i don't know what to think... or being "happy" or sad, about the leak

i think i will wait 'till see the cd in the shop and buy it

what does Moz think about it?

or he and the record label agree to leak it?

I got it off bit torrent. I'm still going to buy the CD as are most Morrissey fans.
Morrissey is the kind of artist that leaks don't matter. His fans are always going to buy his work.
By the way..I am VERY impressed by the CD..halfway through it right now and not a dud yet. It's fucking ROCKIN!!!

like I can't get past the velvet rope. This Libby.com says it is invite only to join. Oh well..I'll just wait.

Go to bit torrent or here

http://www.sendspace.com/file/9r5lhl

first off, i got mine on the 3rd. ;}

this really isnt a big deal. the people who were going to buy it are still going to, and the people who werent going to pay for it still wont.

This album sounds fantastic!!! Yes I'm buying it the day it comes out...

I'm really glad he headed in the heavy-rocky direction of southpaw grammar again. The album is amazing and no song disappointed me. I am not bothered by the inclusion of all you need is me and that's how people grow up in the album, they fit in perfectly in a very coherent album. Rock on Moz!

with a big tour coming up, i'm not surprised this has found it's way onto the net. considering tickets will most likely be on sale before the proper album release date, it'll help boost ticket sales... which is where morrissey will make his real money this year. probably not as scandalous as we'd all like to believe...

Yep i have preordered the album myself, but i have not download it yet. i may do i may not who knows!

but musically nothing ground breaking - and lyrically, Moz getting lazy and/or more Catholic in his choices - hope he's all right -----

Production is WAY top notch and beyond - but the knobs can't disguise what's really serving punch to the white elephant in the room ---"Ringleader" far richer than this effort -

Steven needs a JOLT/lay/to swallow some EGO/new inspiration - Just kiss and make-up with Johnny and we will all need second helpings of gravy!

and I am DEFINATELY buying it because its Morrissey's world and I am just plain privileged to be knitting hairs in it - Deccadant Maureen

I have never downloaded anything, will buy official releases 16th feb.
Cheers Moz

The album isn't as good as I hoped, a step backwards from RIngleader... I love "I'm throwing my arms around Paris" to death, but otherwise there are no standouts. I also hate it that they have to throw distortion guitars to most tracks if not all... Morrissey, you don't need to get people play you teen music, as this modern rock you have on your records is.

1) To hear new music by a favourite artist
2) To support the said artist financially

So, I have no qualms about downloading albums such as YOR which are leaked to the net in advance because of reason 1) BUT I will also purchase the album when it is offocially released for reason 2)

As they say, the choice is yours whether you download this album or not whatever your concience dictates you to do.

Ok, stay quiet, I'll BUY it (I love originals)
So :
IT'S ENORMOUS.ENORMOUS.

The Sex Pistols meet a diva meet composers.

(I think I'll listen another song tonight)

It almost made me faint.

Morrissey is the greatest ARTIST of all time.

I've been listening to the new album for 2 weeks now. I am glad you lot are finally catching up.

I wasn't lying when I said the bad reviews come as no surprise.

Years of Refusal sounds rambunctious, for lack of a better word. That's not a bad thing, but the rambunctiousness is used as a way to disguise the TOTAL ABSENCE of melody and decent songwriting.

This album will not do well.

I hope Morrissey goes back to Visconti for his next album. Personally I find that Ringleader is the absolute highlight of Mozzer's career. It's much better than Vauxhall or Quarry, no matter how many so-called "diehard fans" bitch about it.

Was skeptical...

Wow.

Only half way through and I love it. All you need is me and That's how people fit. It actually made sense in an odd way to include both.

The production is top notch.

and of course I'm going to buy it.

I never loved the live version of this song, but it sounds great on the record. Looking forward to listening to the rest. Bravo Moz! (And of course I will buy the CD...)

Ok - I think after nearly 20 years as an obsessive Morrissey fan, I am as dedicated and supportive as any die-hard fan. But this album is really a huge disappointment.
I mean, the first half is quite bearable, and that's being very generous... but the second half is a really poor effort indeed. It sounds almost like the chipmonks - seriously!! It's like halfway through, the songs all of a sudden sound way too fast & frantic.
I have listened to this album about five times now and can honestly say It has the potential to be one of the worst albums of his career. He really should have stopped at Southpaw Grammar - I hate to say it but not much post 1997 has been all that inspiring really save a few songs here and there.
I wish as much as anyone that this latest album would be fantastic, but I have to be completely honest... It's really quite bad.
Truly Disappointed.....

