Morrissey Central "Time in a Bottle." (August 7, 2024)

August 7, 2024

Time in a Bottle. - MESSAGES FROM MORRISSEY - MORRISSEY CENTRAL - Time in a Bottle.

MESSAGES FROM MORRISSEY on MORRISSEY CENTRAL

www.morrisseycentral.com

 

[gordyboy9]

iv watched this a bunch of times over the years and always wondered about the band in the background.not one of them cracked a smile so i assume they werent fans.
with the hair i would assume they were heavy rock.

 

[JerryCan]

What I’d find fascinating is what his answer would be if he were posed the same question that was left out of this edit, in the context of where he finds himself these days vs then. You know the one
The one where he said he’d choose Al, Boz, Spen & Gaz over The Smiths. Whether or not that answer was to be believed is another story...

I couldn't watch the clip again. Seen the long version before and find it soo awkward for him trying to answer something he must have known was coming sooner or later. I guess I was surprised he hadn't had something clever prepared like "best then and best now".
Tricky as the new band were next to him - no pressure! It was all lost in the hysteria anyway.

 

[gashonthenail]

What I’d find fascinating is what his answer would be if he were posed the same question that was left out of this edit, in the context of where he finds himself these days vs then. You know the one
The one where he said he’d choose Al, Boz, Spen & Gaz over The Smiths. Whether or not that answer was to be believed is another story.

Would he dare suggest he’d choose his current “band” over the Your Arsenal era? I’m guessing he would, but just as then, would it also be hard to believe in some ways?
Only he knows!

As others have mentioned, what a time to be a fan… he could literally do no wrong. Musically, style-wise, artistically… it was magic. The Finsbury type nonsense couldn’t even stop him… people, not just fans, knew it was a load of rubbish.

I think I still have the full length recording in VHS somewhere

(Edited twice for poor grammar and typo).

Whilst I agree with a lot of that - we do all have a tendency to look back with nostalgia too. In the early 90s Moz was in his 30s. He looked great. The band looked great too. His solo career was ahead of him. Now it stretches behind. He is 65 now. People change. People need different things from those around them. Write different material. Find a different sound. Create a different dynamic. A different chemistry. They do seem to get on well together this current bunch - at this time in his life, I would imagine that's important.

 

[Seymour Glass]

I was at Kill Uncle shows in June and November. My memories - energy was surreal. Morrissey was fascinating and uncategorizable. But the band performances were shaky af. Luckily Ronson sorted them out and the Your Arsenal shows were way better.

Agreed, they absolutely butchered EDILS live but nobody cared because it was effing MORRISSEY.

 

[SuedeMoz]

What I’d find fascinating is what his answer would be if he were posed the same question that was left out of this edit, in the context of where he finds himself these days vs then. You know the one
The one where he said he’d choose Al, Boz, Spen & Gaz over The Smiths. Whether or not that answer was to be believed is another story.

On another hand, what else could he say? It would have been much fodder for the music press had he somehow admitted he wished he still had The Smiths. In fact, it almost seemed during that period that Morrissey was hostile toward the Smiths. He didn't play any Smiths on the first two tours. Do I remember correctly that he wouldn't sign Smiths merch at signings? I don't think that was exactly the case but there was a perception. Mostly he seemed like the spurned lover proving to his ex that he doesn't care anymore. So, genuine or not it makes perfect sense that he'd say he preferred what he had then (the lads) over the Smiths.

But in interviews, he would say that Smiths songs mean just as much to him as his new solo songs. He also said that The Smiths had the best of him and Johnny. So it's difficult to perceive what his true feelings were at the time.

 

[ZOOM FROM GLOOM]

I’m sure the questions were vetted by Morrissey before being asked, it would seem he took it as an opportunity to reinforce ( to the public & his fans) his belief in his decisions and in general moving forward, as if the sold out American gigs weren’t proof enough of his success & that he didn’t need The Smiths.

He said what needed to be said for what are obvious reasons. But if anyone believes that he didn’t believe The Smiths or their work together wasn’t still important, is silly.

