Morrissey - Years Of Refusal

[Drew Beringer]

Morrissey – Years Of Refusal
Release Date: February 17, 2009
Record Label: Lost Highway

Attention all young up-and-coming bands: you just got “boom, roasted!” by Morrissey. His new album, Years Of Refusal, is more entertaining, vengeful, and beefy than anything you’ve put out recently. Basically, Morrissey rocks harder than you ever will, and he’s twice your age!

The album immediately flexes its muscles with opening track “Something Is Squeezing My Skull.” This track is nearly flawless with its huge guitars and the urgency in Morrissey’s vocal delivery. And its furious finish absolutely dominates your eardrums, as if the triumphant drums are telling you to bow down before Moz.

Keys sharply pierce “Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed” while a steady drum beat sets the pace. Morrissey swoons throughout about how “life is nothing much to lose.” “Black Cloud” begins eerily as guitars swoop in and out, while first single “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” is a calm jam, as Morrissey uses the metaphor to describe the chilliness of love. The showmanship in Morrissey comes alive in “All You Need Is Me,” as he (not so subtly) comments about himself.

Lyically, Years is stunning, as Morrissey explains how not falling in love isn’t the worst thing in “That’s How People Grow Up. Chunky riffs begin “One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell,” a track chock full of bravado. “It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore” is dark and sexy. The instrumentation will encompass all your senses, as Morrissey mocks a former lover with lines like “Did you really think we meant all of those syrupy, sentimental things that we said yesterday?” Mix in a hair-raising falsetto and the crescendo of cymbals and chords, and you have yourself the highlight of the album. “I’m OK By Myself” is a definitive closer. Morrissey’s vocals demand your attention, as the fast-paced guitars and drumming solely center around his voice. Morrissey gives a final middle finger to love on this track (“I’m OK by myself/and I don’t need you/and I never have/I never have.”), and you’re immediately hitting repeat on your iPod.

Years Of Refusal is a majestic collection of music, and also Morrissey’s best work since 2004's You Are The Quarry. Some thanks can go to the late Jerry Finn, who also produced Quarry. Finn definitely brought out the punk/DIY urgency on Years. Overall, fans of Moz will unquestionably be all over this, as well as new listeners, as Years Of Refusal has the capability of reaching to old fans and new ones alike. And just like a fine wine, Morrissey continues to get better with age. Years of Refusal has the potential to be remembered as one of the essential Moz records to own. In the end, Morrissey proves once again that he is still cooler than your favorite band.

Track Listing:
1. Something Is Squeezing My Skull
2. Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed
3. Black Cloud
4. I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris
5. All You Need Is Me
6. When I Last Spoke To Carol
7. That’s How People Grow Up
8. One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell
9. It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore
10. You Were Good In Your Time
11. Sorry Doesn’t Help
12. I’m OK By Myself
Produced by: Jerry Finn

Morrissey is:
Morrissey – vocals
Matt Walker – drums
Boz Boorer – guitar
Jesse Tobias – guitar
Solomon Walker – bass

Official Website (http://www.morrissey-solo.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/Morrissey); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/Morrissey)

[Chris Fallon]

I was wondering how long it was going to take you to fit "boom, roasted" into a review.

Good work, dude -- probably the same score I would have given it. I think this might be in my top 3 Moz albums. I love the sound of it all, the production, everything.

[Drew Beringer]

haha, I told Jason I was going to include boom roasted in a review. :-)

[tommy's ghost]

Good review. Gave it a listen and I definitely dug it.

[Jason Tate]

:inlove:

[Cholo_Loco]

Great review and this album is simply amazing. Morrissey is god ha

[MFAD]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.

[EchoPark]

Basically, Morrissey rocks harder than you ever will, and he’s twice your age!

so very well said Drew.

[Undue Noise]

Good review, great album.

[DI Pistola]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song.

Hu---ge overstatement.

