Customer Reviews

Ringleader of the Tormentors

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

it must not be easy being morrissey. few people will ever wield the mozfather's potent influnce and no matter the occassional slip ups, morrissey's secured his place on the mt. rushmore of 'indie/alternative'rock. this is a mixed blessing, of course. he can release records that sell well, sell-out live shows night after night, and keep his name in the news (most recently boycotting canada to protest the seal hunt). but it makes one wonder if morrissey's popularity and iconic stature somehow quash his enormous songwriting ability. some fans will unfortunately (and unfairly) compare it to any number of smiths' albums, and more will probably compare it to any number of moz solo offerings. some will find it bland. some will find it exhilirating. for me, the album is somewhere in the middle of either extreme.

coming on the heals of 'you are the quarry, morrissey'(the career rejuvenator so many critics correctly called it), 'ringleaders of the tormentors' is a slight departure from the new milennial morrissey. 'ringleaders' is much ballsier record than its predecessor, and the album's better for it. the problem with 'you are the quarry' was the similarity of so many of the songs. despite some noteworthy singles, much of the album sounded painfully similar in tone and style and were unfortunately instantly forgettable.

'ringleaders,' however, starts out with the muscular 'i will see you in far-off places.' it's a song that probably would've fit nicely on 'your arsenal.' the nuanced middle-eastern inspired guitar is a nice touch. mozzer sounds much more confident and lets his trademark vocals work within the song instead of trying to upstage it. 'you have killed me,' the first single, is a distinctly morrissey song with a distinctly morrissey melody. it's a nice song, but the not the knock-out punch you'd hope to hear from a lead single. 'the future's all well' is a suprisingly upbeat song that lets us know mozzer may not be the mope too many assume he is. 'i'll never be anybody's hero now' may be an all-too-clever poke at his own celebrity and stardom. 'to me you are a work of art' and 'the youngest was the most loved' are other highlights, the latter with the line, 'there is no such thing in life as normal. 'morrissey's band has always been a bit underrated and underappreciated. on 'ringleaders' they sound more like a part of the band instead of backing players shoving the ego into the spotlight.

in the end what makes 'ringleaders' work as well is done is the variety of the songs. after all, any good album is about the songs and 'ringleaders' sees some of morrissey's best melodies and music since 'vauxhall.' highly recommened.

Morrissey is a genius. OK, now that that is out of the way.

I always find Morrissey albums somewhat inconsistent. There are songs that I find to be truly great and I can listen to them and sing with them over and over. Then, there are his ones that sound like he was willing to take almost any music and sing over it like it doesn't really matter what the music is. Bottom Line: Who he collaborates with is important.

This album is a bit of a departure because he writes some songs with Alain Whyte (long time collaborator) but most of the others are with his touring guitarist Jesse Tobias. One song is with Mike Farrell, his keyboard player. No songs are written with Boz Boorer, another long time collaborator.

Thematically, the album is interesting because he seems to be writing more about his own mortality. He has always had a morbid streak, however, there tended to be more poetry and humor involved. Now, in his mid-40s, there seems to be more detached views about what life is given that it's soon to end. It's not a sad outlook; it's more a peaceful resignation. Or, maybe it's just me since I am only a couple of years younger. Anyway, to the songs...

The Best:
-I will See You in Far Off Places - A heavy, middle eastern flavored Alain Whyte song. Very much on the mid-life crisis theme. "Nonbody knows what human life is. Why we come, why we go." Somewhat optimistic in its answer of "I will see you..."
-Dear God Please Help Me(Whyte) - A somber, string oriented song with surprisingly open lyrics about sex given Morrissey's public non-sexual stances of the past.
-The single "You Have Killed Me" is great. It's a Jesse Tobias song. It's a classic Morrissey rocker with the totally exaggerated emotional context (You have killed me. Yes, I walk around...somehow) but ending with the fatalistic leap into acceptance (I always forgive you). A nice touch is that right before the requisite forgiveness, he sings, "There's no point saying it again" because, of course, he has ended songs with these melodramatic touches so many times before. It's an homage to himself. In the middle, there is an existential plea, "Piazza Cavour, what's my life for?" It's interesting that Morrissey's singles are clearly designed to be singles, however, they still do not meet the American style of singles that would allow them to be hits.
-The Youngest Was the Most Loved (also Tobias) - Another heavier guitar song. A loved boy becomes a killer. Who knows why? "There is no such thing in life as normal."
-Life is a Pigsty (Whyte): When I looked at the lyric sheet and saw that it was going to repeat "Life is a pigsty" about 10 times in a row, I thought "oh no". However, that section of the song is very beautiful and the repetition with slightly different emphasis each time really does conjure the image of just slopping our way through life as best we can. The songs ends on a death bed but still "falling in love again." Again, somewhat optimistic.
-I'll Never be Anyone's Hero Now (Whyte): A song about a true love dying. Open-eyed at the truth: "It only hurts because it's true".
-On the Streets I Ran (Tobias) - Another rocker. It's about overcoming your own past andwanting to know "when will I be where I should be". It ends with an irrationally simplistic plea that others should die in one's place and "just spare me."

