This article from The Guardian appears to have slipped under the radar, though it's been online for a number of weeks now. After the last disappointing album, I'd be inclined to agree with John Harris. I do hope it's not the case, however. One shoddy album does not necessarily equate a "creative flatline". Still, a well-written article, though one that the vultures on this site are bound to rip apart.
Rise and fall - The Guardian
Survey the recorded work of any number of talents, and you can turn the three-stage career critique into a mildly diverting pub game
John Harris
Friday June 8, 2007
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Mullet-haired loser (Score:0)
the reason why (Score:1)
John Harris is currently at phase 12: "thin air".
Let's say he's improving.
"One fine day
(User #12729 Info)
Fun but pointless (Score:0)
If the artist isn't discovered in a straight linear chronology, the question then becomes, not whether or not an artist has "lost it", but if all the releases in an artist's career meet a certain standard of quality and consistency-- whether each album adds colors and depth to the overall portrait, to borrow a metaphor Morrissey has used. I can't speak about the Stones, but I genuinely believe that Morrissey passes that test easily, even allowing for the dozen or so absolutely dreadful tracks he's released in his solo career. Certainly some albums are better than others, but Morrissey has always enriched his overall work, never weakened it; "The Smiths" is better because Morrissey made ROTT, which you probably can't say about the other bands Harris mentions. In any case it's a mug's game for barstool encyclopedists and not in any way a meaningful verdict about Morrissey's current work.
-- Worm
i may be wrong - but i agree (Score:0)
"Ringleader" is one of his best (Score:1)
"Quarry" had some excellent songs but is horribly inconsistent..and the production lacks soul.
-Jordan
(User #14162 Info | http://www.jordancooperlalala.com/)
The vultures on this website?! (Score:1)
That seems to be what defines The Gardien: Morrissey's "creative death" attracts degrading and profitable news.
What a shame the Bristish press is. I think it is even worse than the American press. For the worst of the American news, Morrissey had a fit; the worst of yours, he is "dead", and it isn't even clear whether from the throat infection or from the ROTT. This lack of clarity gave Gardien therefore the opportunity to use Morrissey's illness to justify the weakness of his last album. How cheap. How lame.
(User #14157 Info)
Take issue with John... (Score:0)
I think Ringleader is a great album (Score:1)
(User #18284 Info | http://twitter.com/thinkofmekindly)
Pub bore John Harris (Score:0)
Does John write about sport too. Specifically football. Sport, music and politics? Like a proper pub bore!!! Hope he does the quiz on a Tuesday.
John Harris is the Vulture Here (Score:1)
Most artists who have very long careers are indulged for a reason - they've accomplished things that most of us mere mortals cannot dream of. Save the petty score-keeping for politicians.
(User #14203 Info)
creative flatline (Score:1)
(User #17718 Info)
heres fucking lower case letters moderating twats (Score:0)