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Our Review of Morrissey's Ringleader of the Tormentors
The Moz, though not known for his cheerful and uplifting lyrics, has really done it this time. With his most recent album, Morrissey shares his renewed disappointment, disillusionment and dismay with the world.
Fashioning himself a bit of a primo donna and old-fashioned movie star, Morrissey’s legions of devoted fans and adorers will surely love this album, despite its departure from his classic sound. No more are the Smiths and Johnny Marr infused beats—this album is pure Morrissey self-indulgent fantasy. Rife with distant Eastern themes, thunder rolls and less Moz-like vocal stretches, Ringleader of the Tormentors just might be the gateway to the newer, older Morrissey.
Starting with the mystic “I Will See You in Far Off Places,” Morrissey lets the listener know this isn’t their big brother’s Viva Hate. Much like crooners of old, Morrissey still uses his expressive voice to carry his music; the difference between this album and all his others is that he seems to be keeping the emotional quivers we’ve grown accustomed to at bay. Moz’s voice is stronger and clearer than ever—with no trace of the boy from Manchester we grew up with save the despondent second track “Dear God Please Help Me” and pity inducing eighth track “I’ll Never Be Anybody’s Hero Now”.
In his rather disconsolate and rainy “Life is a Pigsty,” Morrissey reaffirms his familiarity with sadness and loss, and brings his sentiments home with “The Youngest Was the Most Loved,” which features a children’s chorus to support Morrissey’s regretful refrain, “There is no such thing in life as normal.”
Never one to hold his tongue, Morrissey alludes to and openly expresses his distaste for certain modern political ideas and politicians in songs like “The Father Who Must Be Killed,” which seems like a pointed reference to an unfair and hated ruler. Or maybe I’m just reading into it…
“In the Future When All’s Well” has a bit of the bright guitar and vocal flirtatiousness fans love and keeps the album from feeling too modern. There are, of course, traces of the jangle pop Morrissey has always loved, his fixation with 60’s pop cannot fully be erased from his influences. Tracks like “You Have Killed Me,” “On the Streets I Ran,” and “I Just Want to See the Boy Happy” all feature upbeat choruses and a dancy rhythm. It’s good to know that there are always going to be anthems for dancing misanthropes and that Morrissey will sing them.
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To purchase Morrissey's Ringleader of the Tormentors, click here.
Now don’t get me wrong, the album isn’t all sad. Morrissey has this unbelievable talent to add hope to the most blue and mournful tracks. As a matter of fact, most of his songs have a hopeful element to them, and maybe that’s what’s keeping listeners coming back for more. “To Me You Are a Work of Art” is one such track. Moz confesses, “I see the world, It makes me puke, But then I look at you and know
That somewhere there’s a someone who can soothe me.” See what I mean?
In the same way, the final track “At Last I Am Born” brings the children’s chorus back and leaves the album lingering on a high note when Morrissey says, “I once thought I had numerous reasons to cry, And I did, but I don’t anymore.”
So have a taste of Ringleader of The Tormentors. You’ll be left feeling like a teenager again—you know, like it’s the best years of your life—the ones full of disappointment, hormones and lonely nights. I mean, life can’t be that bad, can it? At least you know you’ll grow out of it.
- Alexis, Entertainment Reviewer for PanicShoppers.com.
Ringleader of the Tormentors
Artists: Morrissey
Label: Interscope Records
Release Date: 1 January 2007
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