Review by Doug Cornell

Johnny Marr's pensive chord structure and Morrissey's lyric, "It's time the tail were told / Of how you took a child / And made him old" on the first song on the first Smiths album ignited a legacy that a generation of fans would admire for more than a decade.  A legion of guitarists were inspired by Marr's style, while girls grew into women that followed Morrissey into his successful solo career.  Morrissey seemed to disappear for most of the later 90's and early 21st century, but the release of these two new live concerts more than prove that he is still vital and necessary in this modern era.

Morrissey has always made important statements with his lyrics.  His voice is so important to him, that many times the music wasn't allowed space to evolve and grow.  Maybe that's why Marr left and the Smiths broke up, but the fans at these two concerts know every lyric to these songs, and they don't seem to care about extended instrumental solos.

Live at Earls Court, which was recorded in London in 2004, is not a CD duplicate of the live DVD concert, Who Put the M in Manchester?  In a clever marketing strategy, each recording contains a unique set list that completists will have to own.  Both recordings sound magnificent.  Crowd noise is kept at a minimum, which allows the music to shine loud and clear. 

Favorite Smiths tracks such as "How Soon is Now," "Bigmouth Strikes Again," "There Is a Light that Never Goes Out," "Shoplifters of the World Unite," and "The Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" are complimented by Morrisey's best solo compositions ("I Have Forgiven Jesus," Irish Blood, English Heart") on Live at Earls Court.   You get 18 tracks of solid Morrissey, and even casual fans will enjoy this collection.

Who Put the M in Manchester is also a pleasant endeavor.  Morrissey looks good, and has never sounded better.  His band is excellent, and features some stunning guitar work by Alain Whyte that almost make you forget about Johnny Marr.  Morrissey is the star of the show though, and that means he is singing for 99% of every song.  The band isn't allowed much space to improvise or rock.  It's Morrissey's concert, and he plays it his way.  One must admire his stamina and memory - he rarely takes a breath and is full of energy, as he moves about the stage and really tries to connect with the ticket holders.

The modern music scene was made a better place by Morrissey.  His style still ring true and doesn't sound dated.  These two live recordings are an honest legacy from a man who hasn't given up on his art or his fans.

Track Listings:

Live at Earls Court

Who Put the M in Manchester DVD TRACKLISTING:
 

• First Of The Gang To Die
• Hairdresser On Fire
• Irish Blood, English Heart
• The Headmaster Ritual
• Everyday Is Like Sunday
• I Have Forgiven Jesus
• I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday
• How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel?
• Rubber Ring
• Such A Little Thing Makes Such A Big Difference
• Don't Make Fun Of Daddy's Voice
• The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores
• Let Me Kiss You
• No One Can Hold A Candle To You
• Jack The Ripper
• A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours
• I'm Not Sorry
• Shoplifters Of The World Unite
• There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
   
• DVD EXTRAS
   
• Five Live Performances from Move Festival, Manchester, 2004:
• First Of The Gang To Die
• I Have Forgiven Jesus
• Every Day Is Like Sunday
• There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
• Irish Blood, English Heart
   
• Music Videos:
   
• Irish Blood, English Heart
• First Of The Gang To Die (UK version)
• First Of The Gang To Die (US version)
• I Have Forgiven Jesus