Amazon.co.uk Review
Ironically, despite a dramatic artistic renaissance, this nine-CD box set charts the boy with the thorn in his side's dwindling singles sales. "My Love Life" was the Mozza's first release following his second solo LP, the profoundly disappointing
Kill Uncle. Scarcely a classic, a balmy meander that features Chrissi Hynde on backing vocals, it was nevertheless his least mortifying moment since 1989's "Last of the Famous International Playboys". Thankfully, 1992 saw a startling return to form, with the Mick Ronson-produced album
Your Arsenal. A frisky glam racket, it contained a trio of wildly oscillating 45s, including the hilariously camp stomper, "You're the One for Me, Fatty". Remarkably, the Whalley Ranger's next album,
Vauxhall and I was even better. His best and most consistent post-Smiths work, the resounding critical acclaim saw Morrissey once again top the UK album chart. Oddly, the LP's success wasn't really reflected by the accompanying singles. "Hold On to Your Friends", the album's wistful second single, limped to No. 47. This was especially galling, as it was backed by a sumptuously crooned version of "Moon River". Sadly, following this creative peak, Stephen Patrick's career nose-dived spectacularly. This is one for Morrissey completists only. --
Chris King