Morrissey and Stephen Street re-collaborating? All of the rumours...

[Maurice E]

Of all the bits of Morrissey news from the last 15 years, nothing for me compares with the prospect of Morrissey and Street writing a new batch of songs together.
There is yet another (admittedly not wholly convincing) rumour to add to the previous ones. First, let's recap:
Rumour number 1 - it's not really a rumour at all. We know for certain that Street and Morrissey met up in late 2010 for the first time since the BD era. The following was reported on Street's website:
"Oh, and one other thing. I recently met up with a certain Mr Morrissey for the first time in nearly 20 years. I think we were both apprehensive about meeting but after 5 minutes we were getting on so well it was truly a magical moment. I am so pleased to have met up with someone who has been such a big part of my musical journey after a prolonged period of time and I hope we can stay true friends for ever."

Rumour number 2 - Morrissey's mum via Twitter (nota bené - it might not have actually been Morrissey's mum) claimed last summer that he'd got back together with an old songwriting partner (or words to that efffect). Morrissey's mum generally turned out to be pretty reliable in all 'she' predicted.

Rumour number 3 - When asked if Street had written the new songs, Boorer said something like "no, these ones weren't written by Street" with the implication (in my ridiculously optimistic mind) that other new songs may well have been.

And finally, Rumour Number 4 (as reported by 'Southport Grandma), Street recently (Dec 2011) added the following to his web log " have a very exciting session planned for the new year but will tell you about that when it actually gets into action! Until then it just remains for me to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year!".

We probably can't read too much into this particular one, but these are desperate times! If they were about to recorrd together, I don't think Morrissey would want Street to break the news (gently) via his website.
Anyway, I'm really, really hoping there's something in all of this. Imagine the difference to Morrissey's chances of success if he had a classic Morrissey/Street single up his sleeve (EDILS, Playboys, Suedehead, heck - even Ouija Board) rather than the likes of People Are The Same Everywhere...

[DAVIE]

Let's all pray and hope! I'd give anything for Morrissey to play more Viva Hate and Bona Drag stuff! Please Please Please!!

[CrystalGeezer]

Of all the bits of Morrissey news from the last 15 years, nothing for me compares with the prospect of Morrissey and Street writing a new batch of songs together.
There is yet another (admittedly not wholly convincing) rumour to add to the previous ones. First, let's recap:
Rumour number 1 - it's not really a rumour at all. We know for certain that Street and Morrissey met up in late 2010 for the first time since the BD era. The following was reported on Street's website:
"Oh, and one other thing. I recently met up with a certain Mr Morrissey for the first time in nearly 20 years. I think we were both apprehensive about meeting but after 5 minutes we were getting on so well it was truly a magical moment. I am so pleased to have met up with someone who has been such a big part of my musical journey after a prolonged period of time and I hope we can stay true friends for ever."

Rumour number 2 - Morrissey's mum via Twitter (nota bené - it might not have actually been Morrissey's mum) claimed last summer that he'd got back together with an old songwriting partner (or words to that efffect). Morrissey's mum generally turned out to be pretty reliable in all 'she' predicted.

Rumour number 3 - When asked if Street had written the new songs, Boorer said something like "no, these ones weren't written by Street" with the implication (in my ridiculously optimistic mind) that other new songs may well have been.

And finally, Rumour Number 4 (as reported by 'Southport Grandma), Street recently (Dec 2011) added the following to his web log " have a very exciting session planned for the new year but will tell you about that when it actually gets into action! Until then it just remains for me to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year!".

We probably can't read too much into this particular one, but these are desperate times! If they were about to recorrd together, I don't think Morrissey would want Street to break the news (gently) via his website.
Anyway, I'm really, really hoping there's something in all of this. Imagine the difference to Morrissey's chances of success if he had a classic Morrissey/Street single up his hands (EDILS, Playboys, Suedehead, heck - even Ouija Board) rather than the likes of People Are The Same Everywhere...

Add to your desperate mind that I keep seeing signs that Steven's going to call me..."Esteban Calle mi"...Steven Street. :straightface: FML.

