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Comments / Notes
20,000 units? Well, even the anemic sales of Maladjusted garnered nearly 80,000. Though V2 did a pretty good job with the High Llamas' last effort, I'd be surprised if they would be in the best interest of Moz. But who knows? Maybe they could give him more undivided attention and it could be win-win for label and artist.(Their roster, however, seems really overloaded right now, judging from their Web site. No one there seems to be bringing home any hits, either.) But maybe Moz needs to shake things up a bit. Go back to his small, indie roots. Get a weird producer. Get some tension back in the studio. Though I loved Maladusted, I'm not sure how much was really essential--maybe half of it. I'm not, as I have for the past 13 years, sitting at the edge of my seat hoping, wishing, praying for the next single. I'm hoping longer intervals between releases will increase the quality. Does anyone have any ideas for what label would be good for Morrissey, and why?
Chris <[email protected]> (206.138.77.3)
- Thu, Apr 15, 1999 at 11:46:26 (PDT)
I think V2 would be a good place for him to go.
"No one there seems to be bringing home any hits, either.
Mercury Rev had one of the most critically acclaimed albums of last year and they're on V2.
Since when was Morrissey about "bringing home the hits"?
Joseph <[email protected]> (d058660.sce.com)
North Hollywood, CA USA - Thu, Apr 15, 1999 at 12:28:15 (PDT)
How about Jeepster?
Stefan Johnsson <[email protected]> (dialup205-4-1.swipnet.se)
Sweden - Thu, Apr 15, 1999 at 12:51:14 (PDT)
i think Matador records would be a pretty good label to look at. Belle and Sebastian, Pavement and others would be good labelmates. Pressure is the last thing Morrissey needs to put out an album and a small, but credible label would be a nice fit. What about Nude records? They have Suede, Geneva, Ultrasound to name a few. Now there's something to think about. Any other label suggestions?
matt
(rearproxy2.interliant.com)
- Thu, Apr 15, 1999 at 12:53:33 (PDT)
How about the Austrailian Mushroom Records? They have several international acts such as Garbage, Babybird, and for a short time the Violent Femnmes.
However, I have a horrible feeling they were bought out by EMI not so long ago, so I doubt Morrissey would want to work with them again.
Joseph Nunweek
(p02.du1.ak.ix.net.nz)
- Thu, Apr 15, 1999 at 13:52:38 (PDT)
The obvious label choice (Stateside anyway) would be Sub Pop. Morrissey would be a perfect candidate to join the Sub Pop stable of hit makers (joke on the last bit.) Saint Eteinne just made the jump there last summer as did the Jesus and Mary Chain. Both put out the best albums (Good Humor and Munki respectively) of their careers with them. I've had to deal with the Sub Pop people for a while and they seem to appreciate talent as opposed to sales. Of course I could be wrong and he could sign his life away to a label that probably doesn't even have the capitol to press the vinyl.
Michael <[email protected]> (spider-tf052.proxy.aol.com)
Orange County - Thu, Apr 15, 1999 at 15:27:39 (PDT)
I don't care what label Morrissey goes to I just want him to make more music and to make me happy.
Anna L. Serrano <[email protected]> (252.albuquerque-08-09rs.nm.dial-access.att.net)
El Paso, Texas - Thu, Apr 15, 1999 at 15:50:23 (PDT)
Hey, I was just telling someone that he could pull something like this off.....
At any rate, in the US, it really doesn't matter which label he's on anymore as long as they release the stupid album. And in the UK, you can be on a puny label and still be doing something.
The only reason to be on a big label these days is for them to give you a wagonload of money for songs that aren't in the style of your choosing.
I'd better hear NO ONE complain that he won't have a hit after you've all complained that his concerts are filled with nothing but people who just don't understand.
I thought Jeepster was the all Belle and Sebastian label.
