Not a very sterling article. But provocative nonetheless. Dylan, Moz, Green, some of the lyrics on TCS or B&S albums--aspire to the condition of poetry/literature (but not always the condition of music, which is the point, after all).

Writing about poetry/literatutre/philosophy/politics doesn't guarantee anything--just look at Rage Against The Machine, Barenaked Ladies, or Manic Street Preachers--idiots who forgot the savant...

Morrissey-Dickens is a sad stretch. Both pity cripples. Otherwise--no.

Whereas lyrics by Cure, Echo..., Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Beautiful South are in the realm of poetry, I don't believe they are sufficiently meritorious to be called 'poetry'--just 'poetic'.

Few bands are bright, really. Fewer still are thoughtful. Another reason Morrissey is so treasured and beloved...

Making a comparison between Charles Dickens and Morrissey seems quite interesting. Some time ago I finished reading "Hard Times" by Dickens and I was wondering whether Morrissey might have read this book. I found a couple of sentences which could (or could not) be connected with his lyrics. At least there was a character, a lady, with a Roman nose ("as the flames rose to her Roman nose and her Walkman started to melt...")

I don't know if Morrissey is a friend of Dickens, but I wouldn't be surprised if he were. "Hard Times" is a good story (sad, but with a glimpse of hope), by the way. Recommended...