By Philip Son
Daily Arts Writer
"Others sang your life, but now's your chance to shine and have the pleasure of saying what you mean. The rare pleasure of meaning what you sing." - "Sing Your Life," 1991
As a preeminent influence on the current music scene (notably in the United Kingdom), The Smiths was one of the greatest bands in the 1980s, if not ever. The group's songs were marked by the lyrical genius of vocalist Morrissey and the musical virtuosity of guitarist Johnny Marr. Bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce provided a potent rhythm section that sturdied up such songs as "This Charming Man" and "The Queen is Dead."
From 1982 to 1987, the band released four studio albums and 19 singles, a time period that fellow Manchester band The Stone Roses needed to release its second album. After Marr left the band, Morrissey embarked on a solo career that has gone through many ups and downs. His output as a solo artist has surpassed that of The Smiths' catalog and his cult following of loyal fans, although weakened, has remained. August 8 marks the released of Morrissey's latest release, "Maladjusted," and it's probably his most important album to date.
"There's too many people planning your downfall." - "The Teachers are Afraid of the Pupils," 1995
The past year has been particularly troubling for Morrissey. The key event was a court case brought on by The Smiths' drummer Mike Joyce, who sued the songwriting duo of Morrissey and Marr to recoup for unpaid royalties. Successfully arguing that he should have received 25 percent rather than 10 percent of the band's royalties on record sales and merchandise, Joyce ended up receiving upwards of one million pounds. Not only was Joyce's victory a financial and emotional blow to Morrissey, but the High Court judge also described Morrissey as "devious, truculent, and unreliable." The court case delayed the recording of "Maladjusted," but a proposed U.S. tour for the new album after a five-year hiatus has created a stir among fans. The court case and Morrissey's age have also added fuel to the fire in rumors concerning the retirement of the singer.
"All of the rumors keeping me grounded, I never said that they were completely unfounded." - "Speedway," 1994
Having just turned 38 years old on May 28, the "Mozzer" is reportedly considering retirement if the new album does well. After 1994's critically acclaimed "Vauxhall and I," Morrissey followed up with "Southpaw Grammar" in 1995. A brash and brave outing that strayed from his usual three-minute pop singles, "Southpaw Grammar" was a commercial disaster. A European tour co-headlining with David Bowie suddenly ended as Morrissey bailed out due to an unnamed illness. Morrissey is reported to be very keen on the success of "Maladjusted." Apparently, he wants to retire at a time that will leave him standing at the top of his game.
The notion of a world tour appeals to every U.S. fan. He last toured the U.S. in 1992 and the sudden cancellation of two shows in 1994 in Los Angeles and New York's Carnegie Hall left fans confused and upset. If Morrissey does indeed retire after this album, this upcoming tour may be the last chance for fans to get a chance to see him on stage ever again.
Recent reviews of advance copies of "Maladjusted" have been superb. Co-songwriters Alain Whyte and Boz Boorer apparently have supplied Morrissey with Smiths-esque tunes that can put him on top again. The CEO of AP magazine describes the album as "as close to a Smiths reunion as one can get." The first single, "Maladjusted," will be released in July and the album is to follow on August 8.
The "Mozzer" strikes a charming pose for his fans.