 

[DaveJCarr]

What I’d find fascinating is what his answer would be if he were posed the same question that was left out of this edit, in the context of where he finds himself these days vs then. You know the one
The one where he said he’d choose Al, Boz, Spen & Gaz over The Smiths. Whether or not that answer was to be believed is another story.

Would he dare suggest he’d choose his current “band” over the Your Arsenal era? I’m guessing he would, but just as then, would it also be hard to believe in some ways?
Only he knows!

I think the Q&A response and his appraisal of the band indicates that he's always been a prisoner of the present. In 1992, as now,8 he continues to insist that his most recent or upcoming release is the best ever. By implication of course, that means that the current day band lineup is simultaneously the best. On the one hand this is understandable: as an artist who clearly has a lot more music and albums he wants to release, he has to insist on the quality of the present work and his current collaborators. But at this point, especially in the context of Las Vegas shows advertised as a showcase for the rerelease of a live album featuring an entirely different band lineup and the , that attitude is perplexing at best and dismissive at worst.

There is a sound energy that the Beethoven band had all to themselves, just like the Smiths, just like world peace is none of your business era is its own thing. . It is possible to recognize that, without necessarily denigrating any of the lineups that don't quite fit the muster of one's personal taste. And maybe, with time and the ability to write their own songs, this group of musicians will find their own place in the Morrissey band continuum

I don't quite understand the rerelease of live compilation from decades ago, but if you're going to do it you're going to advertise shows around it, I don't see why inviting the actual band featured on that recording and who wrote those songs with you is beyond reason. It's a limited engagement anyway, it need not be forever.

(Of course, however one slices the bread, time travel is impossible: Moz himself is a far different vocalist now than he was then – he hasn't been a rock band front man in quite a few years, having settled into much more of a bellicose, warbling crooner mold, but at least acknowledging the people that helped you prove Beethoven was Deaf is far preferable (to me) and at least more honest than the revisionism presented, on the sleeve and elsewhere, this idea that all of his collaborators are interchangeable)

 

[Deleted member 32244]

I was lucky to born when I was because it made it possible for me to see Morrissey's 1st ever US solo concert at the San Diego Sports Arena in 1991 and again at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in 1992. Those shows were magic, the energy off the charts, especially from the audience. "Live in Dallas" captures it nicely but nothing can compare to having been there. I'm glad Morrissey is still touring and "not" releasing albums, but it's a dog and pony show now next to those early years

 

[CHMozheart]

1992, what a good year for changing some things. One of the greatest bands of all time para el JEFE. Just needed a keyboard player...time flies.

 

[SuedeMoz]

I think the Q&A response and his appraisal of the band indicates that he's always been a prisoner of the present. In 1992, as now,8 he continues to insist that his most recent or upcoming release is the best ever. By implication of course, that means that the current day band lineup is simultaneously the best. On the one hand this is understandable: as an artist who clearly has a lot more music and albums he wants to release, he has to insist on the quality of the present work and his current collaborators. But at this point, especially in the context of Las Vegas shows advertised as a showcase for the rerelease of a live album featuring an entirely different band lineup and the , that attitude is perplexing at best and dismissive at worst.

There is a sound energy that the Beethoven band at all to themselves, just like the Smiths, just like world peace is none of your business era is its own thing. . It is possible to recognize that, without necessarily denigrating any of the lineups that don't quite fit the muster of one personal taste. And maybe, with time and the ability to write their own songs, this group of musicians group of musicians will find their own place in the Morrissey band continuum

I don't quite understand the rerelease of live compilation from decades ago, but if you're going to do it you're going to advertise shows around it, I don't see why inviting the actual been featured on that recording and who wrote those songs with you is beyond reason. It's a limited engagement anyway, it need not be forever.

