Sparks U.S. Tour

Sparks on tour starting tonight in San Francisco.

The remarkable and always wonderful Sparks will be doing their long-awaited U.S. Tour. Starting tonight in San Francisco. Also watch out for their book "In The Words of Sparks... Selected Lyrics." Coming out this Summer.

Sparks Tour Dates

04/09/13 Tue The Chapel San Francisco, CA
04/10/13 Wed The Chapel San Francisco, CA
04/12/13 Fri Coachella Indio, CA
04/16/13 Tue Masonic Lodge At Hollywood Forever Los Angeles, CA
04/17/13 Wed Masonic Lodge At Hollywood Forever Los Angeles, CA
04/19/13 Fri Coachella Indio, CA
04/21/13 Sun Aladdin Theater Portland, OR
04/22/13 Mon Neptune Theatre Seattle, WA
04/24/13 Wed The Trocadero Philadelphia, PA
04/25/13 Thu Highline Ballroom New York, NY

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Morrissey Hollywood High School March 2, 2013 (one song)

I was near the front at this particular show.  When in the end he threw his shirt into the audience, it seemed like the shirt was floating above me or over my head in slow motion.  And then I look ahead of me and I saw a wall of good looking guys looking at the shirt (again in slow motion) and charging towards that shirt.  Sadly, with a shoulder problem, for these youth to get to the shirt as it gently floated to the ground, they had to smash through me.  It was painful.  But a great show nevertheless.

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In The Words of Sparks... Selected Lyrics by Sparks

Coming out in June 2013.  Published by TamTam Books

 Sparks--the long-running duo of Ron and Russell Mael--are among the most respected songwriters of their generation, their songs ranking alongside those of Ray Davies (The Kinks having been a formative influence), George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim. Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, Sparks have issued over 20 albums and scored chart hits with songs such as "This Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us," "Cool Places" and "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Nature." While their musical style has changed dramatically over the course of 40 years--embracing the British Invasion sound of the 60s, glam rock, disco (they teamed up with Giorgio Moroder for 1979's "No. 1 in Heaven") and even techno--their work has consistently stretched the boundaries of pop music and the song form. Sparks continue to break new ground: they are currently working on a project with filmmaker Guy Maddin and are soon to embark on a world tour. Now, for the first time, the Mael brothers have chosen their favorite Sparks lyrics (to some 75 songs), editing and correcting them for presentation in In the Words of Sparks. As James Greer--novelist and former member of Guided by Voices--comments, "Sparks-level wordplay is a gift, and more than that, an inspiration." This book also includes a substantial introduction by fellow Los Angeles resident and longtime fan, Morrissey.

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"Morrissey The Pageant of his Bleeding Heart" by Gavin Hopps

The first academic literary criticism book on the works of Morrissey. And much needed I want to add. There is only a handful of really great songwriters working right now, and without a doubt Morrissey is one of them. And on a genius level as well. So yes, as you can gather I like his work a lot. But the beauty of Morrissey's work is the ability to show a certain amount of cultural history in his work. When you listen or look (I feel pop music is important as a visual medium as well as an aural experience) at Morrissey you are not only getting his music, but also a whole culture of post-war England with a tad touch of Europe as well. Morrissey is a magnet for critical or cultural studies attention, and its nice to see this book focus on that aspect of this musical giant

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"A Light That Never Goes Out: The Enduring Saga of The Smiths" by Tony Fletcher

Over the years i have heard or read all the tales in this book, via mostly British music magazines - but the author Tony Fletcher tells the tale very well. Fletcher interviewed Johnny Marr and their bass player Andy Rourke, but sadly not Morrissey or Mike Joyce. Perhaps they didn't want to dwell in the past again, or maybe due to legal issues still on the table.