[tait]

i still have to check this out. i laughed when i read "boom, roasted" though

[SanePsychotic]

Nice review! Can't wait to get this album. :thumbup:

[timb89]

i dono, i didnt love it

[hockeyguitar99]

I went to best buy to pick this up and they were sold out, but I love Moz and am excited to find a copy.

[alert=danger]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.
Pardon??
Why come and read a review of a Morrissey album if you don't like him?
How are they overrated in any way? Morrissey has worked hard in Music for over 20 years and has been a massive influence on many bands arround today, and Brand New are a very hard working band who deserve everything they deserve, and will be around for a while, unlike many bands who may relese a single and get ten minutes of fame.
Not overrated. They get everything they deserve.

[Gregory Robson]

I think it's pretty cool that this is on Lost Highway Records, a well-known roots-rock label who also backs Elvis Costello. That's one heck of tandem. Moz and Costello. Dayum.

[guiguedz]

"Basically, Morrissey rocks harder than you ever will, and he’s twice your age!"

hahaha. Yes! Morrissey's showing little kids how you make rock music. Fantastic album.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Awesome review. This album is great.

[jkaminallen]

Spot on, album of the year thus far.

[Chalie22]

Everything he puts out I love, Years Of Refusal is no different

[MixedwithBlood]

Stop Calling Him Moz

[WhoSaidThat?]

:inlove:
Of course you do.

[jawstheme]

Love it.

[JohnDorian]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.

I, along with most people I should imagine, was listening to The Smiths long before Brand New mentioned them.

[jawstheme]

How do you grade lasting value on this album already?

[screamoutmyname]

great review! i was waiting on this one... good job, man! =)

[Broclee]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.
Awesome first post, dude, you really told us how it was!

/sarcasm.


Can't wait to give this a listen.

[zombie!pirate!]

Awesome first post, dude, you really told us how it was!


Can't wait to give this a listen.
agree agree agree!!! what a sweet week for music

[c_rob2700]

Love the intro Drew, I knew it was only a matter of time before we saw "boom roasted!"

[HometownHero]

Giddy to buy this

[ExplodingStereo]

I don't know, I honestly thought You Are the Quarry was alright, as I do with much of Morrissey's music. Just decent to me, so I don't know if I'll try this out. I like The Smiths, so I never could really understand why I don't like his solo stuff as much.

[CellarGhosts]

Will def be checking this out.

[Jason Tate]

Of course you do.
:-(

[WhoSaidThat?]

:-(
No, I meant, of course you feel that way. Sorry if you misinterpreted.

EDIT: Oh, shit. You got just 303 posts to get to six digits. (insert 3OH!3 pun here)

[Jason Tate]

No, I meant, of course you feel that way. Sorry if you misinterpreted.

EDIT: Oh, shit. You got just 303 posts to get to six digits. (insert 3OH!3 pun here)
Hahaha, I know. I was just kidding. :-)

I know. Yikes.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Hahaha, I know. I was just kidding. :-)

I know. Yikes.
Oh, well I'm kind of sick today, so I guess I was disoriented and couldn't tell.

[what_ever]

acquiring this album now

[Karl Hansen]

This is a brilliant album, you will have to ask me again in a year, but for now and to me, this is Morrissey's best album.

[Heroin Robot]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.
agreed

[Litost]

great review drew, great cd as well

[Nick Le]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.
Nice first post? Like seriously...?

I'll need to check this out btw.

[Rodeo Jones]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.
Care to explain why?

[MFAD]

Pardon??
Why come and read a review of a Morrissey album if you don't like him?
How are they overrated in any way? Morrissey has worked hard in Music for over 20 years and has been a massive influence on many bands arround today, and Brand New are a very hard working band who deserve everything they deserve, and will be around for a while, unlike many bands who may relese a single and get ten minutes of fame.
Not overrated. They get everything they deserve.