Some comments on a couple of lesser tunes:
-"In the Future When All is Well" is interesting lyrically for it's somewhat ironic (sarcastic?) statements that things will always be better in some hoped for future but ending with "the future is ended by a long, long sleep"
-At Last I am Born - Written with the keyboard player, this has a very unusual structure. I am interpeting that it is more existential in nature but it can also be related to the sexual theme of Dear God Please Help Me.

As I said, Morrissey is always somewhat inconsistent. But, the great songs are often so great that they justify the rest. It's true for this CD. And, I hope he keeps exploring the themes around aging and mortality. Everyone grows up and old with a cohort of people. Having Morrissey singing his generation (which includes me) through this will make for a more interesting ride..."stretch out and wait..."

I think it's quite understandable that this album is getting such mixed reviews - but as Oscar Wilde says, "When critics disagree, the artist is in accord with himself" ^_^ I think I can see where the naysayers are coming from, but I come down strongly in favor of Ringleader, for several reasons.

Much has been made of the sexuality in the lyrics. If you think about it, though, since the _very first song_ on the _very first Smiths record_, Morrissey has been singing about having sex - and since then, you've got Ask ("if there's something you'd like to try"), Suedehead ("it was a good lay"), I'd Love To ("but only with you"), etcetera...It's true that "I'm spreading your legs, with mine inbetween" is a touch more graphic than anything to date, but from the way it's sung, I don't anyone could rightfully call it obscene.

Speaking of which, the album in general...to me, it seems to be a very ambiguous and very ambivalent approach to the compound subject of love, God and death. Dear God and You Have Killed Me are both somewhat puzzling songs: both seem to be about a sexual awakening, but to me at the moment (I've changed my mind before, and may again), the first is a celebration of it, while the second, immediately afterward, seems to be regretting it. Then after the shattering Life is a Pigsty and several more downbeat songs, Moz ends the album - one can't help but feel ironically - with the chipper 'At Last I am Born.' Does Morrissey believe in God; does he feel he needs God's help? Is he asking for God's help in finding earthly love, or resisting it? And if he's finally become a champion of the flesh over the spirit, then why does he still sound so conflicted?

Someone has called it the first genuinely _depressing_ Morrissey record, and I agree that it's extremely bleak - but in a serious and provoking way. Morrissey sings about his own problems, and those of other people (The Youngest..., The Father...)in a way that makes them seem to be real problems with real weight, not just an excuse for melodic self-pity. He really seems to have grown up.

Musically, some have accused the album of being dull, but it seems to me that the instrumentation is much more striking and varied - take Far-Off Places, Dear God, Pigsty - than on some previous albums, and even with the standard rockers - In the Future is a good example (which sounds an awful lot like Oasis' Cigarettes & Alcohol and T-Rex's Bang a Gong) - the music is well-fitted to the vocal. In some cases it seems to me like the music is intentionally muted or softened to push the vocal forward - and if I'm right about this, it works.

In all, love it or hate it, it has to be acknowledged as a dramatic step forward. I don't think Morrissey has ever made a record like this before.

Initially the first four tracks of the album may overwhelm the rest of the songs, making the album appear rather weak. However after you listen to the album for more than a handful of times the gap is bridged and there is a nice flow between the songs and it sounds like a cohesive unit. There is a way to speed up this process: Listen to tracks #5 and beyond separately for a few times, so they don't get overwhelmed by the first four :-)

If you like Morrissey/The Smiths you will find a lot of the things you like (in terms of music and lyrics) in here.

