Swords-Deluxe Edition

collection time again
I pre-ordered this compilation based on previous releases by Morrissey,that feature B-sides. I think the art work of the cover is not up to his usual standards. Morrissey with gray hair at 50 years old in a blue shirt ugly pose. Yes it is a double CD, with all the trimmings. Yes it will rattle the mantelpiece oddities [if you have any] when played loud. Or conversely soothe you in a bubble bath, when played softly. I purchased the first Rough Trade records Smiths album, simply called "The Smiths" in Edinburgh, Scotland. With "Swords" I plan to end a musical relationship that has lasted two decades. It merely seems like a good departure point. That's all! As a "homage", Morrissey includes a live version of "Drive-In Saturday."[ex-David Bowie rocker] I say homage because Mick Ronson[ex Spider's from Mars guitarist] produced Morrissey's "Your Arsenal" CD;and is now deceased. I admire him for doing so, but it sounds mis-matched and over produced. Other compilations by Morrissey are available; such as "Bona Drag," "Viva Hate," and the HMV [His Masters Voice] singles collection. Any of these earlier works may be more palatable than "Swords", which is all 21st.Century and swings away from "those awful days." Morrissey's voice became deeper as the years passed. Boz & Alains' guitar effects became louder and more irritable. The keyboards move up a notch compared to the "old days." With your purchase of this deluxe version, you will receive a live CD.recorded in Warsaw[Poland]for the digital days.The music drags intermittently, but that's OK...Morrissey does not attempt to sing in Polish! My only "review" is - purchase as much Smiths/Morrissey as you can. It could or should change your life. For it has changed many worldwide. "Swords" alone will turn your head to acknowledge this poetic genius from Manchester, England. Comprehension is the "name of the game" in the world of Morrissey.

That Cover Cracks Me Up, but The Tunes Are Great!
This was a nice surprise to see Morrissey release a NEW album, practically new in its own right! I did not know this was a b-sides CD, from his last 4 albums respectfully, that I have never heard, when i pre-ordered it!? I don't know if these were released as singles or not, but it's nice to have them all here, good to hear another gem after "Years of Refusal", which is one of my favs now from Morrissey, and I've been a fan since "Strageways Here We Come" (last Smiths ablum). "Swords Deluxe Edition" is really worth it...comes as a double CD set with inserts, lyrics, photo insert, 18 b-sides on CD1 and a live Morrissey show on CD2. Great release Moz! The 2 CD's both look like Polydor vinyl records, haha...kinda neat, thought that was cool. The only problem I have with this album, is that I think Morrissey could have picked a different photo shoot for the front cover, but other pics are good i.e. inserts look good. Poor Moz looks like he needs to go to the bathroom really bad on the front cover, LOL! Then again, he has a sense of humor, so maybe he did that purposely? I still give it 5 Stars anyway, of course. Moz never sounded better from Years of Refusal and Swords! Nice Surprise hearing this new cd after seeing him for the first time on the "Years of Refusal Tour" this Summer of 2009! Buy the CD or save a little and buy the MP3's...sounds good either way!