I have managed to scan the pictures and liner notes. For those of you who want to be surprised when buying the compilation, don't click on my link.

www.ambitious-outsiders.com

Morrissey thanks Julia Riley in credits...have a look if you don't believe me.

http://www.ambitious-outsiders.com/bestof/thanks.j pg

I thought Morrissey was against the releasing of another compilation by the looks of the thank you's and his favorite albums list it seems like he was in favor of the release.

sad but true at first i was against spending $15 on a c.d but i went out today and purchased the new "best of" to my surprise it is very interesting and i totally liked the way the insert book looks with its has content. I would rate this comp. with a 9 out of 10 the other compilations where just lacking some substance. by the way i went to the wherehouse music stores and the bastards did/t have the c.d in stock shame on them, they are lame anyways

Naturally I bought the new CD today.

There are a couple of slightly alternate
versions. Single edits I guess they're called.
"Now My Heart is Full" and "Tomorrow."

I'd have to say, even though I have everything
on the CD, I like it a lot. It's a first
class "best of." I'm not exactly a huge fan
of "best of" albums as they never actually
contain the best songs. But it's another
Morrissey CD to toss into the CD changer shuffle
now and again.

I absolutely love the pics of Moz throughout
the booklet, most especially the
pics of him laying shirtless coated with sand.
His face looks very interesting in these pics.
I wonder what's on his mind. Just a lazy day
at the beach? Did he get laid? Smoke a doobie?
Hmm.

Fantastic that Moz advertises PETA in the booklet.
And also four of the fan sites, including this one! We could use some new people around here. No offense anyone. Well...

Although I enjoyed the liner
notes, and they're well written and thoughtful, I think the author gets a bit carried
away with the shilling. Well, alright, I do think Morrissey is a genius and the coolest pop singer of our time, so maybe I shouldn't say that. It just sounds a little odd and pretentious to hype Morrissey up as like practically the literary God of our time. I'm not saying it can't be true...I wouldn't know...I just think he's a great singer with words that move me very deeply. I never really viewed it all as such high art. It is strange to think of it that way.
If people are gonna take pop music so super serious like that, well...I won't be signing up for the Morrissey Studies courses. I'll just sing along to the songs.

Then again, I suppose the time is right for
some music critic to finally champion Moz and canonize him. So, thank you.

Nice that "Lost" made it on here. Everyone I play the song for loves it.
NEedless to say there's zero chance a radio station will actually play it, as they conspire against us so....nevertheless, it is one of his best songs and needed to be properly released stateside.

The only question I have is... Did Morrissey hand pick the songs himself, or what was the process?
If he chose them, I guess Your Arsenal is his favorite of his albums. The most disappointing omission to me is "Trouble Loves Me." I'd say "Late Night, MAudlin Street" also, but I knew that wasn't gonna be on here because it's not the sort of song that ever winds up on best ofs.

I know I'm a retard cuz I really just like sitting here looking at the CD and cover and all.
It makes me feel happy. Like this is something that's gonna turn a lot of folks on. It's always nice to take home a new Moz CD, even if it's rehash. Maybe I'll buy more copies and give them out at Xmas. Nah, I've tried that before-didn't go over well.

My one concern: This best of was the only Morrissey album they had at the store. I hope the chain stores don't look at this as the only Morrissey item they need to stock.

Btw, is it my imagination or do the lyrics to "HAirdresser..." keep changing? I thought it was "all along Sloan Square." That's what I sing anyway....

To sum up: You really shouldn't feel it's wrong
to buy this CD. It's only a few dollars. Morrissey wears fancy Gucci these days so he can use the money. Moreover, though, I assure you you will be happy you got it. It's a really nice CD.

LoafingOaf
[email protected]

This is the largest piece of garbage I've ever focused my eyes on. I want to vomit. This proves one nagging theory that's been shoved to the back of my mind for years. Because I admire Morrissey so much, I've said, "It's okay, it's okay." The fact is, Morrissey is nothing more than a fraud. He started out with a scheme(which for the most part has back-fired), and has continued with it up to this very point. He has always been in it for the money and for himself. There are no other reasons. And he's not some literary genius, he has made "whining & pining" a career mingled with shock-value antics. He's a poser. He hasn't an original thought of his own. He's a backstabber, a liar, and a phoney. He doesn't have a record deal because he's greedy and stubborn on top of that fact. All of this finally being looked at by a long-time fan/friend. This is the final straw, the final slap in the face. The final, "Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha". You won't laugh at me anymore. Not like you care, you never did!

