Interesting possible connection
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K
Ketchup
Guest
In the absence of the second ("unavailable") video, let me guess...Roy's Keen?
Gregor Samsa
I straighten up, and my position is one of hope.
It’s a well-known fact that Moz is a Formby fan.
A
Anonymous
Guest
George Formby is a fairly obvious Morrissey influence, but given his love of Carry On-style smut I expect 1974's 'Confessions of a Window Cleaner' to be an equally strong influence on 'Roy's Keen'.
Gregor Samsa
I straighten up, and my position is one of hope.
Ha! That’s fantastic. I don’t remember that.
ZOOM FROM GLOOM
LASCIATE OGNI SPERANZA!
now you got me doubting. So I did a little googling and found that it was actually George Formby’s father’s headstone, I always thought it was George Formby’s headstone! And now I’m wondering if it was ever intended for the front(?) possibly just for the back(?) Well in the end only the clouds were used.
Maybe FWD will chime in with the correct info on this. I don’t have my copy of Peepholism here, Jo may have given some info on that.
And why did he want to use a photo of George’s father’s headstone anyway?
SeniorLife
To be finished, would be a relief.
I recognize this isn’t a general thread on ‘Roy’s Keen’, but I have always thought that was one of Moz’s worst lyrical attempt. How it made it on an LP is beyond me. I would have taken a 7 year break had I included that lyrical abomination on an LP.
Even though I love the man and what he has done for my life, I still have the right to be a little critical.
Even though I love the man and what he has done for my life, I still have the right to be a little critical.
A
Anonymous
Guest
There is no additional info in Peepholism regarding the cropped Formby grave shot, but it's ncie to see the full image (which I can't find online).
Regarding lyrics, 'Roy's Keen' is fine to me for what it is - a whimsical, throwaway bit of nonsense. I don't think every song needs to be lyrically heavy or have great depth, and in fact it adds some variety to the album to have something more deliberately lightweight. Same reason I'm happy with bits of fluff like 'Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others' - I wouldn't want a whole album of such shallowness, but they have their place.
Regarding lyrics, 'Roy's Keen' is fine to me for what it is - a whimsical, throwaway bit of nonsense. I don't think every song needs to be lyrically heavy or have great depth, and in fact it adds some variety to the album to have something more deliberately lightweight. Same reason I'm happy with bits of fluff like 'Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others' - I wouldn't want a whole album of such shallowness, but they have their place.
Gregor Samsa
I straighten up, and my position is one of hope.
Of course he’s allowed to write bad lyrics now and then. That’s probably not what Senior meant. But surely we as fans are also allowed to point out lyrics we dislike when discussing the song in question? Senior was also quick to point out his/her love for Moz.
I myself love Roy’s Keen both lyrically and musically. Very underrated!
Gregor Samsa
I straighten up, and my position is one of hope.
Still doesn’t ring a bell! But I love the fact, though. It’s super weird and would’ve made a great (back) cover.
A
Anon of Manchester
Guest
The reverse cover of Viva Hate has a sky photograph so clouds. It’s taken from a a photograph of one of Formby’s old houses.
I happen to know that Formby moved quite a bit, as a distant relation of mine lived in one of his former houses. I speak in past tense as they’re probably long gone now.
I happen to know that Formby moved quite a bit, as a distant relation of mine lived in one of his former houses. I speak in past tense as they’re probably long gone now.
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Anon of Manchester
Guest
I misremembered that didn’t I? Kind of at least. Not a house so much, as his final home. His grave!
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Anon of Manchester
Guest
As pointed out, the grave was Formby senior. Stuff I’ve remembered , then forgot!
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I understand. I just don’t find it that important enough to criticize when one takes in his whole body of work. The greatness outweighs.
thanks.
Yin Yang, yo.
It's both Formby's headstones, just the image is taken at an angle that hides the son:
(Warrington Cemetery, Cheshire)
I thought the clouds/Corbijn photo from the image in Peepholism being Viva Hate's back cover was well known.
As for why & wherefores... - no idea.
Regards,
FWD.
Not something I'd heard myself.
Given the iconography on most products going forward was Morrissey-image themed, it would have been an odd move unless he featured in the shot somewhere.
Regards,
FWD.
ZOOM FROM GLOOM
LASCIATE OGNI SPERANZA!
I thought I read somewhere that it was intended, then he changed his mind because
it was too Smiths-like, or maybe this was someone’s conclusion that I read and not a reliable source.
It seems I’m not the only one that has read this ….
George Formby
Morrissey has used George Formby's 'Why Don't Women Like Me?' and planned to use a shot of Formby's grave for the cover of Viva Hate (the sky on the back is the sky above the cemetery), but the Formby connection runs deeper. Check out these Formby song titles.Frank On His Tank (opening words...
www.morrissey-solo.com
Maybe we both read the same misinformation somewhere.
Dirk Blaggard
Well-Known Member
On the other hand, I have always liked it .
Such an English song and its more Adventures of a window cleaner than carry on but they are all connected.
Its better than most of Dog on a chain
SeniorLife
To be finished, would be a relief.
The melody is good. Some of the lyrics just seem forced. Maybe I miss something being from the states.
Be well,
