I do think that they will just wait until all tracks are finished before choosing a single. To me, the rumoured "The First Of The Gang To Die" was not a logical choice, neither were any of the 2002 revealed tracks.

After a 7-year-break you wouldn't start with something that the hard-core fans know by heart for two years, would you?

I think you're allowing your fear sensors to go off for the wrong reasons, Bob. First of all, single in mind or no, it certainly will NOT be played on any format that Nelly or Ja Rule is on. And it never would have been: "Alma Matters" was played almost nowhere. "Dagenham Dave" and "The Boy Racer" weren't even released in the US as singles. And if you're in Europe or elsewhere in the world, chances are slim that Morrissey is "radio material" in 2004.

If I recall Finn's comments (and the others in general, Boz included), the intention was to FINISH the album, not re-record it. In the past, Morrissey has recorded albums very quickly (around two or three months); the results have been amazing or spotty depending on the fan you ask. Given that most major albums are recorded in a half year or more, this is still on minimal time frame. Chances are, they are playing around with the mix more than recording additional tracks / re-recording new ones.

It sounds like this Guardian interview finds Morrissey feeling as if his reputation is on the line with the album; it's only natural for him to spend the next few months making it perfect. Let him do his best and don't you worry. :)

On a side note, if Morrissey is recording approximately 25-30 songs, it seems as if there is going to be a second album in short order. He has never let material go to waste, especially after broadcasting the titles. Since multiple singles aren't a very financially feasible option anymore, I suspect we'll be seeing a second album or EP within a year.

Or he may never release another thing. Who knows??

Cheers,

Jamie

Well there you go, we can all go home now.

Thanks for clearing that up.