I never said I didn't like Morrissey. I said Morrissey was overrated. I'm not saying he hasn't worked hard because I know he has. Same with Brand New. I remember seeing them before Your Favorite Weapon (their best CD) came out and they were doing nearly 300 shows a year. And maybe saying his music is ovrrated wasn't the right thing to say, but anything he releases gets an automatic four stars in Rolling Stone and somewhere around 80 percent on here.

[MFAD]

Care to explain why?
Why they are overrated is in the post above.

If you're wondering about Brand New mentioning Morrissey in a song, maybe you should listen to Brand New. If you don't like Brand New, then you are one of the smarter people on this site.

[Broclee]

I never said I didn't like Morrissey. I said Morrissey was overrated. I'm not saying he hasn't worked hard because I know he has. Same with Brand New. I remember seeing them before Your Favorite Weapon (their best CD) came out and they were doing nearly 300 shows a year. And maybe saying his music is ovrrated wasn't the right thing to say, but anything he releases gets an automatic four stars in Rolling Stone and somewhere around 80 percent on here.

Why they are overrated is in the post above.

If you're wondering about Brand New mentioning Morrissey in a song, maybe you should listen to Brand New. If you don't like Brand New, then you are one of the smarter people on this site.

Maybe it gets good ratings because it's good? Did you think about that?

And just because you have some vendetta against Brand New doesn't mean liking them makes you stupid.

C'mon now.

[Rodeo Jones]

Why they are overrated is in the post above.

If you're wondering about Brand New mentioning Morrissey in a song, maybe you should listen to Brand New. If you don't like Brand New, then you are one of the smarter people on this site.
Why they are overrated was not explained in the post above. You restated that you think they're overrated but did not explain why.

[MFAD]

I, along with most people I should imagine, was listening to The Smiths long before Brand New mentioned them.

Good for you, although I highly doubt it.


Awesome first post, dude, you really told us how it was!

/sarcasm.


Can't wait to give this a listen.

Just because this was my first post doen't mean I'm not right. I've been lurking here for about three years now.

Nice first post? Like seriously...?

I'll need to check this out btw.

SEe above response.

Maybe it gets good ratings because it's good? Did you think about that?

And just because you have some vendetta against Brand New doesn't mean liking them makes you stupid.

C'mon now.

I don't have a vendetta against Brand New. I still like Your Favorite Weapon, but I do think they are overrated for the massive pieces of shit Deja and The Devil and God... were.

Why they are overrated was not explained in the post above. You restated that you think they're overrated but did not explain why.

I said to read the post above. You didn't do that. I believe I stated that they get automatic ratings of 4 stars from Rolling Stone and 80 percent from this site. Reading comprehension is your friend.

[Freeride]

I dont like Morrisey's music but I think he is very good at what he does and it would be ignorant to say he doesnt have talent. That being said, he has an ego the size of a whale's dick and whenever I have heard him in interviews and The Russell Brand Show he always seemed to talk down to people as if he were better then them.

[Rodeo Jones]

Good for you, although I highly doubt it.




Just because this was my first post doen't mean I'm not right. I've been lurking here for about three years now.



SEe above response.



I don't have a vendetta against Brand New. I still like Your Favorite Weapon, but I do think they are overrated for the massive pieces of shit Deja and The Devil and God... were.



I said to read the post above. You didn't do that. I believe I stated that they get automatic ratings of 4 stars from Rolling Stone and 80 percent from this site. Reading comprehension is your friend.
You stated that they get automatic ratings that they don't deserve. That's restating the fact that you think they're overrated. Explaining why you think they're overrated would involved explaining why they don't deserve those scores. Care to try again or are your analytical skills as weak as your reading comprehension skills?

[letdownagain]

Hope you're enjoying your soapbox. Your first post doesn't mean you're right, either.

