Morrissey: Years of Refusal - album review

1. Something is squeezing my skull: Uptempo, almost punky, a bit chirpy refrain, Good!
2. Mama lay softly on the riverbed: Sad, angry song about "Mama", who seems to have been driven to "do it" by some moneymen, whose throats Moz will slit. Army march drumbeat. Intense stuff for a pop song. Good and sad. Church piano in the finale.
3. Black Cloud: Another quick number, serious, sad Morrissey, having an Ingmar Bergman-day? Good song!
4. I'm throwing my arms around Paris: Sounds like The Smiths a bit, except for a dominating piano, a little romantic, classic Moz-pop, good one.
5. All you need is me: A Moz rocker, with some distorted guitars. A personal song to someone who has dissed him probably. Very good!
6. When last I spoke to Carol: Strange groove on this one, fast paced, Spanish sounding horns, definitely allright.
7. That's how people grow up: Distorted guitars, cowbell!, some accordion. Very good. Classic Morrissey stuff.
8. One day goodbye will be farewell: Uptempo, very fast drums, medium paced singing in the droned Moz romantic style. Good. Chirpy refrain. Spanish horns!
9. It's not your birthday any more. Starts out really toned down, but grows into the liveliest one so far, with a howling Moz. Joy Division drums. Strange song. Good!
10. You were good in your time: Moz's song titles often crack me up. Like this one. Starts with super slow jazz drums, strings. A ballad. Stops towards the end, with just various radio static going on. Cool.
11. Sorry doesn't help: Another uptempo number. Sorry, Moz, first impression says it's a weak song. (For being a Moz song)
12. Im OK by myself: Uptempo, that slows down for the chorus, Nice one.
All in all a good Morrissey album. It does not contain a "First of the gang to die" hit, but it is surely prime Morrissey, with the usual clever, ironic and fun lyrics.