SANTA MONICA, CA. (Top40 Charts/ KCRW) - Legendary singer
Morrissey shares some of his favorite songs and chats with KCRW
Music Director Nic Harcourt as a guest DJ on Morning Becomes Eclectic this Friday, August 29 at 11:05 am PDT (on air and streaming at KCRW.com). This is the first time the acclaimed solo artist and former leader of the groundbreaking group The Smiths has appeared on the station. KCRW is
National Public Radio's flagship station for Southern California.
"Sitting down with Morrissey was both daunting and exciting. He is such an interesting person, with strong opinions and immense musical talent. He does not mince words when he dislikes something, but when he talks about music he respects, he is an outspoken fan," said Harcourt.
Morrissey tells Nic he just finished a new album called "Years of Refusal" and discussed his dislike of traveling - he won't fly - but his love of performing.
"Traveling is difficult, but the actual moment when you are on stage with your songs is perfect," said Morrissey.
Morrissey, considered by many to be one of the most influential artists of all time, chose songs from throughout his life, both his early influences and forgotten favorites. He called himself an "early developer" who began collecting singles in the '60s.
"At the time when music happens to you and grabs you and jumps on top of you, you don't realize that it will stay with you forever. You think you'll outgrow everything. But with music, with artists, you actually fall in love. You fall in love with that moment, hearing them. And you fall in love with them," said Morrissey. "You may push these things aside for 10 or 15 years, but you go back to them"
Despite his general distaste for modern music - which he describes as all hype and no substance - his first song choice as Guest DJ was "What Took You So Long," by a new four-piece from Manchester called The Courteeners. Morrissey praised Buzzcocks ability to be intellectual and deliver "hard fast pop music" and calls the New York Dolls "one of the groups that changed everything on the planet." His other picks range from one hit wonder Mr. Bloe to Noel Coward's classic take on the State of England, "There are Bad Times Just Around the Corner."
The Morrissey catalogue in the KCRW music library is vast - with over 18 solo albums, both imports and domestic releases, EPs and LPs - not to mentions tons of The Smiths' records on both CD and vinyl. The Smiths are one of the most important UK bands of all time and Morrissey's trademark voice, theatrical performances and lyrical depth are unparalleled. (As far as personal favorites go, Harcourt loves the cynicism and catchiness of the track "We Hate it When Our Friends Become Successful," off the EP of the same name).
Tune in and hear Morrissey live on Friday, August 29 at 11:05 am PDT or keep an eye out for the session in our archives HERE: https://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb/mb080829morrissey
KCRW-FM, licensed to Santa Monica College, is National Public Radio's flagship station for Southern California. Every week, more than 550,000 listeners tune in to hear the station's eclectic and innovative non-commercial program schedule on air. KCRW.com streams more than 1.5 million hours online every month, and listeners download more than 2 million audio and video podcasts per month.