As far as which bundle to get, if you must have the bonus features of the CD/DVD set (which I think do not justify the additional cost), then go for that. Otherwise just get the audio CD like I did. You can instead earmark those funds towards the purchase "Who put the M in Manchester" or "Live at Earls court" :-)

Very cohesive effort with strong lyrics right in your face, different from You are the quarry but in a beautiful way for sure. My favorites are; the grandiose opener "I will see you in far off places" - a large song with superb lyrics...."You Have Killed Me" - This is already a classic....."The Youngest was the Most Loved" - Flawless, especially the children chorus adds an extravagant flavor to the track...."In The Future When All's Well" - One of the most beautiful performances by Morrissey...."The Father Who Must Be Killed" - Again children chorus is superb, great song, should've been a single...."Life is a pigsty" - a long atmospheric track, cannot be described by words, just listen to it, it's delicate...."On the Streets I Ran" - Absolutely great song....As a whole this is a fine, delicate, intoxicating work of art.

`Ringleaders of the tormentors' is the follow up to 2004's brilliant `You are the quarry. It's a more classical (hence the cover photo) and complex effort than that was. The songs are not as immediate, but once they grab you, there's no letting go.

Opening is the middle-eastern orchestrated cut `I will see you in far off places', followed by the lush hymnal (complete with organ) `Dear God please help me' (string arrangement by cinematic guru Ennio Morricone).

`Lead off single `You have killed me' is a catchy upbeat pop/rock song with literate poetic lyrics. Similar are `The youngest was the most loved' with a children's chorus and the Smiths-like `I just want to see the boy happy.

Moving to the other tracks, `In the future when all's well' is upbeat, there is the rather dark but upbeat `The father who must be killed' (a step child that kills her abusive step father and herself), the moody, drenched `Life is a pigsty' (rain storm effects, dripping piano, soothing vocals, midway change in tempo), the ballads `I'll never be anyone's hero now' and the Smiths-like `To me you are a work of art' (Chorus - to me you are a work of art/and I would give you my heart/that's if I had one), `On the streets I ran' (beautiful sunny song, vivid story telling), and `At last I am born' (cutting strings announce a gentle marching beat, children's chorus and cryptic/poetic lyrics).

I know loads of people have knocked Morrissey's last 2 CDs as not living up to his past glories, but I love them both, and they are a hundred times better than most chart fare.

From the sketchy, pseudo-exotic hard-rocking opener ("I Will See You In Far Off Places") to the strongly scintillating, radio-friendly singles ("You Have Killed Me", "The Youngest Was The Most Loved", "In The Future When All's Well"), it's clear Morrissey has found his recent niche combining solid melodies and incredible rock arrangements with (seemingly) autobiographical lyrics--which probably don't expose him nearly as much as we think they do! Fluidly gliding from melancholy to loose, jangling pop numbers, he occasionally slips into an imposing, portentious rut, and the final few songs aren't as exciting as the first several, but his obvious sophistication, theatrical sensitivity and genuine CLASS make this a tight, entertaining set, running an impressive gamut of emotions which seem quite bracing no matter how real or personal they are to the popmeister himself.

Yes, what the professional critics have been heralding for the last several weeks is true: Morrissey has discovered sex. Fortunately for us, it hasn't dampened the quality of his solo work, for "Ringleader of the Tormentors" is yet another fine effort from the ex-Smith. "There are explosive kegs/between my legs" he reveals in "Dear God Please Help Me" (with a string arrangement by the legendary Ennio Morricone), and in the closer "At Last I Am Born," he confesses: "I was once a mess/of guilt because of the flesh." The first two singles, "You Have Killed Me" and "The Youngest Was Most Loved," are of course fine standouts, but my personal favorite is the seven minute "Life is a Pigsty" which slowly draws you in from the first note. It's hard to believe that Morrissey's solo career was almost on life support a decade ago, but "Ringleader of the Tormentors" shows that he still has a few witty tricks up his sleeve.

