Morrissey Makes First KCRW Appearance
on Morning Becomes Eclectic
Friday, August 29 – 11:05 am
The legendary singer shares some of his favorite songs and chats with Nic Harcourt
The music legend will make his KCRW debut as a guest DJ during Morning Becomes Eclectic on Friday, August 29 at 11:05am PST (on air and streaming at KCRW.com.)
“Sitting down with Morrissey was both daunting and exciting. He is such an interesting person, with strong opinions and immense musical talent. He does not mince words when he dislikes something, but when he talks about music he respects, he is an outspoken fan,” said KCRW Music Director Nic Harcourt.
Morrissey tells Nic he just finished a new album called “Years of Refusal” and discussed his dislike of traveling -- he won’t fly -- but his love of performing.
“Traveling is difficult, but the actual moment when you are on stage with your songs is perfect,” said Morrissey.
Morrissey, considered by many to be one of the most influential artists of all time, chose songs from throughout his life, both his early influences and forgotten favorites. He called himself an “early developer” who began collecting singles in the ‘60s.
“At the time when music happens to you and grabs you and jumps on top of you, you don’t realize that it will stay with you forever. You think you’ll outgrow everything. But with music, with artists, you actually fall in love. You fall in love with that moment, hearing them. And you fall in love with them,” said Morrissey. “You may push these things aside for 10 or 15 years, but you go back to them”
Despite his general distaste for modern music -- which he describes as all hype and no substance -- his first song choice as Guest DJ was “What Took You So Long,” by a new four-piece from Manchester called The Courteeners. Morrissey witnessed Buzzcocks first ever gig, supporting the Sex Pistols, and praised their ability to be intellectual and deliver “hard fast pop music.” Two American bands had a big influence on the artist -- Sparks, who disproved the general sentiment that pop music was “vacuous and not very bright,” and the New York Dolls, who ushered in the punk rock era. He calls the Dolls “one of the groups that changed everything on the planet.”
He tells Nic that he never wanted to be a musician, he simply wanted to sing and “loved the image of a stark solo singer on a stage.”
Cockney Rejects, one hit wonder Mr. Bloe, Jobriath and Noel Coward’s classic take on the State of England, “There are Bad Times Just Around the Corner,” which he called “lyrically mesmerizing” – round out the list.
The Morrissey catalogue in the KCRW music library is vast – with over 18 solo albums, both imports and domestic releases, EPs and LPs – not to mentions tons of Smiths’ records on both CD AND vinyl. The Smiths are one of the most important UK bands of all time and Morrissey’s trademark voice, theatrical performances and lyrical depth are unparalleled. (As far as personal favorites go, Nic loves the cynicism and catchiness of the track “We Hate it When Our Friends Become Successful,” off the EP of the same name).
Tune in and hear Morrissey live on Friday, August 29 at 11:05am PST or keep an eye out for the session in our archives HERE: http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb
KCRW is a Santa Monica-based public radio station.
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