Suzanne
(1cust254.tnt16.hou3.da.uu.net)
In the eternal flames OF HELL - Thu, Apr 15, 1999 at 16:17:34 (PDT)
Well, Sub POP is a ridiculous choice...look at the roster...Moz DOES NOT fit in with JAMC, Sunny Day Real Estate, Sebadoh, 6 finger satellite or even St. Etienne. I think V2 would be good, seeing as its almost like a major...and is run by Rich Branson. I think Beggars Banquet, Nettwerk or even LaFace would be a good choice....HA!
ronny marr <[email protected]> (ascmax09-port-6.agt.net)
- Thu, Apr 15, 1999 at 18:04:00 (PDT)
labels, labels, labels. who cares. i think Morrrissey should just go into the studio and press the albums himself, with his own money and not have to satisfy anyone but himself. He could then distribute them through <>. Now wouldn't that be great!
agent086
(spider-wk064.proxy.aol.com)
- Thu, Apr 15, 1999 at 20:01:52 (PDT)
Quick question/response to the silly boy with the predictably unoriginal name (ronnie marr I believe it was). Do any of the five or so bands "fit in" with each other as you brilliantly put it? Answer: No, and that was the point. Sub Pop really isn’t in the business to regurgitate "grunge" pap anymore, their lineup is quite diverse these days (as you proved.) And V2 as an option? God forbid that happens, I sincerely doubt that because it’s your opinion that "its (sic) almost like a major" makes it a worthy label. It’s the major label mentality that has destroyed the music industry.
Michael <[email protected]> (spider-wc064.proxy.aol.com)
OC,CA - Fri, Apr 16, 1999 at 00:03:49 (PDT)
I agree that Sub Pop is the way for Moz to go here in the U.S. Their distribution is phenomenal, their contracts fair, and their hearts true. Matador, these days, is owned by Atlantic, and they're stuck up prigs.
Matt
(spider-tf081.proxy.aol.com)
- Fri, Apr 16, 1999 at 00:20:43 (PDT)
Actually, Matador's completely independent again-- they recently ended their joint-venture agreement with Capitol (which superseded the Atlantic deal a couple years back). They probably would make a good home for Morrissey, since their history suggests they're more concerned with the artistic quality of their records than the number of units shifted.
Personally, I think Moz should sign with Palm Pictures and hook up with Howie B. and Mocean Worker, shake up the sound a little-- bring some jungle and electronica into his classic pop style. "Maladjusted" was good but felt more like a reiteration of past triumphs than a step forward; Morrissey needs to do something new and startling-- the way he used to on a regular basis.
Paul Ferrell Brown <[email protected]> (112.st-louis-78-79rs.mo.dial-access.att.net)
Williamsburg, VA - Fri, Apr 16, 1999 at 16:52:50 (PDT)
I agree that Moz needs to freshen it up a bit...Southpaw was a great album, (although sorely overlooked by most of you scumbags) as was Your Arsenal and Vauxhall, which were both very different from each other and from the dismal Kill Uncle. Although, going Techno I think is a bad idea. ('POP' was a complete disaster for U2)
But, perhaps if the sound can be influenced by Technology in a more subtle way like the latest Blur and Radiohead albums. Matador is a BAD idea, its just too pigeon-holing...I think that would turn away a WHOLE lot of fans...Why not go back to Reprise or the reborn SIRE?
ronny marr <[email protected]> (ascmax04-port-38.agt.net)
- Fri, Apr 16, 1999 at 19:32:28 (PDT)
The horrible Stereophonics are on V2 and are HUGE, much to my chagrin. Oh and no way are Munki and Good Humor the best JAMC and St Ettienne albums, they both peaked with their debuts, RAH!
