release date: Feb. 16, 2009
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,52]
producer: Jerry Finn
label: Polydor Records - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Something Is Squeezing My Skull" - 2. "Mama Lay Softly on the Riverbed" (4 / 5) - 4. "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" - 7. "That's How People Grow Up" (4 / 5) - 8. "One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell"
9th studio album by Morrissey released by Polydor Records. After his years touring from 1998-2003, and in search for a record company, he signed with the small Independent label, Sanctuary Records where he released through the sub-label Attack. Ringleader of the Tormentors from 2006 was his last on Attack, and the follow-up was scheduled for release in 2008, but apparently Morrissey was looking for the right contract. He finally signed with the established umbrella label, Universal Music Group, where he was assigned to the sub-division Decca Records in the UK (Polydor in Europe and Asia).
Morrissey again proves he has found the formula and does more than well on this 12-track album, I think. Nearly half of the song are co-written with Alain Whyte, who doesn't participate on the album, instead Jesse Tobias, with whom Morrissey wrote 3 of the tracks, plays "the second lead" guitar alongside old associate, Boz Boorer. Compared to the critically acclaimed Ringleader... (2006), the album feels lighter and more in sync with his better albums, and it sounds much like a natural follow-up to You Are the Quarry (2004), which also had Jerry Finn in the producer seat. There's left more room for ballads and chorus-based pop songs, but it's simply better balanced than his 2006 album. On the national albums chart list it reached number #3, and peaking at #11 in the US, it equals his so far best-selling album on the American market, You Are the Quarry.
I don't find it quite up there alongside his 2004 album but it's definitely a fine collection of songs and as such a recommendable listen.
[ allmusic.com, Spin, NME 4 / 5, Rolling Stone 3,5 / 5 stars ]
