This person was not human. It was frightening.'
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