[Worm]

Of all the bits of Morrissey news from the last 15 years, nothing for me compares with the prospect of Morrissey and Street writing a new batch of songs together.
There is yet another (admittedly not wholly convincing) rumour to add to the previous ones. First, let's recap:
Rumour number 1 - it's not really a rumour at all. We know for certain that Street and Morrissey met up in late 2010 for the first time since the BD era. The following was reported on Street's website:
"Oh, and one other thing. I recently met up with a certain Mr Morrissey for the first time in nearly 20 years. I think we were both apprehensive about meeting but after 5 minutes we were getting on so well it was truly a magical moment. I am so pleased to have met up with someone who has been such a big part of my musical journey after a prolonged period of time and I hope we can stay true friends for ever."

Rumour number 2 - Morrissey's mum via Twitter (nota bené - it might not have actually been Morrissey's mum) claimed last summer that he'd got back together with an old songwriting partner (or words to that efffect). Morrissey's mum generally turned out to be pretty reliable in all 'she' predicted.

Rumour number 3 - When asked if Street had written the new songs, Boorer said something like "no, these ones weren't written by Street" with the implication (in my ridiculously optimistic mind) that other new songs may well have been.

And finally, Rumour Number 4 (as reported by 'Southport Grandma), Street recently (Dec 2011) added the following to his web log " have a very exciting session planned for the new year but will tell you about that when it actually gets into action! Until then it just remains for me to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year!".

We probably can't read too much into this particular one, but these are desperate times! If they were about to recorrd together, I don't think Morrissey would want Street to break the news (gently) via his website.
Anyway, I'm really, really hoping there's something in all of this. Imagine the difference to Morrissey's chances of success if he had a classic Morrissey/Street single up his sleeve (EDILS, Playboys, Suedehead, heck - even Ouija Board) rather than the likes of People Are The Same Everywhere...

Oh my goodness, things are truly desperate when we're reading the tea leaves hoping Stephen Street comes back into the fold. :rolleyes:

Especially since we all know Vini Reilly is responsible for the music on "Viva Hate". :guitar:

Kidding aside, yes, it would be a welcome return. I'd rather have a poor man's Johnny Marr than more from a poor man's Phil Collen. But who cares? A 2012 collaboration between Street and Morrissey is about as likely as one between Lennon and McCartney.

A collaboration between Morrissey and The Streets, however...

[¡Viva Morrissey!]

Add to your desperate mind that I keep seeing signs that Steven's going to call me..."Esteban Calle mi"...Steven Street. :straightface: FML.

You spelled Stephen wrong. (Stephen Street spells it THIS WAY.) Touché.

[DAVIE]

Especially since we all know Vini Reilly is responsible for the music on "Viva Hate". :guitar:

and did The Smiths back catalogue....who knows what he wrote or what he did. I'm facinated to know.
He may have wrote some songs that we have no idea about...

[MALki_4@hotmail.com]

I don't think there ever was a rumour but I'd rather have Alain Whyte anyway but if we can't get that I will look forward to a Tobias/Boorer only co-written Moz Album.

[CrystalGeezer]

You spelled Stephen wrong. (Stephen Street spells it THIS WAY.) Touché.

AGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!! Goooood one. Okay now we're even.

[Oso Blanco]

Especially since we all know Vini Reilly is responsible for the music on "Viva Hate". :guitar:

:rolleyes:

[Maurice E]

Oh my goodness, things are truly desperate when we're reading the tea leaves hoping Stephen Street comes back into the fold. :rolleyes:
Especially since we all know Vini Reilly is responsible for the music on "Viva Hate". :guitar:
Kidding aside, yes, it would be a welcome return. I'd rather have a poor man's Johnny Marr than more from a poor man's Phil Collen. But who cares? A 2012 collaboration between Street and Morrissey is about as likely as one between Lennon and McCartney.

Well, the rationale behind this thread is that it isn't actually that unlikely. On balance, I'd say it probably still won't happen but there's a 40% chance it will. If Street has written some new songs for Morrissey, it's a bit surprising that he didn't play any last year.
For anyone saying that they'd prefer Whyte to come back, well, I'd like him back too but would prefer Street. Whyte wrote lots of good songs but, unlike Street, he also wrote tons of mediocre stuff (including Morrissey's two worst ever singles - Dagenham Dave and Roy's Keen). As for Street being a poor man's Johnny Marr, take a look at the following. It's the consensus from the fans (i.e. us lot) about the best singles Morrissey's ever sung:

1) Everyday Is Like Sunday 9,53 (Morrissey/Street)
2) This Charming Man 9,50 (Morrissey/Marr)
3) Suedehead 9,52 (Morrissey/Street)
4) The Last Of The Famous International Playboys 9,44 (Morrissey/Street)
5) Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me 9,42 (Morrissey/Marr)

[Phranc & Open]

I lately listened a lot to my Cranberries collection which I hadn’t touched for quite a while. Street’s production is wonderful, even on the much critized latter work with the band. The first two albums have bright & sparkling melodies which would have fitted Morrissey. The Hogan brothers &. Stephen Street together could breath new life in Morrissey’s muiscal partnerships.
Don't need another ridicolous romp by Tobias. Something more jangling & shining would truly be fine.

