Regardless of the tiresome reports of his evasive tendencies (not to mention being branded as "devious, truculent, and unreliable" by a London High Court judge during last Spring's messy courtroom battle over royalties with former Smiths drummer Mike Joyce), die hard Moz fans will always look forward to the release of his new material.
With the same corps of musicians by his side, namely the venerable Alain Whyte and Boz Boorer, as well as long time producer Steve Lillywhite, "Maladjusted" showcases the similar style of songs that have composed Morrissey's catalog over the past few albums. The first single "Alma Matters" has a "Vauxhall and I"-era feel to it, enhanced by a lazy-yet-engaging melody in which Moz confidently reveals, "So the life I have made may seem wrong to you / but I've never been surer / it's my life to ruin my own way."
"Roy's Keen" is the best song on
"Mal-adjusted" and boasts Morrissey's strongest vocal tone in recent memory. With superb harmony from Alain in just the right places, the sound stomps down angular steps behind an almost psychedelic combination of guitar and bass. The title track of the album lacks an identifiable chorus, and although it requires several listens before any semblance of melody becomes apparent, it does have the potential to be a powerful live track on the upcoming fall tour (Morrissey will play Hill Auditorium on Wednesday the 24th). The same holds true with "Ammunition", a surprisingly uplifting tune about the constant pains and strains of revenge. On this gem, Morrissey croons, "I don't dwell on things I'm missing, I'm just pleased with the things I've found."
Like most all of his other solo efforts, "Maladjusted" is not without its share of heart-wrenching ballads, the most successful of which is "Wide To Receive". Here we are witness to Morrissey's first ever 'internet song' as he sings of the sorrows of being unrequited with attention, begging for "almost anything you'd care to give."
A more traditional Morrissey theme bleeds from "Trouble Loves Me," where the lyrics are as poignant as ever: "Trouble loves me, trouble needs me / two things more than you do, or would attempt to." This song is also one of the strongest musically on the album, as it showcases frequent shifts back and forth from jazzy piano-laden verses into crunchier guitar-heavy choruses.
Morrissey's position in the current world of pop music is unlike any other artist's. He is owed the respect and credit of laying the groundwork for today's slew of independent bands, and even more so, Brit-pop in general. Yet, Morrissey has still seemingly never been forgiven by the British press and others for allowing the beloved Smiths to run their course into their eternal resting place in music history. Regardless of media scorn or chart placings or record sales, Morrissey still has one of the largest and most obsessive cult fan bases of any artist today. And even though "Maladjusted" will never be a top-five album, or "Alma Matters" a No. 1 single, his new material will always be welcomed with open arms by the people who still crave the touching moments of magic that Morrissey has once again proven he is more than capable of delivering.
-Brian Cohen
09-08-97
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