Star date: 21st March 2020 

LOCKDOWN WITH MORRISSEY?

As isolation becomes the norm, do we need Morrissey, his horrid views and his new album, I am not a Dog on a Chain? Ian Lesley decides that maybe we do as the ancient crooner takes a chance and continues his move away from guitars. Maybe he should take a chance and try and swim back across the Atlantic. Whatevs.

Full review here...

Morrissey returns with his new album I am not a Dog on a Chain, the latest release from the unpredictable 'lead' singer [ho ho – ed]...

Last year's release Californian Son created an unusual reaction with Moz's unexpected, political opinions coming under scrutiny. As a result of his anti-immigration, nationalist stance, posters were removed by Mersey Rail to avoid 'offence'. It was a bizarre response that resulted in a hell of a lot press attention for what was essentially an unobjectionable collection of cover versions.

Despite a hounding from the UK press, Moz has since completed a residency on Broadway, and Las Vegas shows are now on the cards. Any-road-up, I.A.N.A.O.A.C comes as pleasant surprise. Rather than up-cycling a tried and tested formula, Morrissey has taken a chance and continued his move away from guitars.

It's a step befitting of a singer with an upcoming Vegas residency; however, don't expect to see Moz in sparkly jumpsuit...The album opener Jim Jim Falls is a poppy tune juxtaposed with the darkest of suicide lyrics. In Love is on its Way Out Morrissey voices his disbelief of animal cruelty, 'did you see the sad rich hunting down shooting down elephants and lions?'

Bobby, Don't You Think They Know acts as a volta and has the unusual pairing of Moz with Motown legend Thelma Houston. The duet pays off handsomely with the track building from 'call and response' subtlety into a rousing Gospel crescendo. It is an album highlight that showcases a harmonious Morrissey vocal alongside the powerhouse, brilliance of Houston.

An early shout for next single would have to be What Kind of People Live in These Houses. The track is Morrissey at his very best as he saucily gossips about the nuanced drama of the suburbanites. The wordplay is classic tongue-in-cheek with talk of sad dads in crash pads, carpet-chewers lighting up sewers and gents bent over in tents.

The album also contains a distinct electro motif with some spirited synth-driven tracks. In Knockabout World life's frivolity is discussed over a backing reminiscent of Soft Cell. Whilst the trumpets on Darling, I Hug a Pillow are gleefully insistent and joyous.

Once I Saw the River Clean regales a tale from young Steven's Manchester upbringing. It is curiously angular and robotic, in parts, and strangely lacks Morrissey's fluid enjambment. The vocal on The Secret of Music is subtle, wise and understated. Interestingly, this celebration of stereo has an experimental backing full of lovely oddity. It's the expansive album track that we expect on a Moz album.

I.A.N.A.D.O.A.C culminates with the moving conceit My Hurling Days are Done; a ballad that addresses the passing of time. Similar to the closer on Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, it is a poignant postulation of the inevitable.

I Am Not a Dog on a Chain has enough vintage-Moz for the purists and step toward a different direction for newer listeners. While it might have been nice to hear a bit more of Thelma Houston on other tracks, it would be churlish to deny the triumphs and charms of the album.

Mozza's voice seems to improve with experience and his obvious gift for melody remains intact. Of course, Morrissey has a right to voice his opinion freely - he's not a dog on a chain. Having said that, he could find that he is in danger of straying a little too far from home. It would be a shame if his affiliations scupper the success of I am Not a Dog on a Chain and the forthcoming shows.

Four out of five Salford Stars from Live Editor, Ian Lesley.

[And nil stars from the Star Editor for Morrissey's horrendous views]