[Peterb]

I lately listened a lot to my Cranberries collection which I hadn’t touched for quite a while. Street’s production is wonderful, even on the much critized latter work with the band. The first two albums have bright & sparkling melodies which would have fitted Morrissey. The Hogan brothers &. Stephen Street together could breath new life in Morrissey’s muiscal partnerships.
Don't need another ridicolous romp by Tobias. Something more jangling & shining would truly be fine.
I'd love to hear the Moz with an orchestra. Wouldn't it be great to have 'Lost' re-recorded with a proper string section as opposed to the cheapo synth.

[Maurice E]

I lately listened a lot to my Cranberries collection which I hadn’t touched for quite a while. Street’s production is wonderful, even on the much critized latter work with the band. The first two albums have bright & sparkling melodies which would have fitted Morrissey. The Hogan brothers &. Stephen Street together could breath new life in Morrissey’s muiscal partnerships.
Don't need another ridicolous romp by Tobias. Something more jangling & shining would truly be fine.

Jangling and shining is a nice way of describing Street's work. I don't think his production would be quite enough though. We'd really need his magical melodies in there too. Most of the Street songs sound fantastic even without the singing.

[Maurice E]

I'd love to hear the Moz with an orchestra. Wouldn't it be great to have 'Lost' re-recorded with a proper string section as opposed to the cheapo synth.

Yes, Lost is a gorgeous song and it would indeed be amazing to hear it played with a proper string section. The diversity of instruments, especially the strings, was another wonderful facet of Street's work (especially on Angel and Will Never Marry). Although we've had string sections on the occasional post-Street song (e.g. Work of Art and Kegs Between Legs), they were too low in the mix or not good enough songs for them to make much of an impact.

[Peterb]

Yes, Lost is a gorgeous song and it would indeed be amazing to hear it played with a proper string section. The diversity of instruments, especially the strings, was another wonderful facet of Street's work (especially on Angel and Will Never Marry). Although we've had string sections on the occasional post-Street song (e.g. Work of Art and Kegs Between Legs), they were too low in the mix or not good enough songs for them to make much of an impact.
Maurice E, is 'Never Played Symphonies' performed with a real orchestra?

[Maurice E]

Maurice E, is 'Never Played Symphonies' performed with a real orchestra?

Don't think it is but really wish it was.
I think all the orchestral parts from the Quarry sessions (Never Played, Camden, any others?) were just synth strings.

[Peterb]

Don't think it is but really wish it was.
I think all the orchestral parts from the Quarry sessions (Never Played, Camden, any others?) were just synth strings.
I think that album, strong as it is, suffers because of that.

[Southport Grandma]

I suspect that the project Stephen Street was talking about will be the new Blur album, rather than a Morrissey album.

[Peterb]

I suspect that the project Stephen Street was talking about will be the new Blur album, rather than a Morrissey album.
Saints preserve us! Had enough of that sodding band first time round (and the massively overrated Oasis).

[Oh my god, it's Robby!]

I'll believe it when I hear it...

[Maurice E]

I suspect that the project Stephen Street was talking about will be the new Blur album, rather than a Morrissey album.

Oh yeah, good point, Grandma. A new bunch of Blur songs (if not an entire album) is looking pretty likely, especially with the Brit thing coming up. Oh well, it was nice to believe the rumour for a few hours!

[Worm]

1) Everyday Is Like Sunday 9,53 (Morrissey/Street)
2) This Charming Man 9,50 (Morrissey/Marr)
3) Suedehead 9,52 (Morrissey/Street)
4) The Last Of The Famous International Playboys 9,44 (Morrissey/Street)
5) Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me 9,42 (Morrissey/Marr)

First, I question the validity of any list which has "Last Night I Dreamt" in its top five. Good song, but better than "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now", "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side", or "Shoplifters of the World Unite?" Better than "The More You Ignore Me"?

