Morrissey A-Z: "My Dearest Love"

BookishBoy

Well-Known Member



Today's song is this Morrissey/Whyte composition, a B-side on the "All You Need Is Me" single and rounded up on the Swords compilation.

What do we think of this one?
 

Verso

Well-Known Member
I remember this one getting a warm reception as it was initially making the rounds. Didn't much like it then and feel just about the same now. I think there's a pretty decent song hidden underneath the stiff production and the dull performance. Would be nice to remix a song like this, I think it could really benefit from less of a "rock" treatment and lean a little closer to a clubbier atmosphere in the same vein as "How Soon is Now?"
 

Light Housework

Write your life.
Sounded great just now. Especially after having the company of my friend Ken earlier today, who asked me some probing questions about how I feel about Morrissey.
 

MrShoes

Well-Known Member
Subscriber
I remember this one getting a warm reception as it was initially making the rounds. Didn't much like it then and feel just about the same now. I think there's a pretty decent song hidden underneath the stiff production and the dull performance. Would be nice to remix a song like this, I think it could really benefit from less of a "rock" treatment and lean a little closer to a clubbier atmosphere in the same vein as "How Soon is Now?"
Yeah lay off the percussion, Alain!
 

This Charming Bowie

Welcome to this knockabout world
One of the best 2000s b-sides, for sure. The ominous piano mixed with the melismatic vocals make for an intriguing start which builds into a sixties-type song. Organ dominates and adds another interesting texture, while, as per the norm, Moz’s vocal soars, especially in the thrilling climax. Guitars skyrocket as Moz scats, making for a truly underrated gem.
8/10
 

Carlisle baz

Cock of the north
I was never keen on this song until we had a discussion about swords on here about 6-8 months back.
I think it was Hovis that said this was his fave song on swords.

So I dusted the CD down and played this song to death very loudly in the car...
It’s fandabbydozy....
 

gordyboy9

Game Of Death.
stripped back this could be a bond theme,always loved this.great music and his voice is great on this.
10 grotesquely lonelys/10 grotesquely lonelys.VIVAMOZZ ON A TUESDAY MORNING.
 

Gregor Samsa

I straighten up, and my position is one of hope.
Yeah, this ranks among his very best post-comeback b-sides. Heartfelt and dramatic, ominous and melancholy. Always loved it.
 

Mozmar

Well-Known Member
For me, this is as close to perfection as it gets.
An unusual start as the beautifully dark & melancholic tone of the forceful piano (Michael Farrell?) kicks off the track, accompanied by wonderfully powerful drums (Matt Walker), both of which dominate the track throughout for me & give the song a strong heartbeat. The strength of these seem at odds with the sentiment of the song, but it all works so very, very well & add to the full emotion of the song. Even the scything guitar as the song reaches its final crescendo, again at odds with the beautiful lyrics, works so well.
Moz's voice is utterly, & outrageously superb. The track is that good, I can even forgive the ba-da-bap-bows.
Perfect.
 
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Light Housework

Write your life.
For me, this is as close to perfection as it gets.
An unusual start as the beautifully dark & melancholic tone of the forceful piano (Michael Farrell?) kicks off the track, accompanied by wonderfully powerful drums (Matt Walker), both of which dominate the track throughout for me & give the song a strong heartbeat. The strength of these seem at odds with the sentiment of the song, but it all works so very, very well & add to the full emotion of the song. Even the scything guitars as the song reaches its final crescendo, again at odds with the beautiful lyrics, works so well.
Moz's voice is utterly, & outrageously superb. The track is that good, I can even forgive the ba-da-bap-bows.
Perfect.
Ba da bap bow
 

GirlAfraidWillNeverLearn

Well-Known Member
I truly do love this one.
 

Famous when dead

Vulgarian
Moderator
Not sure what Santolalla brought to the table on this track, but there's something about the yearning in Morrissey's voice that's quite compelling.
Played 10 times live and luckily caught it once myself.
One of my most played B's.
Regards,
FWD.
 

Mozmar

Well-Known Member
Not sure what Santolalla brought to the table on this track, but there's something about the yearning in Morrissey's voice that's quite compelling.
Played 10 times live and luckily caught it once myself.
One of my most played B's.
Regards,
FWD.
Wiki states: "The B-side of the Decca (#4780964) single "My Dearest Love" was written by Morrissey along with Alain Whyte, the two being responsible for lyrics and music respectively. The song was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Oscar and BAFTA winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla, responsible for Brokeback Mountain, Babel and The Motorcycle Diaries. The song received additional production by Jerry Finn, the man behind 2004’s You Are the Quarry."
 

GirlAfraidWillNeverLearn

Well-Known Member
Wonder if Chiccarelli engineered this one as well. Seems quite likely since he is credited for the other Santaolalla-produced track, Children In Pieces.

Edit: Yes, he did. It helps to read the credits correctly.
 
One of the best 2000s b-sides, for sure. The ominous piano mixed with the melismatic vocals make for an intriguing start which builds into a sixties-type song. Organ dominates and adds another interesting texture, while, as per the norm, Moz’s vocal soars, especially in the thrilling climax. Guitars skyrocket as Moz scats, making for a truly underrated gem.
8/10
'Underrated Gem' sums this one up perfectly.
 

Famous when dead

Vulgarian
Moderator
Wonder if Chiccarelli engineered this one as well. Seems quite likely since he is credited for the other Santaolalla-produced track, Children In Pieces.

Edit: Yes, he did. It helps to read the credits correctly.
Yes, usual suspects with him.
My wondering about Santolalla was simply based on how lauded he is.
I just can't hear anything to indicate an Oscar-Winning producer has 'twiddled' with the song to warrant his use.
Love the song though.
FWD.
 

Mayfly

Well-Known Member
It didn't do much for me at first.
Then, (re)discovered it during its brief appearance on the setlist in 2015.
Love ot now.
 

Harsh Truth

Ever Felt Had?
Quite a good song but feels unfinished. I think it needs one more verse. From 2:47 - 3:54, it just goes nowhere.
 

Flibberty

Well-Known Member
A superior b-side and it has a nice moody quality to it. I don't think there's a huge amount of substance, but it's well executed by everyone concerned.

Morrissey's assured vocal helps.

In the poll on the Hoffman board it ranked 78th from 264 solo songs.
 
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