Personally, I love this record. True, one of the best Morrissey tracks (of his solo career, Forgive Someone) isn't available on the standard US release, which I own. However, the 12 track standard release is wonderful. I'm so happy to have a truly great Morrissey record again. I believe he has truly found his sound - always believed Little Man, What Now was very underrated and he could've stuck with that type of sound. And G. Manzur is truly special, and he's all over the record with his flamenco playing and vocals. The music has an amazing tone, and diverse sounds, including 3 guitar players at times - playing complementary arrangements. The band is the best it's ever been right now - SO glad Matt's back. Additionally, Morrissey is singing like he wants to make a difference in somebody's life. And he reaches out to you, like in Angel Down We Go..., throughout the whole record. Speaking to you like a father.
Anyways, Smiler With Knife got my vote - hands down. UNBELIEVABLE!!! THESE guys are real artists, breaking new ground. I can't describe how good it really is. The shifts and sways, the humor in the words, all the dirty in-betweens - perfect Morrissey song on a truly great Morrissey record. Neal Cassady would've had second -- I don't love the babies part, but the ending is pure Morrissey brilliance with beautiful vocals from Manzur. The AMAZING extended ending reminds me of how a Smiths song would sound. Kick the Bride is also a close second, but Forgive Someone is truly second. I can't describe how good it really is also. BLOWN AWAY. One of his catalogue's most special tracks.
I really hope that he does one more album and retires and enjoys himself with no pressures. <-- OR he could stop now, for the album is good enough to end your career on. He seems to me to be very self-aware and knowledgable about his place in the world, life/death - seems okay with it all. I hope his health is stronger every day and that he lives to be truly old. <-- HAD tickets for Hershey, FYI. Got my money back, so thanks for that. Saw you in Pittsburgh in 2008, sooo....add that, this great album, and all the live DVDs I have from you - I'm alright with you NOT touring again. However, you could do a short tour of smaller venues - possibly including Hershey if you like.
When I listen to an album like this, it makes me thankful that I've been a fan of his for over 20 years. I'm married to a beautiful woman, have a young son and another child due in January. Like all (most) of us, my shoulders are heavy with pressure. It's wonderful to have a soundtrack to help move life along, while making it a little more interesting and enjoyable. It's something, that for me, a great Morrissey record can do. Yes, there are just a few lyrics I don't care for - but the amazing lyrics are more than worth the 'tolerance' it takes to get there. To me, and I have ALL the records, there's nothing unlistenable for me here. I can't believe the record sounds this good!!!! Thank you for this, Steven. I've got your back.
Sorry for the length, you people around here rock (for the most part).