But! Granting that these are, indeed, the five most beloved Morrissey singles, I would just counter by pointing out that in a Marr v. Street contest, the next, say, 30 songs would be dominated by Marr. Street had about half a dozen glorious tunes that were as good as anything Marr wrote. His filler album tracks and B-sides are mostly pretty average-sounding. Whereas even the least-enjoyable album filler or B-side composed by Marr is still mostly outstanding. The fourth-best track on "The Queen Is Dead" easily trumps the fourth-best on "Viva Hate". So, yes, I think he is a poor man's Marr. A couple of gems, some passably decent stuff, and the rest is unremarkable.

Street was Morrissey's second-best producer, though (behind Mick Ronson). I'll give Street enormous credit there. With Street providing decent songs, bringing in the the most accomplished guitarist of Morrissey's solo career, and upgrading the results in the studio, he practically was Johnny Marr, at least for an album and a half. He could have kept The Smiths' formula going for awhile, which part of me wishes had actually happened. I think of songs like "Lucky Lisp", which to my ears is below-average backing music transformed by Street into one of the highlights of Morrissey's career. Street knew how to polish a tur...turrriffic demo.

[Worm]

and did The Smiths back catalogue....who knows what he wrote or what he did. I'm facinated to know.
He may have wrote some songs that we have no idea about...

It's not a crazy question. The Smiths did take a giant leap forward when Street came aboard to join the producing team of Morrissey and Marr. I mean, realistically, by all accounts, he was just an understudy learning the ropes while Johnny performed his feats of magic. Still, you're right. It's tempting to wonder how much of an influence Street really had.

[Stoned]

It would be just brilliant
Cheers Moz

[King Leer]

I was just going to write that some of Jesse's tracks given the Street treatment could work quite well. His Ringleader tracks were not slated nearly as much as his Years contributions. I think Jesse and Jerry (RIP) together was like deep-fried Mars Bars or something. Finn did some fine work on other Alain and Boz tracks.


First, I question the validity of any list which has "Last Night I Dreamt" in its top five. Good song, but better than "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now", "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side", or "Shoplifters of the World Unite?" Better than "The More You Ignore Me"?

But! Granting that these are, indeed, the five most beloved Morrissey singles, I would just counter by pointing out that in a Marr v. Street contest, the next, say, 50 songs would be dominated by Marr. Street had about half a dozen glorious tunes that were as good as anything Marr wrote. His filler album tracks and B-sides are mostly pretty average-sounding. Whereas even the least-enjoyable album filler or B-side composed by Marr is still mostly outstanding. The fourth-best track on "The Queen Is Dead" easily trumps the fourth-best on "Viva Hate". So, yes, I think he is a poor man's Marr. A couple of gems, some passably decent stuff, and the rest is unremarkable.

Street was Morrissey's second-best producer, though (behind Mick Ronson). I'll give Street enormous credit there. With Street providing decent songs, bringing in the the most accomplished guitarist of Morrissey's solo career, and upgrading the results in the studio, he practically was Johnny Marr, at least for an album and a half. He could have kept The Smiths' formula going for awhile, which part of me wishes had actually happened. I think of songs like "Lucky Lisp", which to my ears is below-average backing music transformed by Street into one of the highlights of Morrissey's career. Street knew how to polish a tur...turrriffic song.

[Worm]

I was just going to write that some of Jesse's tracks given the Street treatment could work quite well. His Ringleader tracks were not slated nearly as much as his Years contributions. I think Jesse and Jerry (RIP) together was like deep-fried Mars Bars or something. Finn did some fine work on other Alain and Boz tracks.

Yes, I agree completely.

The jig was up with "Southpaw Grammar". I knew from the moment I saw the sleeve for "Dagenham Dave", and especially when I saw the Times New Roman font on "Southpaw Grammar". Dead giveaways. Morrissey was-- intentionally or not is the question, but I think intentionally-- stripping down the music, presenting it without fuss, and undomesticating his own carefully-crafted public persona. After that, there weren't as many songs produced with the sophistication, depth, and care as those under the Street/Langer-Winstanley/Lillywhite regimes (Ronson is the exception, because he knew how to turn coal into diamonds). The post-1994 material wasn't exactly The Ramones or Sham 69. Lots of it was still slathered with pretty production. But I don't think the producers had as much sway in the studio, with Morrissey opting for a live, rockist quality to his songs. The difference between "The Last of The Famous International Playboys" and "Irish Blood, English Heart" is subtle but significant. From the song to the sleeve to the video to the general figure he cut, the 1989 incarnation of Morrissey was vastly different than the 2004 version, and it wasn't just age. If anything, the latter Morrissey seemed younger; it's the difference between Oscar Wilde taking tea in Tite Street and Jean Genet knocking about with the rough boys in the drunk tank.

