release date: Oct. 25, 1990
format: cd
[album rate: 4 / 5] [3,78]
producer: Stephen Street; Clive Langer, Alan Winstanley
label: Parlophone - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 2. "Interesting Drug" (4 / 5) - 3. "November Spawned a Monster" - 6. "The Last of the Famous International Playboys" (4 / 5) - 8. "Hairdresser on Fire" - 9. "Everyday Is Like Sunday" (4 / 5) - 10. "He Knows I'd Love to See Him" - 13. "Suedehead" (4 / 5)
Compilation album by Morrissey originally released on HMV. This is only his second album release after leaving The Smiths and already he releases a compilation album. The formula is the same that The Smiths found successful, which basically consists of a collection of A-side and B-side singles compiled, meaning a collection of several non-studio album tracks. The album is rather nice-to-have as many of the songs didn't make it to neither his debut or his follow-up album Kill Uncle (1991). In fact, only two songs appear on the debut ("Suedehead" and "Everyday Is Like Sunday"), the remaining 12 tracks only appear on single releases and other (later) compilation albums (track #8 is on American issues of the debut album). Although, the songs here were written and composed over a two year-period they generally fit nicely together, and maybe because most of the songs (10 tracks) were co-written with Stephen Street like was the case on Morrissey's debut album. Four of the A-side singles on the album feature Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce, ex-members of The Smiths (as well as guitarist Craig Cannon who often supported The Smiths live) - both appear on tracks #1-3, and #6.
[ allmusic.com 4,5 / 5, Q Magazine 3 / 5, Blender 2/ 5 stars ]
