Hey Morrissey, Why You Cry?

Morrissey – Years of Refusal

Thank goodness that during these tough economic times, Morrissey arrives on the scene with Years of Refusal to further depress us.

It’s kind of amazing that Morrissey has been able to maintain such a huge level of depression for so long. Man, he’s sounded suicidal since the early eighties!

Don’t worry, his songs are as gut-wrenching, yet oddly earwig-ish, inducing as ever. The first track, “Something is Squeezing My Skull,” is an oddly catchy tune that you’ll find yourself humming soon afterward. Similarly, “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” will also crawl into your head. Morrissey’s lyrics have to be taken with a grain of salt. If family or friends ever felt you were taking him too seriously, they would probably stage an intervention.

There is comedy to be had in, “It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore.” How often would we like to say lyrics like: “It’s not your birthday anymore/did you really think we meant /all of those syrupy things we said?/It’s not your birthday anymore/there’s no need to be kind to you.” This is freakin’ hysterical!

Morrissey’s angst and biting anger certainly made a connection with me in my late teens. When you’re flipping the bird to society and all its entrapments, The Smiths, and later a solo Morrissey, were always there to commiserate with.

Still, Morrissey has become the depression cheerleader. He has done what we can’t. He is still on the edge with negativity and the unrequited love. For his fans, he’s always there when we are feeling sorry for ourselves, and isn’t that most of us these days? Hey, crank up this album while checking your 401K and let’s all flip the bird to the buggers in charge!