"Even now in the final hour of my life, I'm falling in love again"
From "Life is a Pigsty"

Since the heady days of the legendary Smiths, Stephen Patrick Morrissey had not always produced work that is consistently rewarding or well-received. There were critics who said that his fans has outgrown his version of teen miserablism and that he was simply been left behind as time advanced. So it certainly came as surprise when, after a seven year hiatus, his last album "You Are The Quarry" was not only well-praised by many critics but also well-loved by his fans (and beyond?), becoming his best ever seller amongst his solo catalogue. It is little wonder then that his followup "Ringleader Of The Tormentors" became highly anticipated. Would the Mozzer continue his rejuvenation and create an even greater impression on the public's consciousness? Or would he revert to his old ways and disappoint his fans with his moaning and complaints?

Fans would, therefore, be mighty pleased to hear that "ROTT" continues much in the vein of "YATQ". In truth, I never saw much difference between "YATQ" and his previous works. It might have been slightly different in form but Morrissey never really changed when it came to subject matters closest to his heart. He was still miserable, droll, angry and desperately looking for love. But in "ROTT", it seems that Morrissey has finally found a resting place for his affections.

"ROTT" opens with the Middle-Eastern tinged "I Will See You in Far-off Places" that, as its style implies, is about conflicts in the Middle-East, especially the Iraq War, with the line "...and if the USA doesn't bomb you, I believe I will see you somewhere safe" particularly telling. Same old, same old then. After all, "YATQ" contained "America Is Not The World".

However, it is the next track, the Ennio Morricone assisted "Dear God Please Help Me" which signals a change in direction for the Mozzer. Majestic and touching, it talks about Morrissey finally finding love in Rome (where most of this album was recorded). While I do find the line "There are explosive kegs between my legs" a little comical, the final verse where Morrissey talks about his heart feeling free (and finding fulfilment) is unusually touching. Dynamite testicles aside, I can't help but feel happy the Master has finally managed to find some happiness and peace after seeking them for ages.

Lead single "You Have Killed Me" is a satisfying song, as is potential followup "The Youngest Was The Most Loved". But the central piece of the album is really the seven minute epic "Life Is A Pigsty". Hmmm. From the sound of the title, Morrissey obviously have not ditched his modus operandi of being insufferably miserable...but then again, he does warn that "it's the same SOS with brand new broken fortunes. I am the same underneath". And gloriously so, I might add. Sung against a background of rain and thunder, Morrissey is in fine form. And the final line about him falling in love again in his final hours, that's unusual optimism expressed by the man.

Unlike what some critics have said about the album, I disagree with their assessment that the strongest material lies in the second half. Not when it contains fillers like "I'll Never Be Anybody's Hero Now" and "On The Streets I Ran". Nor can I agree that this is the Mozzer's heaviest album besides "Southpaw Grammar". Critics seem to have conveniently forgotten the muscular hillbilly rock of "Your Arsenal". But is it the Mozzer's best though? Well, close to it...

Produced by legendary glam-rock producer Tony Visconti, "ROTT" represents another move in the right direction for a man who had seemed mired in mediocrity and self-pity. While Visconti must be credited for the sound of the LP, it is Morrissey himself who has made the biggest change and who must take credit for how good this is. Finding love has probably been the best thing to happen to Morrissey and the album closer "At Last I am Born" is an indicator of Morrissey's new found confidence and dare I say, life.

"It's remarkable what you can learn when you are born"

It's remarkable indeed.

7/10

Batman spun on 9:41 AM.