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Excitement builds as we fast approach the due date (Feb 16th, 2009) for Morrissey’s 9th solo studio album, Years of Refusal. Word on the street is he recorded it live, which according to keyboardist Roger Manning, “added a great punk, garage, DIY urgency to the tracks.” I imagine that more raw feel will go great with Morrissey’s already-established near-haunting sound. More word on the street is it looks like it may be one of his best yet. Morrissey himself says it’s “his strongest.” Also, according to journalists from an advance listening party with Morrissey in London at Piccadilly’s Pigalle Club this past December, it’s universally liked.

The photo on the album cover for Years of Refusal is a portrait by Jake Walters. The baby pictured with Morrissey is Sebastien Pesel-Browne, who is the son of Charlie Browne, Morrissey’s Assistant Tour Manager. I’m sure the conversation went something like this: “Hey Charlie, can I borrow your baby a second? Thanks…yeah I’ll be right back. I’m just going to stand awkwardly with him for a minute and get my album cover, then you can have him back. Great. Thanks again.”

Keep an eye out for Sebastien Pesel-Browne and Morrissey playing a venue near you this year.

End Scene,
Dan Tana