Customer Reviews

World Of Morrissey

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

 

 

Three years later and Im still trying to figure out the purpose of this album. Not a greatest hits but not a singles compliation either. Its tracks seems to have been assembled with a discography list and a dart board. Does contain a studio "The Loop"; a plus in the minuses. Unless building a complete collection, Id stay away from this one.

What makes this compilation so great is the variety. Morrissey changes his sound with nearly every track. Although the tracks are supposed to be "rare" b-sides, these are some of the greatest songs of his solo career. Songs like Boxers, Spring Heeled Jim, and Jack the Ripper sound a lot like his old Smith singles. There is really only one vintage Morissey track here, the playboy song, and trust me, you can hear the vintage in the synth sounds. Oddly enough, it doesnt really stand out. It's a great song and belongs in any Morrissey compilation-- especially one called World of Morrissey.
The first track, which includes a squeling clarinet replacing a guitar riff, is one of the most original Morrisey songs I've ever heard. The Loop, which is a very simple song, has a real hip rockabilly cowboy sound. Fun songs like Have-A-Go Merchant, Billy Budd, and Certain People I Know are very catchy. There's even a surprisingly cool cover of Moon River. If you are young and new to Morrissey, this is probably the best compilation out. If you are familiar with his older stuff, these songs won't fit well with fluffy expectations of more hairdressers on fire and suedeheads. World of Morrissey is not another Bona Drag cd. It is completely different and arguably a whole lot better.

I'm not sure what all the complaining about is for the previous reviewers. These songs are the best and most guitar-oriented Morrissey has to offer. I am thankful he did not include the keyboard friendly dogs like Hairdresser or Boy Racer. These tunes are the rockish, Smiths-style riffs that work well with Morrissey's vocals and lyrics. All the songs on this album are pulled from various sources but they work well together as a whole. He includes a cover version of Moon River which I skip over but it isn't entirely bad.

For the committed fan, this album needs no introduction. Let me instead comment on an interesting feature: this album collects a number of tracks that appeal quite directly to the late-1990s sensibility of the average pop music fan. In particular, the first three and Moon River. As it happens, 1, 3, 9, and also 5, 8, and 13 are best available only here. Of course, if you had all the stuff, this wouldn't be shocking. But if you're new or want to introduce a friend, these hard-driving and melodically gripping songs deliver the traditional Moz allure in a clearly contemporary style. This album has already converted certain people I know.

I really love World of Morrissey, but don't take my word for it, I'm a really big fan. Listen to the music yourself, you'll see that it's a wonderful compilation of live material, and classic stuff as well. A gorgeous rendition of "Moon River" and everybody loves "The Loop" and other great hits. A wonderful CD. After the Smiths broke up, Morrissey has been turning out some good albums, and some bad. I think some of his work is good poetry sung to boring tunes. Things like "Kill Uncle" and "Southpaw Grammar" are good examples of this. But what about the brilliant "Bona Drag", "Vauxhall & I", "Viva Hate", "Your Arsenal", and "World of Morrissey"? These are excellent. Yes, I do recommend this album highly! Catchy tunes and beautiful melodies, along with ever-poignant lyrics. A must-buy!

As a diehard Smiths/Morrissey fan, I find this collection of previously released songs to be an affront to his following. Not only is the song selection weak, but it also features "The Last of the Famous International Playboys," which ALREADY appeared on another compilation, "Bona Drag." You're better off getting THAT disc instead of this cheaply-assembled collection. This is the one Morrissey disc I strongly recommend against.

A non-expert point of view:

I had the chance to get this album for a really small price and, since listening to The Smiths "Singles" album I've been wanting to listen to works from Morrisey alone.
Thanks to this album I'll start looking for more of his music.

I like the fact that this CD is neither a greatest hits nor a very good compilation....it just has good "unknown" songs....very good for me

Mein Freund und ich lieben alles, alles, alles. Bohnisch!

I think this is a classy album. But I'm useless. Mind you, "Jack the Ripper"...