I've been soaking up this CD for about a week now and I must say I do like it. I still think it's not as good a YATQ but it's still good ole Morrissey.
He has his usual stuff here life, death, US bashing ect. (I kind of just look over that stuff.) "You Have Killed Me" sounds like an out take from YATQ and it is a good song. "I'll Never Be Anybody's Hero" is very "Alma Matters" ish. Still good. "Life Is A Pigsty" is a great song. Nice bass line and ambience in that song. "The Father Who Must Be Killed" is a great catchy song. I'm not super fond of the childrens choir but he doesn't over do it. "The Youngest Was The Most Loved" also another good one here as well.
Overall a great Morrissey performance and I sure hope he tours with this album. Conservatives love you too Moz!

Morrissey's career has been full of surprises; a melodramatic ride that's full of fabulous highs and lows. but through all the drama and a rather patchy few albums here and there, the godfather of modern rock has one flair that never ceases to impress: charm. Moz has it in spades and it's his saving grace for many of his falling moments. but...for every one of those winceful times, there's plenty to rejoice about. because not only is Ringleader Of The Tormentors a great record; but it shows that the comeback Quarry album was no fluke and that Moz is here to stay.

the album opener "I Will See You In Far Off Places" thunders along with a dreamy and swirling pounce that caught me off guard with it's self assured stride. it's overflowing with purpose and as an opening statement to this album...it couldn't be better. it seems to have a bit of a dark hue to it similiar to Viva Hate's opening number "Alsatian Cousin". mix in a bit of Led Zep's "Kashmir" and a dash of "Army Of Me" by Bjork and voila! a killer song.

with the gentle pluck of strings and a warm organ welcoming into "Dear God, Please Help Me" we're right back in Vauxhall & I territory. this is a lovely song with Morrissey's vocals crooning ever so sweetly over a simple and heartfelt musical backdrop. thank god that someone had the sense to imploy real strings on this number rather than settle for the cheesy synthesized ones that have reared their ugly heads on albums previous.

after the one two punch of the first two songs, "You Have Killed Me" feels like a warm hug from a friend. it's choice as being the lead single of the album was a perfect decision. it's a simple, but very effective song whose melody creeps into the brain and nests for days (as any good pop song will do). very very nice, and it's timing fits perfectly within the context of the record.

the next three songs show the band's strong songwriting skills with effective and solid tunes that brim with confidence and seem to hint at the type of number that would not be out of place on Moz's most rocking album Your Arsenal. "In The Future When All's Well" is especially impressive and has turned out to be probably my favorite track on Ringleaders at the time of this writing.

the seven-plus minute song "Life Is A Pigsty" seems to be the fan favorite and it's a really great song that is at turns impressive and annoying. upon first listen, i was dimayed to find that the rainstorm effect was not just an intro, but part of the entire song's accompaniment. upon further listens, the song's melody and feeling was more apparent, but the cheap sounding effect of the storm and the unnecessary percussive clatter towards the end of the track make it really hard for me to fully embrace. it does serve as a great album centerpiece though.

the next few songs are good tracks...nothing terribly great, but considering their place in the album, they are quite nice and have grown on me more and more with each repeated spin. "I'll Never Be Anyone's Hero Now" is the most mediocre track on the album, in my opinion. but the chorus finds Morrissey singing in quite a lovely manner. once again...that charm works it's way into the tune and saves it from being a complete washout.

tracks 10 and 11 sound very Southpaw Grammar/Maladjusted era Moz. with loud guitars and a brash rock sound that even employs some trumpets blaring out over the noise. it's a nice touch and both songs have alot of style and class. lyrically, they are both a bit weak...and Morrissey seems to have run out of words for second verses and just repeats the same thing each time...which is dissapointing, but the choruses soar with such amazing melodies that i find myself turning my ears close to the speaker to fully grasp their beauty.

album closer "At Last I Am Born" is a real curious number, with kettle drums, spanish trills, and ghostly Italian western style guitars. a nice song with some inspired lyrical touches and a very theatrical way to end a great album. too bad about the synthesized string in the song's intro.

Ringleader boasts some amazing production. the drums sound especially great. and it goes without saying that Morrissey's voice sounds immaculate. their are a few flaws with this record that keep it from being on par with the mighty Your Arsenal or Vauxhall & I albums...but i think it's a step up from You Are the Quarry and i'm quite excited and anxious to see what kind of b-sides will be released from these recording sessions. Morrissey fans have alot to rejoice about with this triumphant and strong new album. Ringleader Of The Tormentors is an album that contains many of the greatest elements of his past records but combines new inspirations and the end results are nothing short of thrilling and impressive. Viva Moz!