(Of course, however one slices the bread, time travel is impossible: Moz himself is a far different vocalist now than he was then – he hasn't been rock band front man in quite a few years, having settled into much more of a bellicose, warbling crooner mold, but at least acknowledging the people that helped you prove Beethoven was Deaf is far preferable (to me) and at least more honest than the revisionism presented, on the sleeve and elsewhere, this idea that all of his collaborators are interchangeable)

"Prisoner of the present" is a great way to put it. BTW, if the Vegas shows were to 'promote' Beethoven it was in the most backhanded way. He didn't mention the release... it didn't feature in the setlists... I get that he wasn't going to do shows where he just replayed that setlist verbatim... but if anything he featured YATQ more. I'm not saying that they weren't good shows... I just don't see how they promoted the rerelease in any way.

 

[DaveJCarr]

"Prisoner of the present" is a great way to put it. BTW, if the Vegas shows were to 'promote' Beethoven it was in the most backhanded way. He didn't mention the release... it didn't feature in the setlists... I get that he wasn't going to do shows where he just replayed that setlist verbatim... but if anything he featured YATQ more. I'm not saying that they weren't good shows... I just don't see how they promoted the rerelease in any way.

Agree! But the old thing is that the shows seemed *marketed* to promote Beethoven, but that may have just been a misapprehension on my part. Like without the release, would the Vegas show still have happened?

 

[Anonymous]

I’m sure the questions were vetted by Morrissey before being asked, it would seem he took it as an opportunity to reinforce ( to the public & his fans) his belief in his decisions and in general moving forward, as if the sold out American gigs weren’t proof enough of his success & that he didn’t need The Smiths.

I remember when I first met him at the Sam Goody Hollywood in-store in 1992, they strictly enforced the rule that no Smiths items could be brought in to be signed by him. They actually had people checking this.

 

[ZOOM FROM GLOOM]

I remember when I first met him at the Sam Goody Hollywood in-store in 1992, they strictly enforced the rule that no Smiths items could be brought in to be signed by him. They actually had people checking this.

Yep. And all the times I’ve met him, I never asked him to sign a Smiths item. Just thought it was kinda rude really. But yes, it was more of a sensitive issue in 91-92.

 

[goinghome]

too true!

in ‘91, M’s first U.S. tour, no one gave a fuuck what band he had. He could have toured with anyone’s grandma on bongos backing him and there still would have been fans rioting, trying to get a piece of him!

Yeah, the band really really got their shit together for ‘92. Night and day. They were explosive and at their peak! One had to be there, BWDeaf didn’t or couldn’t really capture or do it justice.

I'd like to read your upcoming book of memories, Zoom

 

[marred]

What I’d find fascinating is what his answer would be if he were posed the same question that was left out of this edit, in the context of where he finds himself these days vs then. You know the one
The one where he said he’d choose Al, Boz, Spen & Gaz over The Smiths. Whether or not that answer was to be believed is another story.

Would he dare suggest he’d choose his current “band” over the Your Arsenal era? I’m guessing he would, but just as then, would it also be hard to believe in some ways?
Only he knows!

As others have mentioned, what a time to be a fan… he could literally do no wrong. Musically, style-wise, artistically… it was magic. The Finsbury type nonsense couldn’t even stop him… people, not just fans, knew it was a load of rubbish.

I think I still have the full length recording in VHS somewhere

(Edited twice for poor grammar and typo).

Which current band exactly? Every time he performs, the band is different. He hasn't had a band in years.

 

[The Queen of Batons]

I’ve had this song hanging around in my head on low volume since I read the title of this Central post.

Me too. When I saw it I expected Morrissey's cover version.

 

[Redacted]

(Put the kettle on as I make another post about me before answering and then embellishing upon the answer to uour question/comment. Skip this if you tire of long-windedness). Seriously.

It’s been just under 10 years now. We met when I was asked to do some band promo photography for the “supergroup” he was playing in (with the Mikey Farrell, no less. I think it’s been shared here by others, but I’ll try to add their cover of This Charming Man they did in LA about 8 yrs ago.