John <[email protected]> (spider-wa033.proxy.aol.com)
Nr Glasgow, Scotland - Sat, Apr 17, 1999 at 07:27:54 (PDT)
perhaps he should do it himself from his own webpage. like the guy from new kids was doing. the latest saint etienne and mary chain albums were not their best. they both had better albums early on. just like sebadoh. their stuff now is getting all the hype but their last album was @#!!! and what i've heard from their new one isn't great. their best has to be bakesale but nobody jumped on the bandwagon for it. i'm afraid to say that maladjusted had about 5 or 6 decent songs on it and the rest we could have done without. i hope his next album will be a great one and be a total shock as your arsenal was when i first heard it.
Spiral Stairs
(dialup5-2-13.doitnow.com)
- Sat, Apr 17, 1999 at 21:22:30 (PDT)
I don't really follow record labels so I don't know who would be good for him. But SpinArt did good by Frank Black, who's been kind of in the same boat as Moz (helped create "alternative," but remained too alternative for the "alternative" on the radio in the '90s).
I don't think it really matters much what label he's on, as long as they have good distribution.
Moz doesn't lift a finger to promote his albums anymore, and radio certainly isn't going out of their way to play him, so he's pretty much gonna keep selling to his old fans and whatever few new cool cats are bold enough to seek him out on their own. So, just get a damn album in the stores, and he'll get his usual sales of recent years regardless of the label or promotion. It would probably be smart to go indie so he can get more dough from fewer sales. The supposed advantages of a major label only apply to the trendy bands they're really hyping, and that's not gonna be him. Everyone else is better off on a small label.
The Creatures are on their own label, so there's another option.
It's obvious that as the '90s close, the music industry is becoming as conservative as they were a decade ago. All the true "alternative" artists should accept the fact they're not gonna get in any MTV Buzz Bins in the near future.
Sam Shuster <[email protected]> (spider-tk034.proxy.aol.com)
- Sat, Apr 17, 1999 at 22:14:04 (PDT)
Let me explain what Matador is:
That label has a very certain audience in mind. Usually the people who buy one thing from them buy nearly everything else that label has released. It's the sort of label that music collectors love for some reason because they associate it with a certain type of quality. It is usually a very "indie" set...but not in the way that Moz is. These people pride themselves on buying an album by someone who has never seen the daylight of radio because somehow, that will completely ruin the band for them. Suddenly, they are no longer cool or any good (which shows you how messed up their idea of what good music is) I'm betting the only reason why Capitol was involved with Matador was to dump some money into releasing the Liz Phair album and making some quick cash before they went their merry way. Other than that, Matador doesn't spend 2 cents in promoting anything. They expect their audience to be so in tune with what is going on that they will rush out and buy the album.
Suzanne
(1cust138.tnt2.hou3.da.uu.net)
In the eternal flames OF HELL - Sat, Apr 17, 1999 at 23:51:51 (PDT)
I've heard some pretty scary rumors as to which label he'll be signing with, so I can't really comment on which would be the "best" choice for him. However, Morrissey claims to have no interest in the computer-age (proclaiming himself a "Luddite"), so I doubt he'd warm to the idea of selling any future releases via the internet, as someone suggested. In my opinion, I think he'll ultimately sign with a major label. We'll see (hopefully soon!).
Swallow On His Neck
(spider-tk022.proxy.aol.com)
- Sun, Apr 18, 1999 at 08:44:18 (PDT)
Mte Records woulb be the ideal Label for the Old bull... they are famous for letting their artists grow with dignity, acts such as Depeche Mode, Nick Cave, Erasure, etc etc etc have always been alowed to produce and release stuff without compromises and hits,,,,,however they have produced hits after hits because of their relaxed athmosphere at Mute Records...
martin säntti <[email protected]> (t1o37p66.telia.com)
gothenburg Sweden - Sun, Apr 18, 1999 at 16:48:41 (PDT)
Why on earth would Sub Pop be a good place for Moz? The last thing I want to hear is Seattle influencing our blessed Morrissey. Sub Pop was the last nail in the coffin of everything great about alternative music. Maybe you think Morrissey would look good in flannel too? On a more positive note...I am anxiously awaiting the new album. Maladjusted is great, but I'm hoping for another Vauxhall or Your Arsenal.