Well, I have to say, I was alittle skeptical about purchasing yet another compilation, but all in all I really DO like it. It's a nice peice. I thought I would hate the cover and the design, but it really looks quite good overall. The songs that were chosen were pleasing especially "Lost" and I hope this will draw more loving fans like most of us here (and you know who you are). Congrats to David for being listed on the CD at the top of all the websites...you deserve it!

I must say, one thing I was pissed about was the fact that I had to search high and low for 2 copies of this CD in the Philadelphia area. What is up with the East coast?? Most people don't even know who he is...it's very sad. I did end up finding one copy at Barnes & Noble and one copy at a Borders. I called Tower Records In Philly and they DIDN'T have it...shame on them!

Anyway, good job Moz, I love it! Keep up the brilliant work.
Bravo!
Devon
[email protected]

If you will notice in the "Morrissey would like to thank" section, he doesn't thank the fans. Does this strike anyone as being odd?

Is there anyone who knows Morrissey's bank account number, so I can make a deposit?

This way I don't have to make a tiresome journey to the record store to buy yet another compilation....

By the way, no "ouija board" on the album?

Maybe Mozzer is using it to get in touch with his deceased song writing talent...

Every other year a new greatest hits album.

In the words of the great Morrissey: "Oh, the rythm of life."

Q.

I can see how a lot of people may be turned off by Micheal Bracewell's mini-essay as it reads like something from a scholastic journal. Nevertheless, Bracewell is damn perceptive. If you give his essay half-a-chance and read it carefully, you find that he sets up a compelling argument that specifically outlines how Moz is different from virtually any recording artist you care to name. So clean your glasses & get reading!

I realize its been nearly five years since our beloved Morrissey put out any new material, but lets not be so hasty and judgemental. Lets just stretch out and wait....patiently for his new material! I am certain it'll be worth the wait!

I bought the new compilation yesterday and it does sound very good, with it having being remastared and everything. I am very pleased with it.
Though I must point out, there is a minor mistake with the publication date of Tomorrow. The date on the liner notes reads, 1988 as the publication date and we all know that is not the case. This song originally came in 1992 so therefore it's publication date should be 1992 not 1988. Also, M.M. O'hara is listed as additional voice, but it does not state what track. Lost was never a single here or the UK or anywhere else for that matter. I do so wish these people would get their facts straight before they say anything.

hello!

I like this compilation alot.

I particularly like the colors of the pictures in the jewelbox, and those used on the disc itself. The pink, blue and yellow pastel colors bring me to the 1950's. It is very retro. Even the Rhino Records is a throw back of sorts. Brilliant!

Of course I like the songs selected. Of course I like the comments made by Michael Bracewell. I also like the music recommended by Morrissey that coincidentally appears on Rhino Records. I always find his taste in music and lyricists interesting to say the least.

This is a nice compilation for many reasons and one that looks great in my shelf surrounded by other Morrissey compact discs, well by most of them anyway. Southpaw Grammar stands out for some apparent reason.

How much better a hagiographer Morrissey deserves than Michael Bracewell. Oh well, that's life I guess.

you fake ass fans piss me off first you say how bad it is to release another album then you hypocrites go out and buy the fuckin album excuse my french but it had to be said you obviously have given yourselves to this crap so do yourselves a favor and go buy the new britney spears album.

I'd like to drop my trousers to anonymous!!

My honest opinion on this CD is that Morrissey would never have been a part of it. The artwork selection is horrible. Not only does the cover contain unoriginal press photos taken years ago, the font on the cover lack originality. Another wrong in this compilation is that Rhino went to print with a very pixelized photo of "the band" which looks as if they pulled off of a crappy web page. Tribute to this site however, which received an unoffical honourable mention. What was the absolute worst thing with this compilation, you ask? Well, that would have to be on the last page of the insert which states, and I quote, "know what Morrissey likes? These other fine collections from Rhino, and he suggests you check them out!" A shamely plug for a shameless label.

