Morrissey

So much of Morrissey’s music came from a place of bitter resentment. He was always open about it. But in the earlier part of his career, he could offset that harshness by his humour and charm (when he chose to deploy it).

He also wrote some tender music devoid of snark - something totally lacking in his recent albums. Think of a song like Asleep, or Rubber Ring. There’s a sincerity and warmth there that’s been absent from this public persona for years now.

Some of his loathing could be justified - Tharcher, the monarchy, the old pre-Leveson tabloids - and there’s little argument some of it produced some great music.

He was also spoke out about issues which now are now accepted parts of public discourse - the pernicious impact of the meat industry,
the fluid nature of sexuality - which 30 years ago were viewed as eccentric at best and downright bizarre at worst.

But it’s one thing being awkward and controversial when you are a young pop star. When you’re a very rich man in his 50s, living in an isolated world of five star hotels and rented mansions, it’s something very different.

He could have easily been the respected elder statesman of indie rock. Using his position to boost young artists, giving witty interviews to please his fans. Instead he chooses to act like a prick. Does he really still view himself as a victim of record company ignorance and wider public misunderstanding? I suspect he does.

Yes, the media has been harsh to him at times. But name me a pop star who hasn’t been given a rough time at some point? His decision to communicate via weird statements on fan sites does not help him.

Much of his recorded material still has merit. But does that excuse his recent behaviour? No. And does his recent behaviour raise some uncomfortable questions for his previously committed supporters? Of course it does.

Cornershop were calling out his dodgy views on race almost 30 years ago. But that was at a time when he was writing clunking songs - not actively endorsing fascist politicians.

The short of it is he’s another ageing rich guy who has discovered social media and misunderstood it completely. Instead of amplifying his best qualities he’s used it to expose his very worst side.

Getting old is not easy maybe.

old moz ain't amused with this simpsons dig.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-56806312

Harsh to call him fat and a meat-eater but I guess they couldn’t just openly call him a cunt

this order is a bit crap.

hatful of hollow down in 22nd.

www.nme.com/news/music/morrissey-shares-new-post-appearing-to-rank-all-of-his-solo-and-smiths-albums-3060556

This doesn't surprise me. Still, his new ones going to be his best ever!

He's put compilations on his list, who the hell does he think he is, Karl Mahoney?