[letdownagain]

I dont like Morrisey's music but I think he is very good at what he does and it would be ignorant to say he doesnt have talent. That being said, he has an ego the size of a whale's dick and whenever I have heard him in interviews and The Russell Brand Show he always seemed to talk down to people as if he were better then them.
That's a reason why some people like him. It's completely understandable for you to feel that way, though.

[hockeyguitar99]

Good for you, although I highly doubt it.




Just because this was my first post doen't mean I'm not right. I've been lurking here for about three years now.



SEe above response.



I don't have a vendetta against Brand New. I still like Your Favorite Weapon, but I do think they are overrated for the massive pieces of shit Deja and The Devil and God... were.



I said to read the post above. You didn't do that. I believe I stated that they get automatic ratings of 4 stars from Rolling Stone and 80 percent from this site. Reading comprehension is your friend.

Lol. Your Favorite Weapon is a generic and boring record that showed little to no creativity.

[Karl Hansen]

I can't decide which is worse, the people who are totally obsessed by Morrissey, or the people who hate him and refuses to give his music a chance because of the fact that some people are so obsessed about him...

I love most of his work and think he's a brilliant singer and lyricist, but I really don't think he's a very nice person to (try and) be friends with. You also have to keep in mind that the music is written by his collaborators, who - Johnny Marr excluded - rarely get any credit.

[batmannj]

:inlove:
What Morrissey album would be the best one to start with? I have never listened to him much, and I was curious what a good starter album would be.

[Chris Fallon]

Always has to be one of those guys in the comments section.

Oh well.

[Broclee]

Good for you, although I highly doubt it.




Just because this was my first post doen't mean I'm not right. I've been lurking here for about three years now.



SEe above response.



I don't have a vendetta against Brand New. I still like Your Favorite Weapon, but I do think they are overrated for the massive pieces of shit Deja and The Devil and God... were.



I said to read the post above. You didn't do that. I believe I stated that they get automatic ratings of 4 stars from Rolling Stone and 80 percent from this site. Reading comprehension is your friend.
It doesn't matter how long you've been lurking, you created an account to comment on this Morrissey review, just to say that you think he and Brand New are overrated. THAT's the point I was making.

You can think that Deja and Devil and God are pieces of shit, but it's just an opinion, and it doesn't really justify your statements, or explain them. You're making this weird illogical argument about Brand New and Morrissey and overrated-ness and stupidity of fans that I just can't follow.

[Nick Le]

It doesn't matter how long you've been lurking, you created an account to comment on this Morrissey review, just to say that you think he and Brand New are overrated. THAT's the point I was making.

You can think that Deja and Devil and God are pieces of shit, but it's just an opinion, and it doesn't really justify your statements, or explain them. You're making this weird illogical argument about Brand New and Morrissey and overrated-ness and stupidity of fans that I just can't follow.

This. He pretty much said it all.

[bradyreier]

What Morrissey album would be the best one to start with? I have never listened to him much, and I was curious what a good starter album would be.
Vauxhall and I is his best, but I'd say to start with Your Arsenal or Viva Hate.

[batmannj]

Vauxhall and I is his best, but I'd say to start with Your Arsenal or Viva Hate.

Thanks man, I will check them out.

[marky7235]

iI really like this cd...it's even better the third or fourth time around....definetly louder and more bombastic....fits in with "Southpaw Grammar" era Moz. I hear reports that he intends to 'retire'....one wonders if he could live without limelight...positive or negative.....I'm seeing him in Ann Arbor on March 31......at 175.00 for three seats, it BETTER be Moz-alous!!!!

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.
lol shut up.

[bradyreier]

Thanks man, I will check them out.
No problem - let me know what you think.

[Karl Hansen]

Thanks man, I will check them out.
I would say begin with Bona Drag and You Are The Quarry, and the latest "Best Of The Smiths" album.

You should also definately check out his "Who put the M in Manchester" DVD to find out a little more about what he's all about.

[batmannj]

No problem - let me know what you think.