BeesKnees <[email protected]> (elc214-006.lab.suu.edu)
- Sun, Apr 18, 1999 at 17:58:56 (PDT)
Whatever he does, I hope he doesn't end up on Cargo Records. I'd hate to see him on tour with STEVE POLTZ!!!
Kowalski
(1cust244.tnt2.sdg1.da.uu.net)
San Diego (F*@king Sucks!) - Sun, Apr 18, 1999 at 22:04:59 (PDT)
what about island records.....
enrique <[email protected]> (200.31.30.18)
- Wed, Apr 21, 1999 at 23:42:08 (PDT)
Will somebody admit Maladjusted was a weak effort? The sales don't lie. Plan: Drop the current lineup, re-group the Viva Hate ensamble, and stop whining. Moz's past is his meal ticket, despite how many times he covers it. We all relate to childhood, but not a 40 yr. old man who is moping about. Labels are irrelevant. Agree or no?
Brent Springer
(spider-th024.proxy.aol.com)
- Fri, Apr 23, 1999 at 20:04:08 (PDT)
i dont know why people are sitting around speculating about *his* choice of label like you're his parents picking out an appropriate preschool for him. what if the other kids dont play nice? it's ridiculous...as for me i'll just stretch out and wait.
girl least likely to care <[email protected]> (144.92.50.178)
- Mon, Apr 26, 1999 at 15:56:42 (PDT)
I think Morrissey should sign with Island Records and do a reggae album. Or maybe he should sign with Death Row Records and "bust out" a "gangsta" rap album. C'mon, who WOULDN'T want to hear the Moz rap about "rapin' da bitches and pimpin' da hoes"!?
Moz Fan <[email protected]> (130.portland-05-10rs.or.dial-access.att.net)
Iceland - Tue, Apr 27, 1999 at 14:44:47 (PDT)
How about what ever record lable Marr is on, it's about time people realise they're both nothing without each other. Bernard Sumner has desecrated Jonny's music long enough.
Alex Waskey
(dialup-0571.dublin.iol.ie)
- Tue, Apr 27, 1999 at 14:57:05 (PDT)
I think Moz should try with Catatonia'a label with vapor records, maybe Virgin which has one my fav in Gomez, or maybe even Beasties' Grand Royal which has Sean Lennon, which was widely appealed, plus is in connection with Capital right across from the moz convection at the palace. Yeah, Grand Royal is the perfect fit.
Any way moz goes. can't wait to here moz next album and hope he decides to go on concert in l.a. soon. Forget about doing concerts at Irvine, moz should try to do smaller venues like the palace. now that place would be full of energy.
Gerald (. . . the suedeheads)
(spider-wd052.proxy.aol.com)
- Tue, Apr 27, 1999 at 16:06:18 (PDT)
Moz should definately NOT be on Subpop. If his last 3-4 releases have been below par, imagine if he was on Subpop!! Oofah!! I've followed Moz ever since "Hand in Glove" was released and I think he the quality in his lyrics and music has declined severely. In my utmost and honest opinion, "Your Arsenal" was his last good record. "Vauxhall" didn't do anything for me... it was quite dull. The
rest of the records since have been even duller. I had some faith when "Your Arsenal" came out after the horrendous "Kill Uncle," but I have been disappointed ever since. It's sad...
Moz should be Johnny's label because Moz really is lost without him. Craig, Stephen, Mike, and Andy were a VERY good replacement, but Moz got GREEDY again and suffered. Oh well, he'll never learn...
Those neo-rockabilly clowns haven't really done anything for his creativity, I'm sorry to say...
Maybe Moz should ask Roddy Frame for some good advice...not use him, just ask him for some advice.
Roddy Frame is fine on his own...Thanks to all and to all a good night...
george o.
(scce13925.csudh.edu)
- Wed, Apr 28, 1999 at 19:30:58 (PDT)
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