SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 28 -- Legendary singer
Morrissey shares some of his favorite songs and chats with KCRW Music
Director Nic Harcourt as a client DJ on Morning Becomes Eclectic this
Friday, August 29 at 11:05 am PDT (on air and streaming at KCRW.com). This
is the first time the acclaimed solo artist and former leader of the
groundbreaking grouping The Smiths has appeared on the station. KCRW is
National Public Radio's flagship station for Southern California.
"Sitting mastered with Morrissey was both daunting and exciting. He is such
an interesting person, with strong opinions and huge musical gift. He
does non mince actor's line when he dislikes something, but when he negotiation about
music he respects, he is an outspoken fan," said Harcourt.
Morrissey tells Nic he scarcely finished a new album called "Years of
Refusal" and discussed his dislike of traveling -- he won't fly -- but his
love of performing.
"Traveling is unmanageable, but the actual moment when you are on stage
with your songs is perfect," said Morrissey.
Morrissey, considered by many to be one of the most influential artists
of all time, chose songs from throughout his life, both his early
influences and forgotten favorites. He called himself an "early developer"
who began collecting singles in the '60s.
"At the time when music happens to you and grabs you and jumps on top
of you, you don't realize that it will stay with you forever. You think
you'll outgrow everything. But with music, with artists, you actually fall
in love. You fall in love with that present moment, hearing them. And you fall in
love with them," said Morrissey. "You may crowd these things aside for 10 or
15 long time, but you go back to them"
Despite his general aversion for modern music -- which he describes as
all plug and no substance -- his first song selection as Guest DJ was "What
Took You So Long," by a new four-piece from Manchester called The
Courteeners. Morrissey praised Buzzcocks ability to be intellectual and
deliver "hard fast pop music" and calls the New York Dolls "one of the
groups that changed everything on the planet." His other picks range from
one hit wonder Mr. Bloe to Noel Coward's classic contract on the State of
England, "There ar Bad Times Just Around the Corner."
The Morrissey catalogue in the KCRW music library is vast -- with over
18 solo albums, both imports and domestic releases, EPs and LPs -- not to
mentions tons of The Smiths' records on both CD and vinyl group. The Smiths are
nonpareil of the most important UK bands of all time and Morrissey's trademark
voice, theatrical performances and lyrical depth are unique. (As far
as personal favorites go, Harcourt loves the cynicism and catchiness of the
track "We Hate it When Our Friends Become Successful," off the EP of the
same mention).
Tune in and hear Morrissey live on Friday, August 29 at 11:05 am PDT or
keep an eye out for the session in our archives HERE:
http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb/mb080829morrissey
KCRW-FM, licensed to Santa Monica College, is National Public Radio's
flagship station for Southern California. Every week, more than than 550,000
listeners tune in to get word the station's eclectic and innovative
noncommercial program schedule on strain. KCRW.com streams more than 1.5
million hours online every month, and listeners download more than 2
billion audio and video podcasts per month.
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