Teenage dad. Music and lyrics just kind of plod along despite the interesting subject matter. Lyrics like “Jensen Interceptor” are the type of specificity that should work well but come off awkward to me... and Moz goes increasingly down this road from here on in. 2.5/5
"Teenage Dad" - I really like this song. 3.75/5. I think it's one of the better b-sides from Quarry. Great lyrics. Solid.
Today’s song is Mexico: I remember listening to recordings of the 2002 tour and enjoying this song. When the studio version emerged, it was a bit of an anti-climax. Morrissey sounds great and it’s still not a bad song, but it’s one of the few productions from this era that doesn’t quite do the job. A lot of the emotion of the live performance has been lost and perhaps a simpler production, with the guitars higher in the mix, would have served the song better. This is another of those songs where Morrissey's contribution outshines all others... 3/5.
Mexico.. Originally the audio for this was on a DVD single which was rather annoying, so I was glad it turned up on the deluxe Quarry cd rerelease.. sadly the song isn’t that great , and one I find hard to have much of a recollection of.. 2/5
"Mexico" Seems to lyrically overlap with "America Is Not The World" a bit, but a good first impression. Pleasant and atmospheric song with some nice chord changes along the way, and a great vocal performance from Morrissey. 3/5.
I remember hearing it on the pre-Quarry tours and it did sound much better live. I actually think it’s a good song (about Kirsty MacColl?) but the studio version feels flat and enervated and much of its potential is thrown away. Still, it is a great performance by Morrissey (again) and a better song than some from this period. 3.5/5
"Mexico" Morrissey, a resident of Los Angeles at the time, in the middle of American media, seemingly taking jabs at the then President from the "Lone Star State", but I do like the song. I really do. It was different and the storytelling and perspective was good. 4.0/5.0
very interesting point about the song potentially also being about Kirsty & her death whilst visiting the country at Moz’s suggestion; I’d never thought of that. Her death was in December 2001, if I recall, so it could fit. without referring back to the song & it’s lyrics, though, I’d always heard it as more of a general song about the unfair hand many Mexicans had been dealt in life & the white (American) mans role in their situation.
Mexico I think I only heard this later as I didn’t bother with DVD singles and I’m pretty glad. It is probably my least favourite Quarry b side, along with the next one we ill discuss. Bit meandering, music not brilliant and even the lyrics are a bit forgettable, unusually. 2.5/5
I think it can be taken both ways. Her death was caused by one of Mexico's richest men, wasn't it? It also actually sounds like the sort of song she could have added backing vocals to.
"Mexico" - Wonderful song. My favorite b-side from Quarry. I'm surprised at the tepid response so far. Oh well. I like the arrangement, lyrics, vocals, performance. Everything is very well done. It should have been on the album in place of one of the weaker tracks, IMO. 4/5.
MEXICO I have a few thoughts on this one First musically, its nice, a little like Lazy Sunbathers, a little like those old Smiths live versions of Stretch out & Wait or the end of Never Had No One Ever. I would have much preferred this to All the Lazy Dykes on the album. It would have made a better late album waltz, and I like the vibrato guitar and the riff. Second lyrically, maybe he didn't want two songs on the LP with some anti US comments, otherwise that's all the press would grab on to, especially in 2004 with the Dixie Chick/Pearl Jam things blown out of proportion. I never thought about the second half being about Kristi Maccoll, but reading it now I think it's spot on. Third - I actually think his US comments the first half of the song are way off. Every spring Mexican farmers burn their old crops before planting new ones, and the smoke travels north and affects air quality in Austin, Houston, Dallas, 500 to 1000 miles away, the haze is thick as clouds, and you can smell the burning. In Big Bend National Park, its normally a bit hazy due to pollution from Mexico settling into the peaks and valleys of the Chinati Mountains. 6 of the top 10 most polluted cities in North America are in Mexico, it ain't American pollution causing all of it, if anything their pollution affects the US more. And hate from the Lone Star State. I mean there's racism anywhere. But my experiences in Houston, central Texas and now living close to the west Texas border, from the late 80s to now, I don't see it. Maybe more in the 50s like a lot of other race issues. But the last few decades, Mexican culture is just a blended part of Texas. I think it's something like 40% of Texas has Mexican blood in their family lines. I've never been comfortable with that line in the song. So anyway, 3 of 5. I like the song a lot more today than I did when it first came out.
Certainly one of the better B-sides from Quarry. The tranquil, Latin music is really nice, and Morrissey's voice is of course fantastic. The line about the "hate from the Lone Star state" is a bit clumsy and unfounded though. Regardless, it's still a solid song and should have been included on Swords. A strong 3.5/5 for "Mexico."
Mexico. First time hearing it. Good song. “For want of my love”. Who else writes lines like that? 4/5.
Mexico - Relaxing atmospheric soundscape that crosses over into boredom. Something about a rich white guy posturing to protect us from rich white guys doesn't sit well with me either. 2 ranking out of 5
I'm not crazy about Mexico. 2/5, first one for a while It's going to need some repeated listening to even have a chance to get over the .500 mark
Today’s song is Don’t Make Fun of Daddy’s Voice: One of the odder entries into the Morrissey oeuvre and all the better for it. Alain’s tune is more impressive than the last several that we have discussed and the production and lead vocal add to the loose energy. It also became a big part of the live shows and it was typical of Morrissey to choose it as the encore of some the arena shows. I was amused, but some people I attended the show with were less than impressed. 3.5/5.
I’ve always loved this track & thought it was a typically bizarre choice of opening song for Morrissey’s appearance on the pyramid stage at Glastonbury back in ‘04/‘05 Sure, it’s not his greatest lyric, but there’s something about the combination of his voice & the music here that just works perfectly. I love the way the track bursts into life with the jabbing keyboards & hammering drums bolstered by duelling chugging/wailing guitars; providing the perfect ground for one of Morrissey's most vaguely idiosyncratic & suggestive lyrics. A solid 4/5 from me