Nevertheless The Smiths were a perfect band at a very specific and important time in pop music history. in the land of the 'New Romantics," The Smiths were truly romantic about their upbringing and their home town of Manchester. But not only that, Morrissey via his lyrics and visual sense, captured all the great aspects of 1950's and 1960's British culture. Listening to The Smiths and purchasing and studying the album graphics, one can get an incredible education on artists, books, and film culture from that era.

Also The Smiths are probably the last band that actually had the work load of some band from the 60's. Their existence was very short (little bit over four years) yet they produced four studio albums, one live albums, and many many b-sides and singles. Being a Smiths fan at the time of their existence was a lot of fun - a lot of trips to the record store. Remarkable music, incredible personalities (and Morrissey to this day is a fantastic pop music figure) and this book exposes or conveys the inner-relationships of this band. It could be a tale of any band really, because it is always a family type relationship. It goes sour, because that is the nature of the human beast. Some bands go through drummers like a leaky pipe, but The Smiths seemed to use and lose managers on a regular basis. On one level it was their downfall - career wise, but then there is a special brilliance about this band that didn't use logic. Morrissey is the genius of the moment, and i think for a long time, Marr understood and appreciated that. What's kind of surprising to me is the after-life of Johnny Marr. It seems like he does everything except to be a permanent member of a band. One would think he would start over with another singer or songwriter partner - but he seems to be drifting. But that maybe over due to his future solo album and tour.

For me the best book on Morrissey/Smiths is "Mozipedia" by Simon Goddard, but this is an essential read for the fans, and again, Fletcher is a good skilled journalist, and I think The Smiths breaking up was a good move in the long run. I know there are people who will disagree with me, but I actually like the Solo Morrissey better then The Smiths! And I love The Smiths. Go figure! The book will be out this December in the U.S. and its published by Random House.

Fascinating documentary from The South Bank Show on The Smiths down below from the late 80s.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

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"The History of NME" by Pat Long

And to think it all started with accordion music.  The flame that started the fire that was heard all around the world.  Well Polka is not that far from punk really, but nevertheless New Music Express (NME) started off as a newspaper focusing on the accordion music scene that was happening in the early 1950's  - and of course one has to presume that it lead to the pop music of its era.   And strange enough NME, in 2012, is still with us.  In fact its the second thing i see on the Internet.  First is Dennis Cooper's blog, then NME, after that the Guradian for news.  So you can see what's important in my life!

Pat Long's book on NME is really good, and being designed orientated, this is a  perfectly designed book with respect to its subject.  A lot has happened in Pop music over the years, and its amazing that a press can still exist after so many generations.  And without a doubt NME had or has its dives into the underworld as well as its highs - but as a paper it had some remarkable writers  - to be specifically the wonderful Nick Kent.   The rock n' roll writer who didn't have a guitar to throw around, but his pen was pretty mighty.  

This book by its very nature of its subject matter also has ties to England's pop culture history -and really, this book could have been five or six books.  One on the fifties, one on the sixties and so forth.  But beyond that this is a really good introduction to pop history and more important the presses that were beyond and supported such pop movements.   Buy it for the beauty of it all!

And here's a fantastic documentary on the History of NME.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

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Morrrissey live in Chile 2012

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Morrissey "Suedehead (Mael Mix)"

EMI release today in the UK a limited edition Record Store Day 10" picture disc of "Suedehead (Mael Mix)": Morrissey's classic debut solo single as remixed by Ron and Russell Mael.

"Suedehead (Mael Mix)" is backed with two previously unreleased BBC live tracks: "We'll Let You Know" and "Now My Heart Is Full", recorded at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in February 1995.

A digital download of "Suedehead (Mael Mix)" is available on April 23.

"Suedehead (Mael Mix)" track listing:

"Suedehead (Mael Mix)"
"We'll Let You Know" (live)
"Now My Heart Is Full" (live)

Photo: "Suedehead (Mael Mix)" artwork
View a larger version

I have heard the Mael (Sparks) mix of "Suedehead" and its incredible.  Its very much Sparks as it is Morrissey - it's great.