This song actually had me on the floor crying with laughter. This Album will please those who preferred Quarry over ROTT. I kinda of wish Moz would stop making the title the same as the first line of the song (when i last spoke to Carol) makes me cringe, maybe thats just me!. The Albums good, wouldn't go any further than that. ***1/2

Up now on thepiratebay and demonoid. First few listens under my belt and so far so good. First half is much stronger than second. Best Tracks - SISMS, Black Cloud and TMAAP. Have to agree with the comments on amount of distortion used on the guitars though. If we really want Iron Maiden then we'll buy them. Happy Listening!

Oh, my God, that is awful. Awful. No one, not even a hooker, should work for free, let alone an artist who deserves to live of his art. Hope they fix "the leakage".

here is the full album in 256 kbs

http://www.demonoid.com/files/details/1747863/2325666/

I hope the label decide to release it sooner, Feb.16 is too distant for an album already leaked.

Anyone have tabs yet?

erm , im trying to find nice words to say. It doesnt get any better does it.

Ive listened to the album and this is a shocker.

Paris is the only song to stand out.

Moz.....please listen to what is being said. This Americn Metallica rock sound is old hat.

Really disappointed , still i think its to be expected nowadays.

was this album writeen for the USA market? it seems that way.

and for all those against a Smiths reunion , you need to wake up and why do these same fans go mad when the Moz does the songs live?

Johnny you will be missed forever.

Wow. I don't know what to say.

I just downloaded the album and limited myself to the first track so far.
It blew my face off. VERY fast and hard rocking. An extremely good sign, I think. It sounds fresh, fast, energetic, ALIVE!

I absolutely cannot wait to listen to the rest of it. I LOVE MOZ, these songs are going to drop me dead live.

I find it hilarious at the ends to get to the means, or how it is so worth it, and so desirable for us all as 'fans' to get it, and have the privilege of a first listen...then its a 50/50 2 cent review from YOU! Who went to the trouble of finding it, downloading it, zip filing it, flac filing it, whatever, to get it so you can come on here and bag on the man who you are supposed to love! Fuckers! This is ridiculous! Why do you come here? If you hate it, and have hated his work for so long... stop wasting your money! A bit thick I presume. But if I hate coconut...am I gonna keep on buying a Mounds bar? Hell no!

Maybe having that 'voice of reason' makes you feel like you are more of a Morrissey fan than I... but, I haven't listened to the entire compilation yet, but I will get the download, and as a true 'fan' of our wonderful Morrissey, I will find pleasure in each song, whether I believe it sucks ass or it rocks and kicks ass.

Morrissey is like Santa Clause, you just have to believe. If you are on this site... you are here for a reason. You are still listening to Morrissey!!! Remember, its not just to be a dick/cunt and give us shit reviews and comparisons to releases from 10 or more years ago! Jesis already.

Try to find the one thing in his songs, that he is trying to say, and laugh, cry or connect to it. There is always severe profound meaning to me in every song...like I said, some of his work is utterly hilarious and so tongue in cheek...some of it moves me to tears, depending who I am with and some others, are just okay for me, but I still appreciate them because I have come to respect the very best of his work, so having that experience makes a favorabe critic. I won't ever bag on him.

I will eagerly wait for my DL from my hommie cuz I have a DL disablity... I suck at it, (yes, at least I am honest) and I totally will buy the CD when its released in February as well. I also think it could be a very strategic move from a really intelligent artist to have the 'leak sprung' at this time. Nobody should put their finger in the lazy dyke! No, I am not gay, so haters don't go there...its a euphemism... look it up.

I can't wait to listen to the complete tracklisting and form my own opinion which is already formed... if you get me... everyone changes is 20 years... some of us become bigger ass holes and should stop listening to Morrissey just so they can slag him off for any new CD he gives us. But even maggots are entitled to life. C'est La Vie!

You don't appreciate him, and you are the ones probably going to the shows, chucking beers onstage, phone calls, talking and texting in the crowds when you should be up in your room lubing your hand to prevent chaffing with a jar of your mothers' favorite peanut butter tightly secured between your legs. Remember, she'll need it back later to make your lunch.

So 'stay home-we don't need you' don't go see him on tour, so you can come home and post on Solo 'I'm number 1!' and how bad his concert sucks...leave to good spaces for those of us who appreciate and love him for all he has given us.

