2015-notes
Autobiography
Notes:
This is Morrissey. You already have an opinion on him, and on the Smiths, if you’re even considering reading this. I loved it…to a point.
This book is 400 pages. The first 100 or so pages are a stunning portrayal of growing up in 1960s Manchester England. The second 100 pages present some interesting meditations on rising from such conditions to fame, love, and recognition. The last 200 pages are little more than a list of grievances–people who insulted Morrissey, people who sued Morrissey, people who ignored Morrissey, people who owe Morrissey money. It got so tiresome that I almost quite reading it. He’s much better when he takes the names out, and writes great music about people who have wronged him.
So, it’s definitely worth reading–in fact, I’d call the first 100 pages one of the best music memoirs I’ve ever read–poetic, intelligent, well-written meditations on poverty, family, friendship, and the horrors of schooling. If that’s enough fuel for you, slog your way through the rest.
