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 Falls2 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 |
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) |
Let Me Kiss You (2004) |
You Are The Quarry (2004) |
Irish Blood, English Heart (2004) |
most viewed articles
current edition
John McKay - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Cathode Ray - Interview
Spear Of Destiny - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Chris Wade - Interview
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Shrag - Huw Stephens Session 08.12.10 and Marc Riley Session 21.03.12
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleVinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Garbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Little Simz - Lotus
HAIM - I Quit
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Eddie Chacon - Lay Low
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart