Morrissey's “Wrestle with Russell”,
Morrissey’s new studio album “Years of Refusal” will be released on 16th February 2009 on Polydor, preceded by the single “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” one week prior.
The Deluxe edition of the album will feature a DVD with exclusive content including “Wrestle with Russell”, a revealing 20 minute filmed interview with Russell Brand recorded at the comedian’s home in LA in November ’08. The friends talk candidly about music, lyrics, image, fame and hair in a piece that is both serious and highly entertaining. Morrissey’s performances of “That’s How People Grow Up” from Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and “All You Need Is Me” from Later With Jools Holland will also feature, as will the video promo for the single “All You Need Is Me”. iTunes have an exclusive digital booklet for those who purchase the standard album version via their site.
“Years of Refusal” was completed in 2008 at Conway Studios in LA with the late Jerry Finn, producer of Morrissey’s acclaimed 2004 UK No.2 album “You Are The Quarry”. Morrissey describes the new album, the follow up to 2006’s “Ringleader of The Tormentors” (a UK No.1), as his strongest work to date. The 12-track album includes a clutch of new songs played live in recent months including “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris”, “Something Is Squeezing My Skull”, “Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed” and “One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell”. Long time band members Boz Boorer, Jesse Tobias, Matt Walker, and Solomon Walker play on the album, which also features a contribution from Jeff Beck on the track “Black Cloud”.
The “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” single release will be supported by two new songs “Because Of My Poor Education” (CD1) and “Shame Is The Name” (CD2), the latter featuring additional vocals by Chrissie Hynde. A 7” with a live version of “Death of A Disco Dancer” recorded in LA in 2007 on the flipside will also be made available.
As part of his worldwide ‘Tour of Refusal’ kicking off in the US in February, Morrissey will play a sold out UK tour in May including five London dates, taking in the Royal Albert Hall, Brixton o2 Academy and Mile End Troxy Ballroom. Morrissey will be joined on the UK run and select European dates by special guest Doll & The Kicks. EXCLUSIVE RADIO 2 LIVE PERFORMANCE:
Radio 2 will broadcast Live With Morrissey, an exclusive live performance from the Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House on The Radcliffe and Maconie Show on 11th February. bbc.co.uk/radio2/