> There is "something" missing when I hear Quarry and and
> acompanning B-sides (not 100% of the stuff, Im talking generally and as a
> whole overview)
> Maladjusted is still more of an individual then Quarry, though not as
> polished.
> If I had to say one thing, that stands out as a turn off, then it seems
> Quarry is contrived. More product than power.
> Of course, there is only one Moz, and only one with his poison pen but
> knowing this, makes Quarry weaker in my eyes. Because, Its even
> "predictable" and that is not a way you could ever describe any
> of his previous albums be them solo or Smiths works.
> he always hit me with the unexpected previously, lyrically, vocally,
> musically even...but Quarry is really a "generic" Morrissey
> album.
> Anyone care to discuss?
I felt surprised by "You Are the Quarry," so I don't know.....
I'll have to think about what you're saying next time I play it.
I was blown away by "I Have Forgiven Jesus."
I wouldn't call it a predictable piece of "product," though I do sense it was very important to him that it be well-recieved and that influenced the sound.
At the same time, he had more of a sense of purpose than he did with "Maladjusted." Some of the songs on "Maladjusted", and the b-side "Now I Am A Was", seem influenced by a feeling that he just never could be widely accepted, and a sadness that he's now fading away. With "You Are The Quarry" he's standing up tall again, ready to fight the good fight, and more politicized and engaged in the world. The tommy gun and even the name of the label, "Attack", all convey that message too. Remember back in the "Maladjusted" era, Morrissey acted like someone who had retreated deep into his own world.
I do hope Morrissey isn't afraid of going into a more experimental direction after "Southpaw Grammar" was met with so much disapproval.
I remember something Morrissey said about Oasis that was interesting. When Oasis had the whole world listening, waiting with baited breath for their next release, he was so disappointed that their next move was exactly like the previous and they were afraid to do something off the mark at that most perfect opportunity. I hope Morrissey still thinks that way and, now that he has at least some of the world paying attention to his every move again, I hope he throws a real curve ball. I'd almost like another album where, like "Southpaw Grammar", I take it home and freak out, not knowing if I love it or hate it, but then gradually come to embrace it over time. However, I don't necessarily want him to go in that harder rocking direction. I'd actually like perhaps something extremely gentle, maybe even acoustic and folky! Or, maybe some more bizarre stuff in the spirit of "The Teachers Are Afraid of the Pupils." Whatever he does, it'll be more fun if he has us all fighting over whether he's finally gone off the deep end or not!
That why I'd kinda like someone like a John Cale to produce him next. Someone who's all about the art and completely indifferent to what's commercial.
