Customer Reviews

Peepholism: Into the Art of Morrissey

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Slee's publication of this book, at a time when her relationship with Morrissey was going through a personal nadir, was questionable, to say the least. Many Moz insiders had feared this book to be a Viva Hate of sorts - a venomous atack against Morrissey. "Peepholism: Into the Art of Morrissey" is anything but this. In fact, it is a highly diplomatic, indeed business-like, retrospective glance through both the Morrissey and Smiths' artwork. The title, with the stress on the wittingly punsome "Art", is a fine example of the care and skill with which this piece of work was put together. The narration is illuminating, though certainly not testing, and the page notes are insightful for even the erudite Morrissey fan. The section on the final Smiths' single, "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me", is one of the finest, with the draft outline included (complete with the Morrissey-scribed sleeve instructions). One gets the feeling though, wh! en all is said and done, that the purpose of this book for Slee was purely commecial. It needs to be updated, too, for it ends upon the release of the 1994 L.P., "Vauxhall and I" - thus, there are another 2 studio L.P.s, 2 Compilation L.P.s, 10 singles and a video release to be included. Overall, though, this makes for a good, venom-free brouse.

Well, first off, finally found and got me a copy after searching for it for nearly a decade, thanx to my beautiful wife and her friend. This is a must for any true Smiths/Morrissey fan, this book is not only beautiful but very insightful. All of The Smiths/Morrissey albums/singles are covered up until 1994's Vauxhall and I, including The Smiths videos and Morrissey's videos up to Your Arsenal era. It even includes The Smiths stage backdrops as well as Morrissey's solo stage backdrops up to Your Arsenal, giving full in dept perspective of why Morrissey chose them. This book is very well crafted and pays great attention to detail by author Jo Slee, thus, rendering her title given by Morrissey as "Ubiquity". The pics are gorgeous and lovely glossy, especially if you like looking at Morrissey. The only downfall is that it only goes up until 1994's Vauxhall and I, and even at that its still worth the price. Highly recommend!!!!!

Actually it's behind the photos, as "Peepholism" tells the stories behind the picture sleeves on albums and single releases of The Smiths and Morrissey solo. Any Morrissey fan will be stunned by the beautiful lay-out and conception of this worthwhile book, easy to access and read, and packed with information and photo outtakes. Since both the Smiths and Moz repackage their music so creatively, it would be nice to get a second helping of "Peepholism" to take us into this new millenium! Although expensive, a rabid fan will treasure this photo-trove forever.

I would give the book a higher rating, but some of the information is very U.K. oriented and so I felt lost when it talked about certain artistic influences Morrissey had. Great layout and idea behind the book---it looks at Morrissey's choices in art direction throughout his music career (how he picked LP photos, EP photos, merchandise photos, etc.). Nice irony in calling it "the art of Morrissey" because most people might take that to mean his music...not actually "art" Nice big color phots make it a cool "loohthrough" book

Really need a copy, Email Timesuck2000@hotmail if willing to sell