MORRISSEY

MORRISSEY
KILL UNCLE (1991)
320 KBPS

Interesting how an artist such as Morrisey trips the sublime in this, at times, sonically astonishing album. From crafty songwriting to first rate recording technique, this so-called crybaby of morbidity neither betrays nor subtracts from his own calling. The puns and tongue and cheek approach, which Morrisey has always successfully employed, careen and richochet throughout this album like ball bearings across a cement platform. From the off beat and unusually musical "The Harsh Truth of the Camera's Eye", featuring creative off tempo and strange piano lines to the hit oriented "Our Frank", this record challenges the listener much more than the acclaimed first solo album 'Viva Hate'. Without necessarily pushing into new territory, Morissey still captures the imagination with the usual grace and taste, spinning prose and verse with inimitable singing style. Having Clive Langer in the producer chair (Elvis Costello's "Imperial Bedroom") the recording does justice to Morissey's choice of outstanding players. Unquestionably, one of Morissey's great strengths is the ability to choose tasteful and unusual musicians that compliment both his singing and writing instincts. Kill Uncle isn't for everyone, which is one of the reasons it is so good.

1. Our Frank
2. Asian Rut
3. Sing Your Life
4. Mute Witness
5. King Leer
6. Found Found Found
7. Driving Your Girlfriend Home
8. The Harsh Truth Of The Camera Eye
9. (I'm) The End Of The Family Line
10. There's A Place In Hell For Me And My Friends