Southpaw Grammar
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4.7
Average of 3 reviews
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The first 10-minute song "The Teachers Are Afraid of the Pupils" is Morrissey's (at least in terms of music) a nod to Roxy Music's fantastic "In Every Dream Home a Heartache." It crescendos in a similar fashion, and even the arrangement of all the instruments sounds reminiscent. This also clearly indicates that "Southpaw Grammar" is a much different album by Morrissey compared to his other solo works from that era. I appreciate it because it's a grand introduction and quite a departure from Morrissey's usual style. However, I feel the track could have been trimmed by a minute or so. But we're back to familiar Morrissey territory with the next song "Reader Meet Author," which explores the delicate dynamic between someone who engages with a piece of art, and how it can or can't enrich one's life. "Boy Racer" is a classic Morrissey portrait but seen through the singer's eyes, as an object of desire and fascination. "The Operation" kicks off with a very lengthy drum solo, which seems to be the most un-Morrissey-like element ever on an album. The solo is cool; it reminds me of Gene Krupa. It's a song of sadness, which is a put-down, but on the other hand, it may be about a person who has naturally evolved and is causing stress on the community around the subject matter. Morrissey is a very tricky writer to me, because one, you can never be sure if he is the narrator, or he's channeling another character. The intimate manner of his singing conveys a feeling that you're getting the singer's character, and there's truth in that, but at the same time it may be a technique of his as a writer to get into someone else's head. "Dagenham Dave" is a song that I really enjoy, and I can see it as a weakness. Compared to "Reader Meet Author" it sounds like a wonderful b-side of a single. It's a song about a figure who has a swagger, a ladies man, which is interesting coming from Morrissey's perspective. It's Morrissey's appreciation for a ruffian that again, he puts up on a pedestal, to admire greatly. "Do Your Best and Don't Worry" is about a fellow who looks high to the skies, but tends to fail. Morrissey's way of paying tribute to those who fall greatly due to their high aspirations. "Best Friend on the Payroll" is his take on Joseph Losey/Harold Pinter's "The Servant." Not a very good song. The idea is there, but it's not fully realized. "Southpaw" is another 10-minute song, and again, it's the narrator that is fascinating due to his commentary on someone else's life. Morrissey to me is not about truth or reporting, but always a reflection of his personality or character. Never a good journalist, but an artist whose thoughts are still in his head and his ability to express doubts about the person he's singing about, but alas, it may be more of his concerns for his ability to connect with this person.The unusual "Southpaw Grammar" is the textures put into the songs. As mentioned, there are references to Roxy Music's "For Your Pleasure" album. There are Phil Manzanera moments and in parts, sounds very Roxy like especially when the song is stretched out. Steve Lillywhite, the producer, is very much part of the package. I think he was encouraged to add textures here and there, and it works well. It's interesting that years later Morrissey releases another version of "Southpaw Grammar." Perhaps taking advantage of the CD technology of adding songs, but he didn't only do that, but he also re-arrange the song order as well. I heard both, and I prefer the original edition of "Southpaw Grammar." By no means is it one of Morrissey better releases, but an interesting route to a side-street musically speaking.
Quite a shift from the usual Moz fare. One of the most overlooked albums in his discography. There's not a single weak track here, each one drives forward with energy. Maybe 'The operation' could've been trimmed by a bit, but once it kicks in, it's got a groove you can't resist. 'Teachers are afraid of the pupils' has to be up there with the best album openers ever. The theme's very Smiths-esque and clearly something Morrissey feels passionately about. 'Reader meets author' is a brilliantly crafted, classic Morrissey single that deserved more attention. As for the pressing, the RCA version is fantastic. It's got a real punch to it, none of the clicks and pops you often get with newer pressings. For its age, it's also a solid, heavy vinyl. I'm not sure any reissue will match this one. If you can find a copy for a reasonable price, snap it up.
I wouldn't say no to a booklet either! Grabbed a brilliant copy for £40 but no booklet came with it 😔
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