[Orson Swells]

Imagine the difference to Morrissey's chances of success if he had a classic Morrissey/Street single up his sleeve (EDILS, Playboys, Suedehead, heck - even Ouija Board) rather than the likes of People Are The Same Everywhere...

I think Street did good work with Morrissey which was underrated at the time. Perhaps half a dozen solid gold classics. There were signs that things were already beginning to tail off. Ouija Board and Journalists being the last two recorded Street offerings although he didn't produce them. People Are The Same may not be a classic, but it is as good as some Street compositions.

Does Street even write music anymore? Has he written many tracks with anybody since? I don't know, but my feeling is Viva Hate and the subsequent singles were perhaps a one off moment which Streetie was right for - but he didn't have any longevity as a songwriter. His production then and since, as evinced by his Blur output, for example, is pretty much always exemplary.


I don't think there ever was a rumour but I'd rather have Alain Whyte anyway but if we can't get that I will look forward to a Tobias/Boorer only co-written Moz Album.

Personally, I would rather have Alain back as a writer. But the idea of Street back producing Morrissey again (especially with Alain on board too) would be a genuinely interesting and exciting one.


First, I question the validity of any list which has "Last Night I Dreamt" in its top five. Good song, but better than "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now", "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side", or "Shoplifters of the World Unite?" Better than "The More You Ignore Me"?

Well, it's a better song than all of them - though not a better single. Best of lists are always skewed, often towards the more famous songs...


The difference between "The Last of The Famous International Playboys" and "Irish Blood, English Heart" is subtle but significant. From the song to the sleeve to the video to the general figure he cut, the 1989 incarnation of Morrissey was vastly different than the 2004 version, and it wasn't just age. If anything, the latter Morrissey seemed younger; it's the difference between Oscar Wilde taking tea in Tite Street and Jean Genet knocking about with the rough boys in the drunk tank.

It's an interesting generalisation that feels generally just about true. But I think there are a lot of exceptions to the rule too. For me, Quarry felt like a massive step back up from the murk of Maladjusted and Southpaw in terms of just about everything. There's more nuance and light and shade on there than either of those albums.

As for Street coming back, I'd be all for it, but I'm not sure if Morrissey wants to jingle and jangle anymore.

[MozIsGod]

Rumour number 1 - it's not really a rumour at all. We know for certain that Street and Morrissey met up in late 2010 for the first time since the BD era. The following was reported on Street's website:
"Oh, and one other thing. I recently met up with a certain Mr Morrissey for the first time in nearly 20 years. I think we were both apprehensive about meeting but after 5 minutes we were getting on so well it was truly a magical moment. I am so pleased to have met up with someone who has been such a big part of my musical journey after a prolonged period of time and I hope we can stay true friends for ever."

This was most likely to discuss the content of the unreleased material regarding the Bona Drag reissue, along with the planned Viva Hate remaster. The Wolverhampton gig was rumored to be included as a bonus DVD but it was scrapped after Morrissey's disappointment in the lack of sales of the reissues.


Rumour number 2 - Morrissey's mum via Twitter (nota bené - it might not have actually been Morrissey's mum) claimed last summer that he'd got back together with an old songwriting partner (or words to that efffect). Morrissey's mum generally turned out to be pretty reliable in all 'she' predicted.

This is Kristeen Young. Or, if we're really grasping, perhaps Alain Whyte?


Rumour number 3 - When asked if Street had written the new songs, Boorer said something like "no, these ones weren't written by Street" with the implication (in my ridiculously optimistic mind) that other new songs may well have been.

Boz was dumbfounded that people thought 2/3 of his new batch could have been Street compositions.


And finally, Rumour Number 4 (as reported by 'Southport Grandma), Street recently (Dec 2011) added the following to his web log " have a very exciting session planned for the new year but will tell you about that when it actually gets into action! Until then it just remains for me to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year!".

This could be anybody!


Imagine the difference to Morrissey's chances of success if he had a classic Morrissey/Street single up his sleeve (EDILS, Playboys, Suedehead, heck - even Ouija Board) rather than the likes of People Are The Same Everywhere...

