Morrissey autobiography

I would have posted in the books thread, but was too lazy to find it. I had heard rumours of the Morrissey autobiography, but had always assumed it to be one of these mythical things like a Beatles reunion or the Yeti. And yet it is supposedly out there for a fiver on the Kindle. I never scrap a book before finishing it, yet The Bible and The Koran have tested my patience quite enough already. They are pointless books and enough time has been wasted already. Out the window they shall go and Morrissey is most definitely in. I find it quite sad that the police would question him over 'Margaret on the guillotine', but his views on The Kray's seem a bit different, so I am curious to know in more detail what that is about. I'm curious to see how he writes in prose and how open he will be considering that he is good at making scandalous comments but is generally very evasive on personal details.

Morrissey: 10 things we learned from Autobiography | Music | theguardian.com

Is anyone else going to read this? For a fiver, why wouldn't you? It's Morrissey.

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Originally Posted by Gandalf

I would have posted in the books thread, but was too lazy to find it. I had heard rumours of the Morrissey autobiography, but had always assumed it to be one of these mythical things like a Beatles reunion or the Yeti. And yet it is supposedly out there for a fiver on the Kindle. I never scrap a book before finishing it, yet The Bible and The Koran have tested my patience quite enough already. They are pointless books and enough time has been wasted already. Out the window they shall go and Morrissey is most definitely in. I find it quite sad that the police would question him over 'Margaret on the guillotine', but his views on The Kray's seem a bit different, so I am curious to know in more detail what that is about. I'm curious to see how he writes in prose and how open he will be considering that he is good at making scandalous comments but is generally very evasive on personal details.

Morrissey: 10 things we learned from Autobiography | Music | theguardian.com

Is anyone else going to read this? For a fiver, why wouldn't you? It's Morrissey.

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you can find a most excellent book thread here http://www.saddoboxing.com/boxingfor...highlight=book

I will not be reading Morirssey's autobiography because the kindle is the work of the devil and such devices are not conducive to remaining human. Ghenghis Tron is not just coming he has arrived and I wish not to be swallowed into his vortex like mind. Paper smells nice and Morrissey though an excellent lyricist and singer (straight from the Jim Henson voicing school) is a bit of a muppet who can keep his totalitarian views on what fans can eat to himself.

True about books, but I just find them hard to find. What I would give for a Waterstone's like they had in Manchester where books would magically descend from on high and fit your palate. Alas, Morrissey for a fiver is all that will appear. Does Waterstone's even exist anymore? I've no idea.

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Originally Posted by Gandalf

True about books, but I just find them hard to find. What I would give for a Waterstone's like they had in Manchester where books would magically descend from on high and fit your palate. Alas, Morrissey for a fiver is all that will appear. Does Waterstone's even exist anymore? I've no idea.

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Yes it exists. I only go there if I receive a gift voucher for Christmas, which is most years ;D Usually though I go to the local charity book shop for fiction or on-line for Non-fiction and technical reading. I love bookshops like record shops they are warm and inviting full of all humanity and some sub species too. I like to hunt for obscure vinyl to sample and books that smell nice.

To think this song was written in 1988. Morrissey had to answer to the authorities? 'Cameron we will hang you' is something nobody will associate with. Everyone should.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsq3H_6XuFA

He was in are Gym a lot and used It, to write the song Boxer.Used my Fighters for the video, I thought He was a complete arsehole.

You know he's a 'Bummer' right?

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Originally Posted by BIG H

You know he's a 'Bummer' right?

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Who Miles? Yes mate, none of us believe the 'wife' stories.

My copy arrived today.

I've got autobiographies by people I've thought were arseholes :cool:

Morrissey is what he is a lovey, in love with himself scrap you are being nasty to arsehole's
I was thinking more of the line of a Fucking Prick myself.
He is one of them people, I could happily Fucking strangle the life out of .;)

I like his music, but think he's a fairly revolting, pseudo intellectual sort of creep. Would certainly never want to read anything of his.

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Originally Posted by Gandalf

I would have posted in the books thread, but was too lazy to find it. I had heard rumours of the Morrissey autobiography, but had always assumed it to be one of these mythical things like a Beatles reunion or the Yeti. And yet it is supposedly out there for a fiver on the Kindle. I never scrap a book before finishing it, yet The Bible and The Koran have tested my patience quite enough already. They are pointless books and enough time has been wasted already. Out the window they shall go and Morrissey is most definitely in. I find it quite sad that the police would question him over 'Margaret on the guillotine', but his views on The Kray's seem a bit different, so I am curious to know in more detail what that is about. I'm curious to see how he writes in prose and how open he will be considering that he is good at making scandalous comments but is generally very evasive on personal details.

