I've been a bit down on the Moz during this last year or so on this forum. I've been roundly booed as I suggested that ROTT was 90% filler and that his current band were pub rock wanabees. Imagine my surprise when I listened to the new album and was blown away by how shockingly good it is. Glorious even. And there I was ready to hate it. Shurely shome mishtake as what Sir Sean might have uttered in a Bond film.
Once I'd picked myself up from the floor admidst repeated listenings I really do think this is the best thing Moz has done since V&I. A bold statement, but in parts this album really is that good. The instrumentation on the album could be the best yet for a solo album as there are some lovely textures on there. The acoustic break in the middle of Black Cloud being a good example of the variety. Lots of well placed keyboards and effects all contribute to a lovely soundscape (o-er missus!).
We also get some songs that veer away from the 4/4 guitar pattern. The Last I time spoke to Carol for example. Absolutely glorious stuff. The highpoint of the album. Plus Moz's singing seems to be more in his range as he's not strainging for those difficult notes like he was on ROTT. A nice selection of lyrics, my favourite being "when I die I want to go to hell". Okay, the last couple of tracks I'm still trying to get into and the bass playing isn't that great on the album but that's me being very picky. Plus I've excluded AYNIM and THPGU as I don't really think they should be on the album in the first place.
When Morrissey said Jerry Finn was his ideal producer he wasn't wrong. A fitting epitaph to the man. Can't wait to hear the b-sides.
I'm surprised that a lot of the fans are down on this album. I think it is a step in the right direction. But then again I hated ROTT when everyone else loved it, so there you go.
Nice insight there Stan. I too thought ROTT was pants so I'm really hoping this is a huge improvement (won't get to hear it til the CD comes out).
Some of the fans may be down on it but most certainly aren't. Just look at the results in the poll in this thread. A clear majority think it's way up there with the best solo albums although admittedly very few think it is his best...