I suppose you are wondering what I thought of the track selection, after all this is a "Music Review". Who are we kidding? If you can pick a few favorites to slap onto a CD and claim it as best of...then you really don't know a true Morrissey fan at all...we love them all!!!

Is there an interview in the booklet??
And is it long?

the press in belgium most be toasting with champagne this evening. i will not buy this and niether should anyone else. what a joke. does anyone here really believe that this is motivated by anything other than money? do you work hard for your money? do you enjoy giving it over for twenty one songs you surely have in collection already? you do? then more power to you. when HE releases a new album, and he will, i will be in line to buy it that day. he is the master at putting out compilations and the sheep are very adept at sucking them up like starving swine. morrissey is by far the biggest hypocrite for releasing this crap. unless, of course, he was just kidding when he sang on and on about [double-packed with a photograph et al]....or maybe, just maybe......he is in it for the money! ya think???????? if he is, no problem, i can respect that. but he needs to come clean.

Does anyone realise we're soon reaching the point where the Moz "Compilations" are outnumbering the proper "Albums" themselves??

Buy it or don't, just stop your whining!!! God give him a break!! He might not have put out a new album , but he did give us one thing, a huge tour. For those of you that missed the enormous tour well it shows what kind of fan you are!! I mean how many times did he perform alone in Southern California?? We should be lucky, because their are artists out there, who only come out every four or five years and tour, like Madonna.(no dis to the queen)Even if Moz does not put out anymore new material, I will respect and understand him. He will always have a special place in my life and heart. He has given us 20 years, LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!! Just be patient, Underground is already playing his new song. Shhhh!!!

[email protected]

Rare & Unreleased For A Reason

1.My Love Life (live @ KROQ '91)
2.You Must Please Remember
3.Striptease With a Difference
4.Born to Hang
5.November the 2nd
6.Piccadilly Palare (added lyrics version)
7.Oh Phoney
8 Drive in Saturday (live in NY 2000?)
9.The Queen is Dead (live in Claremont Ca '97)
10 Trash (live in 91 Wembley)
11.My Insatiable One (live in 91 colorado)
13.My Name is Mortimer
14.Arcana

c'mon this coulve just been a 2 cd set but mmm cpl $$ woulnt went to other people (bowie suede ny dolls so..?) moz is just a recycler & its sad cause he doesnt seem the type although i understand his reasons for holding out on his new record casue of some inside info (think royalties %, think session time for "the lads', think no label $$ advance with no moz john hancok on paper. lots of $$ invovled for a record that'll prob due no more than maladjusted, whatwas it ?300,000?..etc) The execs are worried for a reason but Morrissey shouldnt be. He'll get his deal. Time & his fans are all on his side...
  to do his best & dont worry....!;)
"...keep theives hours,
with someone like me..."

ive tried virgin / hmv / all the big names and a couple of very reliable independant record shops in the u.k. and none of them can get hold of the new compilation thru import.
if my memory serves me correctly 'burglary yrs' was only available in the u.k. as an import after 6months of its release in america..................
anwsers appreciated..............

I must admit that I was very upset when I heard that the "new" album was going to be a "best of" release. But I now realize that maybe it's just a precursor to new material. What else will draw attention and new fans but a best of album. I also remembered an article I read in an english magazine some months ago where Moz expressed his desire to sign with a record label and put out his new material. I hope that's the case.

Is this album gonna be accompanied by a tour in which Morrissey doesn't play any of his greatest hits?

I can't wait for another 45 minutes of crap B-sides.

I find it strange that Morrissey would completely hate "The Very Best of The Smiths" - put together by the head honchos in Warner, and then go along with this equally souless money-casher. At least he has timed it well with Chrismas, together with Sting, Abba, All Saints, and all the other Best of Crap out there...

I picked up this compilation simply cause I wanted all of the songs on 1 cd.
Even though I was severely disappointed cause I wanted a new album, this compilation did make me feel good.

It has 2 songs I don't personally have (most of you probably do, but I didn't).
They are 'Lost' and 'Do your Best and don't worry'.

