The album "This is Morrissey", prepared with the active participation of the singer himself, a compilation of solo recordings, is a set that the former The Smiths frontman created shortly before his tour. Even before the premiere of the album (which appeared on July 6) we managed to ask the artist some questions.
Esquire: "This is Morrisey" contains a cover of Lou Reed's song "Sattelite of Love". Why did you choose this artist and this song?
Morrissey: I do not think anyone would need a reason to choose Lou Reed. Fortunately, I have several myself. I saw him live for the first time in 1972. I was 12 years old. I went alone. Are 12-year-olds going to concerts themselves today? He was the strangest person on stage, cruel, scarred and flooded. Lou and I have made friends in recent years and we have worked well together.
Recently 30 years have passed since the premiere of your solo debut, "Viva Hate". What in your opinion, in retrospect, is the strongest side of this album, and what is the weakest?
The first part is better. It is too early (Morrissey talks about the time of the day) to wonder what went wrong in the second part.
What was the collaboration with Vinim Reilli? Do not you think that this guitarist is a bit unappreciated?
Underestimated by whom? I'm sure his mother loves him.
If someone has all your albums, why should he buy "This is Morrisey"?
I look very good on the cover.
Which of your solo albums do you like the most?
Last, "Low In High School". This record is roaring and rage, but my favorite song is a bit shy "In Your Lap". In turn, the only bizarre solo album is "Kill Uncle". It sounded a little bit anemic, flat, and yet it received some positive reviews.
You have recently been criticized for some of your statements, for example those regarding Brexit.Similar controversies accompany Kanye West's statements. What do you think about it, both in terms of music and image?
But most of the country supports Brexit! This is not unusual! People who voted for staying in the EU have lost! I am criticized in England and it really does not matter what I say. If I suddenly spoke against Brexit, I would also be criticized for that. I wonder who will come after me next time.
I do not know what Kanye West is saying - except that African Americans have been slaves of their own free will in the past. I think he just said that, right? I think we are all slaves now! I do not know anyone who can be anyone I want. We are all being tracked and labeled, taxed and prosecuted, we are all subject to laws that no one has agreed with us.
What's your rap attitude at all? A $ AP Rocky said he would like to record a song with you, do you imagine such a collaboration?
I still listen to Public Enemy and have heard many copy artists who are also great. I like the way Public Enemy neglects any affordability.I'm not interested in media stars who immediately win five Grammy Awards as if they were due. This is terrible.