Morrissey: 10 things we learned from Autobiography | Music | theguardian.com

Is anyone else going to read this? For a fiver, why wouldn't you? It's Morrissey.

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Who is Morrissey for you actually? What is special about him?

What's the title of his autobiography "In Case You Hadn't Offed Yourself Already This Should Do The Trick: The Life And Times of Morrissey" ?

Firstly, I am a huge Smiths fan and also a big fan of Morrissey's solo career, which has on the whole been very consistent. Secondly, I think Morrissey at his best is a very good lyricist. He can sum up the human condition within a single epithet or a verse. Thirdly, Morrissey is someone who has a mind of his own and will say what he thinks. I respect any person who will do that. Put those things together and you have the potential for a very interesting book.

Each their own, I'm not sure he has an original thought in his head though. If Oscar Wilde weren't funny, charming, insightful or a talented writer Morrissey would be a carbon copy.

Morrissey is an odd dude. He's a bit depressing and self important. But to each their own

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Originally Posted by p4pking

Each their own, I'm not sure he has an original thought in his head though. If Oscar Wilde weren't funny, charming, insightful or a talented writer Morrissey would be a carbon copy.

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I don't think many people have truly original ideas though, so I wouldn't blame Morrissey for that. I think people like Einstein are an exception, but in terms of language and opinions, I find it hard to imagine a truly original thinker.

For me, what Morrissey has done is what Lou Reed has done. In the case of Reed he was putting alternative views into the rock lyric. The topics were nothing new to anyone who had read a DeSade or Burroughs book, but in terms of rock, it was something new. I think Morrissey in a similar way, but using an entirely different lexicon, introduced something new into the rock lyric, obviously using his own influences.

Also, if we are to talk about Wilde being so unique, talented and clever (which he was), one should also point out his own influences. His first book of poems was widely slated as being derivative and manipulating a voice, rather than having a voice. It took Wilde a long, long time to find his own way with words and for a long time was known for having long hair and velvet trousers, rather than anything he actually did. For a man known for being so intelligent, it is also interesting to read many of his letters to new lovers using exactly the same language. Oscar Wilde was not above following a formula and an excessive use of the word 'charming'. He was a very naughty boy.

Loud Reed takes a shit on Morrissey as an artist though, he is someone I would consider an original. The guy was so much more musical and innovative than Morrissey it's ludicrous to compare them. Johnny Marr was at least an equal brain behind the Smiths, he wrote all of their tunes save for a couple, Morrissey just put lyrics to the music, which he was tremendous at as well as being a great singer.

No, I am talking mainly as a wordsmith. I think Morrissey knows what he likes musically, but probably can't produce the music on his own. However, in saying that, I'm not sure Marr would have got as far on his own either. I think the role of someone who puts the words together and provides the vocal melodies can be very underrated. It isn't an easy thing to do. I always think of Suede in that regard too. Many dismissed Suede as being finished without Bernard Butler, but Butler's solo work wasn't a patch on the work he did with Suede and that is because Brett Anderson was really important. I think Morrissey stamped the indentity on The Smiths and Marr hasn't really impressed me with his post Smiths work which somewhat validates that view. Morrissey on the other hand, has produced a lot of really solid work. Your Arsenal, Vauxhall and I, and Ringleader of the Tormentors, stand up to most of The Smiths back catalogue for me and the other albums have great songs.

I think much of the great music is about collaboration and you cannot have one without the other. The Velvet Underground wouldn't have been made with just Lou, it needed John Cale too. The Beatles too, I think making a full album of original material was something John and Paul found it hard to do on their own. It sometimes worked great, but all too often didn't. Who needed to hear half an album of Yoko or Red Rose Speedway from start to end? :-\

Well sure, but Lou Reed wasn't limited like that was my point. I like the V.U. more than The Smiths though so I can't pretend to be impartial regardless of how you compare the two men I'll admit.
Of course Morrissey was a very talented lyricist and singer. He was crucial to the Smiths sound, but no moreso than Marr for my money is all. I could listen to a number of their tunes without lyrics and there are some I would rather were recorded that way frankly. Marr was a terrific guitar player and arranger, most of their songs are extremely good instrumentally and Morrissey had nothing to do with that.
As far as the collaboration point of course you're right, but the fact is that McCartney, Lennon, Reed and Cale were all more than capable musicians and great composers in their own right. Morrissey was neither of these things and really shouldn't be in the same category, as much as his new autobiography will no doubt try and convince otherwise.