I was a stitch too young and living amongst the Amish to have caught The Smiths live, but I more than earned my stripes as a solo fan for live gigs. None of that convenient hop on the computer and purchase tix from the comfort of home whilst in my two dollar pajamas. I drove with friends about an hour away from where I lived in PA to sleep out on the back steps of a Tower Records to see the Kill Uncle gig in Philly (I think that was the one). Saw the band on that tour on the east coast (and as noted above and in Al’s own words, they were in fact a bit ropey. I will note… while Mick made YA what it was, it was the mere fact the band played endlessly and as a unit that made them untouchable by the time the YA tour was in full swing).

Fast forward to 1992 and I’m living on the opposite coast and have developed topsoil-depth roots on the central coast of CA. I was fortunate to have timed it (accidentally) with the YA toir and caught the band at The Hollywood Bowl, Del Mar gig (Boz in drag for Halloween?), etc etc. Again I found myself sleeping on the sidewalk in order to catch the band (they were as much a band at that point as they were “Morrissey”). Only this time it was on the streets of Burbank for The Tonight Show. By the grace of Dog, I got lucky and what were originally my “stand-by” tickets because I (fortunately) missed the initial entry cut, were upgraded to VIP seats in the front, stage right. It would have taken no effort to rush the stage (and spend the day in jail)had I wanted to . It was sooooo cool. Not just that part, but ALL of it… the entire experience of being a fan. The band were phenomenal at that point and seriously, while other great bands shared in that era, M and The Lads couldn’t be touched. I love that new fans get the experience to see him play live these days as it seems to make them happy, but there is. no comparison to the golden era. It was as much a chemistry thing as it was an age thing. I’m sure some fans feel about seeing M with The Smiths as I do about seeing the original solo live band. Some things are out of our control and you can’t help when you were born or when you were first exposed to greatness. For all our bitching, we should all consider ourselves fortunate to be fans (past, present and future) because as head-scratchingly curious he has made us all at one point or another, he’s still one of the best there ever was (certainly tops my list of his peers from that era and beyond).

Ok, deep breath. Apologies all around for that
No proofreading. So it’s typos-a-go-go, I’m sure.

(Edit: Forgot the TCM link… )

No apologies necessary at all, I love it. Thank you for sharing your story, it was fun and interesting and sort of like a time capsule, you capture the excitement so well - it was a really special time and it's nice to share with other people. You have a talent for story telling, now I need to know if you did it in your two dollar pajamas

 

[Seymour Glass]

I was at most of those 91 Kill Uncle shows and it was definitely an amazing time. I still remember the scene in the parking lot at the forum show, it was like a tailgating party before some big football game but with cool people drinking and blasting Smiths and Morrissey. There was a unity between us back then that you could hear in the MORRISSEY!! MORRISSEY!! chant that happened at every show. It's much different now of course, but I cherish the fact that he's still performing and his voice sounds better than ever IMO.

 

[SuedeMoz]

I was at most of those 91 Kill Uncle shows and it was definitely an amazing time. I still remember the scene in the parking lot at the forum show, it was like a tailgating party before some big football game but with cool people drinking and blasting Smiths and Morrissey. There was a unity between us back then that you could hear in the MORRISSEY!! MORRISSEY!! chant that happened at every show. It's much different now of course, but I cherish the fact that he's still performing and his voice sounds better than ever IMO.

I was as well and it was Electric. My theory is that many of us in the US missed The Smiths live, but had seen the Wolverhampton footage on Hulmerist and were starving to see Morrissey live. He showed up in 1991 with a new band and didn't disappoint.

 

[Baz 73]

August 7, 2024

Time in a Bottle. - MESSAGES FROM MORRISSEY - MORRISSEY CENTRAL - Time in a Bottle.

MESSAGES FROM MORRISSEY on MORRISSEY CENTRAL

www.morrisseycentral.com

Morrissey listen to your fans in England mate. For God's sake. Throwing out video that I have seen countless times! The truth is, you are a legend but your politics!! They're really laffable. Release new stuff, show them what you are about. The Jury is out on you mate. There Is a Light lt will never go out