Right now I am jamming Your Arsensal and I am really liking it. I could not find Viva Hate, but I will pick it up sometime today.

Before this, the only song I heard was on You Are The Quarry and it was on the radio when I was still in high school and I was listening to a lot of nu metal type stuff, so it did not appeal to me. I am glad that I moved on from that stage haha.

[batmannj]

I would say begin with Bona Drag and You Are The Quarry, and the latest "Best Of The Smiths" album.

You should also definately check out his "Who put the M in Manchester" DVD to find out a little more about what he's all about.

Thank you, do you know of any good places to pick that DVD up at?

[Karl Hansen]

Thank you, do you know of any good places to pick that DVD up at?
I'm sure you can buy it for a few bucks at Amazon or something... not sure if it's available as torrent anywhere.

My first encounter with Morrissey was actually via AOL Sessions, like 3 years ago, I was randomly browsing. I watched the live video for "First of the gang" a few times, at first because the gutar player (Jesse) made really funny faces and looked stupid. Then the song stuck in my head and I started checking him out :)

[derek_8]

good review, love the album.

[Bikescene23]

I dont like Morrisey's music but I think he is very good at what he does and it would be ignorant to say he doesnt have talent. That being said, he has an ego the size of a whale's dick and whenever I have heard him in interviews and The Russell Brand Show he always seemed to talk down to people as if he were better then them.
He is MORRISSEY. He can do/say whatever the fuck he wants. Him along with the other Smiths members were the main influence of bands like Radiohead and Brand New

[The Apollo Kid]

Im frigging sick of this "Im a fan of morrisey, so I shit on all of you" attitude

[lifeisgoodxox]

It doesn't matter how long you've been lurking, you created an account to comment on this Morrissey review, just to say that you think he and Brand New are overrated. THAT's the point I was making.

You can think that Deja and Devil and God are pieces of shit, but it's just an opinion, and it doesn't really justify your statements, or explain them. You're making this weird illogical argument about Brand New and Morrissey and overrated-ness and stupidity of fans that I just can't follow.


agreed.

MFAD --> you saying brand new and morrissey are overrated and not being able to back that up...convinces me?..how?

[LiquorAndDick]

'I'm OK By Myself' is a perfect album closer.

[SoulTeatimes]

Last time I saw him live, he took off his shirt. It was pretty magical.

:-d

[nashiscash1324]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.
haha what a loooooser.

anyway great review. i'll be picking this up asap

[JorynnRace]

I dunno, I'm not really digging it. I'll give it a few more spins... it might grow on me. Right now, though it is just seeming really self-indulgent, or something liek that, I can't put my finger on it.

[Holly HoX!]

This is the first time I've really listened to Morrissey and I truly love what I'm hearing.

Thanks for the good review and recommendation. "All You Need Is Me" is rockin'.

[texasuckfest]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.
man. you must be like a prophet. I would of never heard of him if it weren't for brand new! Hey, did you know he was in the Smiths. I also learned about Joy Division from Thursday. Thank god for bands like that huh. Hahahaha, Idiot. I think more kids know about Morrissey from smiths t-shirts sold at walmart, or the bagillion times how soon is now has been played.
Anyway, I liked Morrissey's last two releases however, I could not get into this one. I'm throwing my arms around paris was....stupid? He's still the man though

[erinfxs]

:inlove:

Great album.

[dru]

good music

[sissyfist]

Funny how most of the people on here wouldn't even listen to Morrissey had it not been for Brand New's Jesse Lacey (he's like god or something!!! OMG!!!) mentioning him in a song. Morrissey and Brand New are so overrated.
Morrissey is overrated? Haha, name one lyricist who even comes close to his wit and pathos...the man has literally saved lives with his music, he is an absolute true original and has a beautiful voice. Name one rock singer who can hold a candle to the man note for note.

[Zookeeper156]

He's developed a lisp in this album. Its so awesome.