I agree with you. I think a significant reason Morrissey has made good albums since The Smiths is no doubt largely because of talented collaborators. He has his own talents, but putting those chords and structures onto paper is something I'm not sure he is capable of. Morrissey definitely knows who and what he can feed off. He knows how to make partnerships which in turn feed into decent albums.

I'm a big fan of the Velvets and have most of Lou Reed's solo stuff. Lou Reed is a musician, writes songs lyrically and structurally, and has sustained it over half a century. You can't really argue with that and the body of work is immense. I think I was one of the only people in the world who really enjoyed Lulu too. Perversity knows no bounds. I put it on the other day in the car and was really into it. It's the only time I have ever tolerated Metallica.

[QUOTE=p4pking;1197511]Well sure, but Lou Reed wasn't limited like that was my point. I like the V.U. more than The Smiths though so I can't pretend to be impartial regardless of how you compare the two men I'll admit.
Of course Morrissey was a very talented lyricist and singer. He was crucial to the Smiths sound, but no moreso than Marr for my money is all. I could listen to a number of their tunes without lyrics and there are some I would rather were recorded that way frankly. Marr was a terrific guitar player and arranger, most of their songs are extremely good instrumentally and Morrissey had nothing to do with that.
As far as the collaboration point of course you're right, but the fact is that McCartney, Lennon, Reed and Cale were all more than capable musicians and great composers in their own right. Morrissey was neither of these things and really shouldn't be in the same category, as much as his new autobiography will no doubt try and convince otherwise.[/QUOTE]

going to read it then or just spout opinion.

So I'm the only one who has actually bought a copy then? ;D

as for Morrissey and Marr...it's a similar situation to Biafra and the Dead Kennedys (even though you can't read music doesn't stop you composing it!) anyhooo. Morrissey, as far as I'm aware has not claimed to have written any smiths music. Marr used to hand him a basic track and he'd write to it. People are forgetting what a significant frontman/mouthpeice Morrissey was in terms of building the Smiths career.

I was really into the Smiths for years and have seen a bunch of Morrissey interviews, he has an incredibly high opinion of himself wouldn't you agree? I think he's a shitty person and have already said I wouldn't care to read anything of his, but I give him full credit for being a great singer and frontman. He forged a great identify for himself and the band and I've only pointed out that he isn't a musician of the same calibre as some others mentioned here, I do enjoy him though.

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Originally Posted by p4pking

I was really into the Smiths for years and have seen a bunch of Morrissey interviews, he has an incredibly high opinion of himself wouldn't you agree? I think he's a shitty person and have already said I wouldn't care to read anything of his, but I give him full credit for being a great singer and frontman. He forged a great identify for himself and the band and I've only pointed out that he isn't a musician of the same calibre as some others mentioned here, I do enjoy him though.

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singers aren't musicians?

How would you deduce that from my post:dontknow:

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Originally Posted by p4pking

How would you deduce that from my post:dontknow:

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I was asking the question.

I'm about half way through, and I think it is a cracking read. Morrissey can write and is hilariously funny too. There have been a number of times where I have laughed at the way he has told a story or phrased something in a way only Morrissey would. You know most sprinters can't run a long distance race effectively, but Morrissey more than holds his own in being able to write a book. I try to avoid reading anything that doesn't interest me, but you know most books are shit. This is not a shit book, it's a genuinely well written book. Morrissey's depiction of his childhood is particularly strong. If anything it's much more Dickens than Wilde. Though I do love how he will use certain words which might well go over the heads of many modern readers. Using the term 'psychological' as a reason for avoiding the cane is an obvious reference to homosexuality in the Victorian usage of the term and it is noticing arch little things like that you yourself raise an eyebrow. Morrissey is too literate for this pop-star autobiography business. It's good, though I hear the court case at the end lowers it all slightly with 50 pages of moaning. I will be the judge of that. I mean the judge of the 50 pages, not the actual court case, which is long in the past in the minds of all but Morrissey himself.