Get a clue, and grow up. If you send me your address, I'll personally handwrite you a clue, it will be free of charge, and of course will come with a certificate of authenticity (TM) as well! You can keep in an handy place so you can read it as many times as you need...how cool is that? If you act now, I'll even throw in free postage and handling!

You know who you are, and are an embarrassment to true fans, you don't deserve Morrissey, and you don't really belong here.

Now, go back to your dark place you turdlickers...
~rose

'He would have made a wonderful Ewok.'
Just for you ;)
This leak is not a tragedy...

...is the fact that by the time you have the official CD you'll have nothing left to suprise you.

I ruined 'You Are The Quarry' by having heard 90% of it before it came out - take my advice and wait another couple of months for the proper experience.

What happened to the lyrical poet from Salford?

Not amazing but not terrible.

This album will have 3 singles on it.

Will anymore be released because I cant fathom which one it will be , because its so dire.

It pains me it really does.

Wouldn't expect for something that good. As usual, after downloading I'll buy the album when it's available around here.In fact, I would do it even if it was crap.

I cannot believe he took out the horn in the One Day... intro (and pretty much the entire song as well)

It seriously is missed.

uh,
There is no manner.

"It's Not Your Birthday" is obviously the highlight of the album.

It seems as if "Mama" lacks something...it isn't as good as the live version IMO. "Black Cloud" is okay...it doesn't deserve all the hype which it received.

As usual, Alain's compositions (while not great) are good. Jesse's songs are much better than his previous attempts on ROTT.

You will love YoR. You just wait! It'll grow in you!

I must confess disappointment with the lyrics. Besides "Squeezing My Skull" there are really no memorable lyrics from this album. IMO, this is the first Morrissey album in which he fails to deliver the goods: no witty insights, sly one liners, just average run of the mill fair here.

All the songs, other than Skull and Farewell are lyrically duller than dull.

The production is pleasingly big and noisy but theres a total lack of great songs to compliment Finn's work.

There seems to be two versions of the album cover floating around - the original one with the curly, 60s font, and a second version featuring the same photo, but with a blockier font in a grey rectangle. Anyone know which one is the actual album cover?

and you're all going to jail!

***sirens***

I guess the majority of people on this board can't just be happy that Morrissey is still producing music that is head and shoulders better than everything out there?

Will it be my favorite Moz release? No. Is it exciting and fantastic to hear his voice with passion and know he still cares about creating and touring. Hell yes.

I hope that the majority of people on this site are excited that Morrissey still does what he wants and shares it with the public. I'll always value that.

I love the record and will buy it as well. And most on here posting will buy also. Enjoy.

Not even one song stands out.

Really really samey and boring.

I got so bored that I turned off itunes and watched Hollyoaks instead.

I don’t download any of Morrissey’s songs and the facts are that I wouldn’t even if I didn’t get worthless worms and hacked with viruses. I shall buy like seventy-five CDs when they arrive and are accessorized properly in the stores. I have insured this. I keep a lot and I’m going to keep more of the new one of YOR because of my car, and I am going to give a lot to people, especially to my shrink, who loves Morrissey.
I realize that the actual crystallized personified “real deal” is better anyways. The lyrics to Years of Refusal, all of them, all of them are what I need. And I have in my possession Morrissey’s impeccable words. And they are the best Morrissey has written ever. It’s just the facts.
Strapping. Gripping. YOR is available for free because, because it’s just what these things do. It’s no coincidence. If my computers weren’t infested with worms, things, and information, I still would buy all seventy-five in the stores. YOR is astronomical, genius. Tell the truth. I have the right to praise Morrissey. Don’t I …

Well, I can't say that this is exactly stand-out work. There are some decent tracks: Skull is fun, One Day is fine, Black Cloud is ok, and Birthday is, for me, clearly the best song he has produced in quite some time. While not exactly innovative, Moz seems at least interesting on Birthday. You Were Good is decent but why the minute and a half of dull noises? Mama was good on live listens but something isn't right on the recorded version - I can't quite describe it - the noises worked live but just start to grate the nerves at the end and it grows tired quickly. Sorry Doesn't Help is a bad version of On the Streets I Ran which isn't saying much. I'm OK is well, boring, with alot of bad distortion at the end. Paris is ok - reminds me of Hold on to Your Friends, just not as good. That's How People Grow Up - well that one just speaks for itself.

