Morrissey - "Bona Drag" CD, Compilation, 1990 (Sire)

I'm one of the few (or not) that feel 'solo' Morrissey is better than The Smiths.  Nothing against the brilliance of Johnny Marr and the other lads in that band, but more of Morrissey becoming a better writer and singer.  "Bona Drag" is a greatest hits album in theory, but also a perfect snapshot of Morrissey's stance and work in 1990, the release of this collection of singles, b-sides, and choice album cuts.  For me, there is not one weak cut here, and on top of that, there are some of my all-time favorite Morrissey songs.  For example:  "Interesting Drug," "The Last of the Famous International Playboys,"  (the magnificent) "Ouija Ouija Board," "Hairdresser on Fire," and "Disappointed."  I would add more but be listing songs is boring to read! 

The great thing about Morrissey is that he's culture.  It's not really about Morrissey (for me), but also the ingredients that he brings to "Morrissey."  For instance the kitchen-sink British literature and films, forgotten music hall artists, gay icons, and so forth.  He's a great curator or someone who likes 'Show & Tell."  He brings his influences out front and exposes them to a wider audience, yet, still keep their mystery and charisma intact.  In that sense, Morrissey is the gift that keeps on giving.  Everything he does is coded within and from the Morrissey world.  I'm sincerely thankful for his presence in my life. 

Also of note, it's interesting that when one brings up the word "Morrissey" to a mixed crowd, one is going to hear strong opinions for and against this provocateur artist.  In a world of crashing bores, it is an accomplishment to have a figure like Morrissey that can still cause a reaction from people's gut, soul, and brain.  Sometimes I feel there is general 'logic, ' but Morrissey operates on his own 'logic,' that is sometimes confusing, frustrating, and weird.  Still, if you go pass that, Morrissey is clearly one of the great British lyricists of our times/era.   He never pleases the listener with something digestible and easy to swallow.   And not every song is a masterpiece; still, he's a remarkable public figure and artist. 

1990 was a peak year for Morrissey.  "Bona Drag" is an excellent record of those times, and he's truly one-of-a-kind figure in modern pop culture.  For those who love him, he will always be around, and if you hate him, at the very least, he's an outlet for one's frustration against the world.  Genius sometimes doesn't play by the rules.  Feel free to criticize the artist that's Morrissey, but understand to do so is very much part of the masterstroke of his genius.  Attention is something that will always be in Morrissey's hands. 

Michael Nyman - "A Zed & Two Noughts" CD, Album, Original Soundtrack Recording, 1988 (That's Entertainment Records)

In the late 1980s, I became devoted to the films made by Peter Greenaway.  I loved his approach to his subject matters which were always questioning the process of nature and science, which leads to human sexuality as well as the structure of culture and politics.  That's a mouthful I know, but Greenaway is nothing else but a Maximalist.  His films are total overkill of images, sound, and thought.  The fun of seeing his films in a public movie theater were the people who walked out during the screening.  I have never been in an audience where so many hated what they were watching.  Even in the lobby after the film, strangers have come up to me to express their displeasure of viewing his works. I imagine being an artist, this is highly complementary to his films.  It's obvious that Greenaway is not for everyone, and nor is the music by Michael Nyman.   One of the great director/composer relationships ever.  Similar to Fellini/Nino Rota or David Lynch with Angelo Badalamenti.  When Nyman left Greenaway, I stopped watching his films. 

I discovered the soundtrack to "A Zed & Two Noughts" at "The Wave" record store (non-existent now) in Roppongi Tokyo.  For whatever reason, Nyman's entire catalog at the time was available at this store.   My first reaction when I heard this soundtrack album as well as seeing the film was that the music was speeded up to a ridiculous level.  After a few minutes in, I grew to love it.  Nyman is one of my favorite contemporary composers.  This particular soundtrack is stunning.   I never heard Harpiscord keyboard played as a speed metal piece or I should say, speed chamber music work.  At the same time his melodies are humingable.   He is also excellent in buildng up tension and then adding a sense of sweetness on top of it that floats in and out of the pace or beat.  Beautifully orchestrated, with layers of textures, and its music that looks back to Baroque chamber music but clearly contemporary in its scope. 

Dirk Bogarde - "Lyrics for Lovers" Vinyl, LP, Album (Decca)

I'm such a Dirk Bogarde fan that I have this album on CD, and the original vinyl mono disc as well.   I remember going to The Last Bookstore's vinyl department, and finding this in the "B" section.  It was a great moment because I have been looking for this specific album on vinyl for years. The right price and of course the right Dirk Bogarde album.  Recorded and released in 1960, this was made between heartthrob teen idol Dirk and dark, decadent Dirk.  One of the great British actors - there is not one bad film with him in it.  That, I know is saying a lot concerning one's filmography - and one I'm sure Dirk had a lot of misgivings about their quality.  Overall he can turn something mediocre into a gem.   And his later films with Visconti and Losey are, of course, complete masterpieces.  Now, this album is... not a masterpiece.  More of an afterthought on Bogarde's career.   I'm imagining that the powers to be insisted on him doing this album of classic pop songs.  He doesn't sing, which is a disappoint, but what he does do is recite the lyrics in a very cinematic manner. 

"Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" starts off Dirk lighting a match and off he goes.  Low volume orchestration backs the recital on all songs.  Dirk does the lyrics in a very hammy conversational tone as if he is talking to you the listener.  For me, it is just a remarkable document of a time when stars had to reach beyond their abilities.  Still, this is very much in all, a Dirk Bogarde performance.  Which is a very good thing indeed.