Morrissey is extremely pleased with his latest releases and continues to move forward. Why would a 1988 reunion interest him, musically?

[DAVIE]

It's not a crazy question. The Smiths did take a giant leap forward when Street came aboard to join the producing team of Morrissey and Marr. I mean, realistically, by all accounts, he was just an understudy learning the ropes while Johnny performed his feats of magic. Still, you're right. It's tempting to wonder how much of an influence Street really had.

Well, I was talking about Vini....He claims he wrote most of The Smiths back catalogue (What back catalogue? B-Sides? Previous Unreleased Tracks???). Though I really haven't heard of Vini doing anything with The Smiths, but he says that he had joined them on sessions and stuff. I wouldn't think he'd say it for publicity as he's not interested being in the media. Maybe Street and Vini did help with some of The Smiths songs. God Knows.

[Raphael Lambach]

It must be something to do with the re-release of Suedehead.

[Worm]

Well, I was talking about Vini....He claims he wrote most of The Smiths back catalogue (What back catalogue? B-Sides? Previous Unreleased Tracks???). Though I really haven't heard of Vini doing anything with The Smiths, but he says that he had joined them on sessions and stuff. I wouldn't think he'd say it for publicity as he's not interested being in the media. Maybe Street and Vini did help with some of The Smiths songs. God Knows.

Oh, you meant Vini Reilly? My God, no, I don't think he was involved with The Smiths at all. He was too busy playing The Hacienda to a crowd of three. :rolleyes:

[Maurice E]

Morrissey is extremely pleased with his latest releases and continues to move forward. Why would a 1988 reunion interest him, musically?

Yes, some of the rumours are clutching at straws. But the fact that his relationship ended with Street acrimoniously (and seemingly permanently) 20 years ago but they recently met up again on good terms is pretty significant.
Anyway, in response to your comments above:
Morrissey may be extremely pleased with his latest releases but I'm afraid we, the fans, are not. Ringleader and YOR were voted among his worst ever albums by the biggest fan poll ever (10th and 11th out of 13). That's not my personal opinion, by the way. I think YOR deserves to be higher.
The wider record-buying public has not been impressed. Quarry sold 400,000, ROTT 200,000 and YOR 88,000.
The music industry is not impressed, and has little faith in his new material. He can easily get a low-budget record deal but he feels he deserves the kind of deal a 400,000 artist would attract.
So Morrissey's in a record deal stalemate, which is one of the reasons why a reunion with an extremely gifted songwriter (assuming Marr, Street or whoever has some great tunes up their sleeve) might interest him quite considerably, if it saves him from the humiliation of only being able to release an album on a tin-pot label.

[MozIsGod]

Morrissey may be extremely pleased with his latest releases but I'm afraid we, the fans, are not.

I don't think they are amongst his best either, but apparently he does. I just don't think Morrissey feels a reunion with any collaborator pre-1992 is necessary for where is he and what he is right now. I think his attitude is something like, "I've achieved a lot since those times and am quite proud of where I am...why should I go back to Marr, Street, etc.?" He also does have a bit of loyalty to Boz and the band as well.

We do know that he doesn't shy away from collaborating and working with new people. We've seen this with Jesse, Mikey, Morricone, Kristeen, and even Jeff Beck. If he does decide to work with someone other than his select few, I'm sure it will be someone entirely new.

[Maurice E]

I don't think they are amongst his best either, but apparently he does. I just don't think Morrissey feels a reunion with any collaborator pre-1992 is necessary for where is he and what he is right now. I think his attitude is something like, "I've achieved a lot since those times and am quite proud of where I am...why should I go back to Marr, Street, etc.?" He also does have a bit of loyalty to Boz and the band as well.
We do know that he doesn't shy away from collaborating and working with new people. We've seen this with Jesse, Mikey, Morricone, Kristeen, and even Jeff Beck. If he does decide to work with someone other than his select few, I'm sure it will be someone entirely new.

Yeah, fair points (and it is encouraging that he's worked with new songwriters/musicians relatively recently). However, Morrissey can't now just do as he feels. Coz what he feels like doing is presenting a bunch of Tobias/Boorer co-writes to a major record label and being told, "yep, we can shift 400,000 copies of an album of the quality, here's a suitably generous deal". He either accepts a basic deal with a minor label or he goes away and writes some much better songs. Being extremely pleased, perosnally, with his recent stuff and new songs isn't enough.