Its an OK Moz album but in terms of the world's (and Moz's) catalog of music, this is utterly and truly forgettable. I'm not expecting a return to the Smiths or even Vauxhall - but how about a melody or half-hearted lyrics? The guitars - heavy or not - would be fine if they played something of interest.

Anyway, those are my thoughts through the first 5 or so listens.

I wasn't a fan of Ringleader's production (or the songs really) and have a hard time listening to it, but I'm happy to say I love "Years of Refusal". It feels alive where the previous album felt very claustrophobic to me. I've tried to like it, and with YOR, I didn't have to try. I'm on my 4th listen now.

I've been critical recently, but THIS is the Morrissey I love, and it's great to have him back!

"It's Not Your Birthday Anymore" had me in tears and smiling a little, as yesterday was my birthday and this morning I got the album! That's the kind of timing that makes memories y'know...

Micropenis

The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it

It means that The Fall are metal band and Billy Childish is hardcore.

But it doesn't sound very encouraging. Long live the matinee idol, we only want the live dates anyway,.

The lyrics are bland and forgettable, as is the music. The exceptions are strong ones but there are very few, and I'm referring mainly to Mama, Skull, and Paris. And even Paris is mainly just pretty; not necessarily strong.

The music is dull; there is a lot of unnecessary stylistic bullshit, like the Spanish crap on Carol, and too much brass, and too many annoying parts where Morrissey just wails tunelessly. A lot of effort has been put into the production and the arrangements, because (as Bukowski wrote) "As the Spirit fades, the Form appears." In other words, it must have been evident even to the musicians and producer that the inspiration was thin, hence the layers of sound effects (which feature on half the songs) and the aforementioned extravagant bells and whistles that are TOTALLY superfluous.

Mama and Skull are such good songs that they bring the overall quality of the record from 3 to an 7...they are 9s or 10s themselves but are dragged sown by so much filler that they drown in the dross of the surrounding tracks. Actually both of those numbers start the album, Skull first then Mama...so the best songs are also at the front which means it conveys an overwhelming feeling of downhill free-fall. Which isn't fun.

Conceivably the records could have profited from a different track sequencing, but it's doubtful. These are, for the most part, really boring songs. Paris is Morrissey-By-Numbers, which (don't get me wrong,) is genrally still better than most other artists' most concentrated masterworks, but here it's just too little too late.

The song I was most looking forward to (based on the lyrical theme), You Were Good In Your Time, is SO bland and slow that in fact it sounds unfinished. The 10 hours of annoying effects and instrumental masturbating that end it are so absurd and pretentious that the whole song sounds like a disgrace to the concept of the Morrissey Torchsong. It was Refusal's attempt at Pigsty, Asleep, Last Nigh tI dreamt ,etc but doesn't belong anywhere NEAR those songs.

I can't imagine him playing this live and the audience caring. He better have LOADS of Smiths songs in tow. Concert-wise, almost EVRY TRACK on this album is a "time to go piss or get another beer" moment.

While his singing is, as always, immaculate (and in fact clearer and stronger than ever), it is sad that his most accomplished vocal delivery co-incides with his weakest set of songs EVER. And hey...up til now I was hard pressed to find a weak Morrissey song, including the b-sides. (which are usally my favorites, in fact.) But here he has delivered a busfull of throwaways.

I could survive his increasing love of over-production, his loss of Britishness in sound, thematic content, and musical partnership, and even the financial raping of his fans with all his multi-format-single bullshit...all because, ultimately, the songs were still great (or in the case of Ringleader, strong to very good)...but Yeras of Refusal is a huge letdown and I cannot understand how someone so great, so powerful, and so in control of his career could release a collection of songs so marred by lighweight inspiration, over-the-top production, and sensitive-sophomore-in-high-school lyrics (for the most part.)

I am willing to concede that maybe the demos were much better and something got lost along the way. Or even that there is handful of great b-sides yet to be heard that are outtakes from the YOR sessions and that the weakness of the record is simply a matter of poor song choices and bad sequencing.

But, yeah..this is (for the most part) a really boring album.

Maybe it will grow on me?

I was going to resist temptation but then thought sod it...

Glad I did. It sounds fresh - very much in the style of last summer's Hyde Park Gig - amped guitars, some welcome weirdness and some catchy hooks. Obviously, Skull, Mama & paris are highlights but then One Day & Birthday are good. I loved YATQ and it is more in that vein that the disapponting the ROTT.

Metallica guitars - where? Not on this album - maybe you find The Mock Turtles a trifle thrashy?