So, seven years... much anticipation... disappointment for some; elation for others. I refrained from posting, just enjoyed the banter. But, after listening to the new album, here goes. Of course, with all of the discourse regarding how this one compares to the last four, I've given those four and the new one several spins today. For me, each one was the best album ever at the time (although I must admit feeling rather disappointed even at the time with "Maldajusted". Since then, I've come to appreciate many of the songs differently).

Unfortunately for some, I think Moz's human development is a good ten to fifteen years behind the "norm". At 45, his point of view is, in my opinion, about that of a 30 to 35 year old (which, as it so happens, works well for me at 30!) It has seemed throughout my years as a fan that his point of view lyrically coincided roughly with the point I was at in life. I got into Moz when the "Interesting Drug" single was released. It's been all down hill from there (not quite!) "Viva Hate" and the singles of which "Bona Drag" was comprised shaped my entire life... for better and worse. When "Kill Uncle" was released, I thought it was earth-shattering (bear in mind, at that point, my entire sense of self was hinged on Morrissey's every word, whatever they may be. I needed this man to release albums so that I could figure out how I was supposed to behave and think until the next release!). Then, the summer after my senior year in high school... "Your Arsenal" was released. I remember then being disappointed that many of the lyrics on that album did not change my life (For all the praise many have heaped on the album recently, did "Fatty" or "Successful" really say much to you about your life?!?) Never the less, "I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday"... I knew it would... Moz knew it would. So, eventually, it did for me. I met my wife, whom I have loved desperately since (coincidentally, a fellow apostle of Moz). That song spoke volumes to me then. Still does. I just had another listen moments ago, which brings me to the seemingly drawn out conclusion.

I met the "girl of my dreams"... and I have successfully killed that relationship. It did happen "One day, for me"... But we are currently seperated after just over 9 years of marriage. Of course, she has her reasons (and all good ones, I must admit). But I've been sorting out quite a bit of my own bull shit down the years. And so, I sat listening to "Come Back To Cornish (or Camden)". From the first to last lyric, I'm just crying and laughing. It's been about 6 months since she moved out, and there've been many times I've had a thought I wanted to share, but "remembered that I am alone". And that last lyric "Come back to C***** and I'll be good"... I love the childish simplicity of it. I know I've been a bastard, but come back sweet pea, and "I'll be good"! It's never so simple, and I am quite sure that was Morrissey's intent with the lyric. An adult acknowleding his flaws that have led to the departure of this beloved, but pleading "with what's left of his heart" that he'll simply be good... I digress.

Anyway, I could go on about "You Know I Couldn't Last" and all of it's relevance to my despised but illustrious corporate career, but perhaps I'll bore you later with that.

So, will this album change my life? No, and I don't want it to. More importantly, I do not need it to. I hope for some, it will be life changing. For me, these days, music makes my life worth living, but it does not necessarily change me... Tragically, I've grown up a bit in the last few years. And, tragically for some, so has Morrissey. But it is so good to hear his voice again.

Actually, that's pure shit. Some music does still change my life. And this album is already altering my perspective. Please disregard everything in the previous paragraphs.

Viva Moz.