Sunday, December 3, 2017

Underrated Classic: Morrissey 'Ringleader of the Tormentors'

In the mid-2000s, Morrissey went through a sort of career revival with the release of You are the Quarry in 2004. Two years later, he followed up on his success with Ringleader of the Tormentors. An indie rock opera of sorts as Moz enlisted longtime David Bowie producer Tony Visconti to work with him in Rome, Italy, on the album. The record would become the most personal, lyrically, for the former Smiths singer and the grandest in terms of production thanks to Visconti's vision. When the album arrived in the spring of 2006, it was well received by critics and fans and was propelled by the singles, "You Have Killed Me," "In The Future When All's Well," and "I Just Want to see the Boy Happy."  In the 11 years since, it has fallen off the radar among listeners. As the singer now tours in support of his new record, Low in High School, fans can look back at this as a turning point for the British musician. With a record full of lush philharmonic strings, clear cut themes and stories but also, such a different sound for someone who has been so miserable for a majority of his life.