When I popped in the cd, and I heard such a lovely voice, all of my disappointment and anger left me. Simply hearing his voice helped me feel better.

So, yes it's a compilation, It has benefits.
And the 2 songs I didn't have before, I really like .

And I think most of it is quite good. M.Bracewell's essay is quite a hoot. perhaps a little too reverent. i was waiting for the comparisons to Bernard Shaw. Do you think he is a Morrissey fan ? : ) Has anyone noticed how good it sounds? Several of the tracks,notably " Sing You Life" have so much more life in them than the earlier CD's. Also a few tracks are slightly longer in their fades. "Tomorrow " is not faded and has no piano at the end ,like the one in the video.

Could someone who bought the new album please type out the printed lyrics for "Lost"? I have never been able to make them out. Thank you.

With the exception of "LOST" what do we have but another World Of...Drag? I mean I was all for "My Early Burglary Years" but then the Viva Hate re-issue, the SuedeHead, the Very Best of... Is Moz behind this? The cute girl at HMV Waterloo came out with the only copy of it and it was 24.99 (CANADIAN) so that's like 14 US or whatever, and I was all puzzled. She said her brother met him and shook his hand. Anyway I don't like the Southpaw photoshoot. He looks so ill, like the introducing Morrissey. Why review a CD when I have every damn song? And then further, why buy it. Morrissey, make it new.

It might be me,,, but why do they have a picture of the old drummer in the sleeve?... i thought spencer was long gone formt he band? I mena the last time Moz was in town which was 2 years ago, i met the drummer and thats not him, plus i heard they had argumets and what not and spencer left the band?... an di belive in the music video for boy racer, the new drummer is in that one. Can someone clear this up for me?? Thank you. !VIVA MOZ!

Okay, guys..how many times are we expected to re-buy the same songs that we already own on various albums and singles?
Granted, this release is great as an introduction to Morrissey for new fans, but why screw all the long time listeners by not adding a single got-to-own-it rarity? Come on, Rhino and Morrissey--give us more of a reason to buy this cd other than a cool booklet and pictures.
How many more "Best Of.." cd's do we really need?
What most fans would *like* to be buying is a NEW ALBUM.
Really, how supportive are we expected to be?
I think adding another "Best Of" release to the catalogue is insulting to all long time Morrissey fans. It seems like Morrissey's put more effort into putting this record out ( and earning some more L.A. pocket money from every fan who buys these songs YET AGAIN for the 2nd or 3rd time ) than securing a record deal and getting on track to putting out something new.
Believe me, I hate criticizing Morrissey. There was a time ( back in the 80's ) that I would've fallen defending his name to every high school jock who had something negative to say about The Smiths. Well folks, I'm older now and I'm a clever swine and I hate seeing the man who helped write the songs that made me cry and the songs that saved my life come up with cheap ways to pay the bills.
The Smiths were about art. From the sleeve to the label on the record. Morrissey seems to be more interested in money than art these days.
Otherwise he'd have said "no thanks, there's already several 'Best' albums out there" to the Rhino deal. I'd be more forgiving if the deal included a recording contract, but no, a nice profitable "Best Of" will do.
Morrissey complained so poignantly about the re-issuing and re-packaging of the same old songs in "Paint A Vulgar Picture"--only now we don't even get the extra track ( tacky badge if we're lucky ). Sure, the song's about a singer that's dead and the record company cashes in on his past, but it's applicable here as well.
Morrissey's not dead ( though some would argue that his career seems to be ); he's alive and well and playing the role of "Paint A Vulgar Picture's" villain.
This is yet another "Best Of" I won't be buying.

The best of Morrissey isn´t still coming to South America , and I{ll buy it soon, but when will the new album comeˇ? and the Moby production on it?.
Answer me

i purchased the "best of" cd, cause im a sucker like most moz fans. whats the deal, morrissey basically says the cd is junk, hates the cover, and sounds bad, but rhino seems to have gone out of thier way to insist morrissey gave his "blessing" and put in thank yous, and cd recommedations. i think theres alot we,as fans, are not being told by both sides. can anybody carify any of this??????????????