Morrissey - I Am Not a Dog on a Chain

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 5 / 5 / 2020

Label: BMG
Format: CD

intro

Increasingly flawed and overtly self-indulgent latest album from ex-Smiths frontman, Morrissey

Die-hard Morrissey fans will probably love this new album, 'I Am Not a Dog on a Chain'. It is typical Morrissey fare with a fresh twist provided by a strong synth influence plus the highlight of soul star Thelma Houston's fine backing vocals on 'Bobby, Don't You Think They Know?' There were, however, moments listening to the succession of tracks when I felt this was almost a self-parody by Morrissey. The opening number, 'Jim Jim Falls', features the lyric, “If you're going to kill yourself/Then to save face get on with it.” The title track sees Morrissey venting at the media and on Darling, 'I Hug a Pillow', he is saying, “...everything else is in place except physical love.” The album also felt increasingly self-indulgent as it progressed and, at least for me, the eight minute long 'The Secret of Music' was a hard listen. I have huge admiration for all that Morrissey has achieved over so many years. But I just don't feel this new album is one of his finest efforts. Others may well disagree.

Track Listing:-

1 Jim Jim Falls
2 Love Is on Its Way Out
3 Bobby, Don't You Think They Know?
4 I Am Not a Dog on a Chain
5 What Kind of People Live in These Houses?
6 Knockabout World
7 Darling, I Hug a Pillow
8 Once I Saw the River Clean
9 The Truth About Ruth
10 The Secret of Music
11 My Hurling Days Are Done

Band Links:-

http://www.true-to-you.net/
http://www.morrissey-solo.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morrissey
https://www.facebook.com/Morrissey
https://twitter.com/morrisseysolo

Label Links:-

https://www.bmg.com/uk/
https://www.facebook.com/BMGRM
https://twitter.com/BMG
https://www.facebook.com/bmgchrysalisuk
https://twitter.com/bmguk

profiles

Introducing Morrissey (DVD) (2014)

Andy Cassidy is impressed by Morrissey's new live DVD, which compiles together tracks from two nights on his tour to promote 'Vauxhall and I', his 1995 fourth solo album

Autobiography (2013)

live reviews

Capital FM Arena, Nottingham, 13/3/2015

Anthony Strutt watches Morrissey, despite promoting his album from last year ‘World Peace is None of Your Business’ which is now impossible to buy, play an impressive set at the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham on his first UK tour in four years

Wireless Festival, Hyde Park, London, 27/6/2008

MEN Area, Manchester, 22/5/2004

digital downloads

Amazon.co.uk Widgets

soundcloud

reviews

Low in High School (2017)

Welcome return for the Los Angeles-living Manchurian Morrissey as he releases his long awaited new album on BMG almost four years after his last record

World Peace is None of Your Business (2014)

Everyday is Like Sunday (2010)

Revelation (2010)

Something is Squeezing My Skull (2009)

Years of Refusal (2009)

I’m Throwing My Arms around Paris (2009)

All You Need is Me (2008)

That's How People Grow Up (2008)

In The Future When All's Well (2006)

Youngest Was The Most Loved (2006)

Ringleader Of The Tormentors (2006)

You Have Killed Me (2006)