RIFTROCK REVIEWS

Morrissey

You Are The Quarry
Posted by Ashley Munno
6/24/04

After an extremely rewarding career with one of the best bands in history, The Smiths, Morrissey has released a new solo album that will surely re-establish that he is in fact a musical genius. “You Are The Quarry” combines some classic The Smiths flavors while still coming in check with previous Morrissey solo releases such as “Your Arsenal,” “Viva Hate,” and “Vauxhall and I.”

The record, released through Sanctuary, is a strong return for the singer that has had such a huge impact on the scene of music. Not only have his contributions with The Smiths over the years had a huge affect on so many artists of today, but material from his solo career, which began in 1988 with “Viva Hate,” has inspired many kids from a new generation to become involved in music.

“You Are The Quarry” is a melancholy and at times quirky alternative pop rock record full of bittersweet lyrics and humorous hooks. Morrissey is one of the only artists to show so much passion for his music and constantly create records at such a superb level. His new Sanctuary effort begins with “America Is Not The World” and transitions in to his brilliant first single off the record, “Irish Blood English Heart.” The lyrics “I've been dreaming of a time when to be English is not to be baneful, to be standing by the flag not feeling shameful, racist or partial,” proves that nothing is taboo with Morrissey, he speaks his mind in his music and has no regrets about doing so, such an honorable thing for such a legend to do.

“First of the Gang to Die” is a quick catchy, dance-groovy at times, track, while the song “All The Lazy Dykes” finished off the album with the quirky Morrissey approach. 10 tracks in all prove that it would have been a little nicer to see a longer album from Morrissey; however, what he has delivered on “You Are the Quarry” is still extremely impressive. If you had any doubts, here is your reassurance, Morrissey just isn’t back, he’s BACK!