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Morrissey's "Viva Hate" and "Suedehead (Mael Mix)

I just read the press release from "True To You/ A Morrissey Zine" which is the official Morrissey gateway for information.   I always loved "Viva Hate" but I am very excited about the release of the Sparks' mix of Suedehead.   For those of you who haven't heard the record, its a perfect match with the Sparks wit and sense of play with Morrissey's very emotional song (well to me at least).   Its a great great record.  So read down below and save your yen, pennies, euros, etc. for these releases.  The original site of this information is 

http://true-to-you.net/

EMI Present:

'Viva Hate'
Remastered by Stephen Street
Release date: 26th March 2012

And

Record Store Day Single:

'Suedehead (Mael Mix)'
Remixed by Ron & Russell Mael
Release date: 23rd April 2012

EMI are pleased to announce the release through the classic Liberty label of a remastered version of Morrissey's debut album Viva Hate, and limited edition Record Store Day Ron & Russell Mael remix of his debut single 'Suedehead (Mael Mix)'.

Upon its release in 1988, Viva Hate announced to the world Morrissey's debut as a solo artist with an outstanding collection of songs which included the singles 'Suedehead' and 'Everyday Is Like Sunday'. The album charted at no. 1, having a chart stay of 20 weeks between March and August 1988, vindicating Morrissey in the face of those who doubted his ability to transcend The Smiths.

The album has now been remastered by original producer Stephen Street and the artwork - whose photo was changed for an EMI centenary edition in 1997 - has had the original photo restored. In addition, it features 'Treat Me Like A Human Being', which replaces 'The Ordinary Boys', and a written introduction from Morrissey's long-time confidant Chrissie Hynde.

Previously unseen, stunning photos from Jake Walters and Kevin Cummins adorn the sleeves and booklet. The album will be available on CD and vinyl. The LP version will be a 180g heavyweight, gatefold vinyl, housed in a wide-spine sleeve with a pull-out poster. The CD will be housed in a gatefold, card sleeve.

Following the album's release, on April 23rd EMI will release a limited edition 10-inch picture disc (Kevin Cummins' photo) of 'Suedehead (Mael Mix)', a remix of the song by Ron & Russell Mael, who have taken the track and given it their distinctive, inimitable touch: the perfect alliance between two artists who have great admiration for each other. The single will be b/w two previously unreleased BBC live tracks: 'We'll Let You Know' and 'Now My Heart Is Full', recorded at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in February 1995.

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"Morrissey Shot" by Linder Sterling

I just purchased this book from one of my two favorite used bookstores here in Los Angeles. Alias East! So that's a much deserved plug for that store! But back to our subject matter "Morrissey Shot" (which comes to mind is a very Morrissey like title) is a selection of photographs by Morrissey's consistently close friend Linder Sterling on his "Kill Uncle" tour of 1991. The height of Morrisseydom! 
But as any Morrissey fan knows, there is no low peeks in this man's work. Some songs are better than other songs, some albums are better than other albums - but one has to look at Morrissey's entire career - and that is a magnificent opportunity to see the entire culture of one man's obsession. Which is....Morrissey. 
Which is not a bad obsession at all. I learned a lot of culture by listening to Morrissey's music, but even more important, his visuals. One can't separate his visuals from his music - its essential and equally important. And this book is a must for all Morrissey fans. One because it is obviously approved by him, and two, it has a very nice introduction by Michael Bracewell, who is currently one of my favorite writers out of the UK. But Linder, the photographer, is interesting as well. Music maker, visual artist, and of course photographer. I don't know her work as a photographer, outside the Morrissey portraits. But her collages I do know, and I do know some of her music. 
So the book candidly captures the tour of 1991. From Japan to the U.S. to the U.K. - and what of course strikes one is the relationship between the performer and his audience. It is almost like the audience is part of the Morrissey band. And its fascinating to view the connection between the two. Mozipedia is the essential Morrissey book, but this is a must-have as well.

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