4. 'Mexico' - Morrissey is the 'Alternative Sinatra.' Frank could have hit this one out of the park too. So timeless, so retro, so smooth. It feels more like a vintage Technicolor, old style Hollywood film, from 1960 than a song. Think: Rat Pack.
3. 'Teenage Dad on His Estate' - Ordinary Boys grow up and become these guys and with their lives laid out before them they are lucky.
2. 'My Life is a Succession of People Saying Goodbye' - This track just builds and builds on itself like a hurricane gathering speed in the sea with a swirling, whirling, twirling, arresting, enchanting harp-like glissando (a rapid series of ascending and/or descending notes on the musical scale).
1. 'First of The Gang to Die' - Part of the canon of Morrissey's best work which includes 'Suedehead' & 'Everyday is Like Sunday.' It is a song he will be remembered for. Music fits vocal delivery hand in glove. The lyrics are poetry set to a pop song. There is a "Last of the Famous International Playboys" feel to the song and 'First of The Gang' may be just as beautiful. Gleaming guitars, a rousing chorus, that classic croon, and unequivocally Alain Whyte's finest hour. And a top 10 UK hit too!!!
"
Just try getting this song out of your head
S. Major | Portland OR | 07/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The perfect pop song as only Morrissey can deliver, with clever lyrics and an irresistable sing along chorus. The planets aligned for this one folks -- it absolutely shimmers."
Now it's time to meet Hector.
Belligerent Ghoul | USA | 07/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"the tracks in reverse order:4. 'Mexico' - Morrissey is the 'Alternative Sinatra.' Frank could have hit this one out of the park too. So timeless, so retro, so smooth. It feels more like a classy black & white, old style Hollywood film than a song. 3. 'Teenage Dad On His Estate' - Ordinary Boys grow up and become these guys and with their lives laid out before them they are lucky.2. 'My Life is a Succession of People Saying Goodbye' - This track just builds and builds on itself like a hurricane gathering speed in the sea with a swirling, whirling, twirling, arresting, enchanting harp-like glissando (a rapid series of ascending and/or descending notes on the musical scale).1. 'First of The Gang to Die' - is part of the canon of Morrissey's best work which includes 'Suedehead' & 'Everyday is Like Sunday.' It is a song he will be remembered for. The music fits the vocal delivery like hand in glove. The lyrics are poetry set to a pop song. There is a "Last of the Famous International Playboys" feel to the song and 'First of The Gang' may be just as beautiful. Gleaming guitars, a rousing chorus, that classic croon, and unequivocally Alain Whyte's finest hour."
Classic Moz
J. Holmes | 07/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First of the Gang to Die is the kind of song you think of when you think Morrissey. Poetic, a bit gruesome, catchy hooks and a swaggering voice."
FIRST OF THE GANG TO DIE : good! good! good!
J. Holmes | yokohama, japan | 04/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"wow! this is another excellent single from Morrissey's fabulous You Are The Quarry album. "First Of The Gang To Die" rocks with a tremendous melody and a soaring vocal performance that sticks in the head for weeks. it literally jumps right out of the speakers and won't let go! the remaining songs on this single are a far cry from the filler tracks that most record companies stuff onto their singles. these songs are wonderous gems full of charm and passion....it's hard to believe the amount of great b-sides that the You Are The Quarry sessions turned out. these b-sides are so good that it's even more amazing that they didn't make the final cut for the official album! "My Life Is A Succession Of People Saying Goodbye" is a brooding atmospheric number that chimes with a ghostly refrain and a haunting melody....great musical terittory for Morrissey's voice to float all around. "Teenage Dad On His Estate" is a song that, upon first listen, didn't do much for me. but upon each repeated spin, it has burrowed itself deep into my brain and now i love i think it's the standout cuts on here. it has a rolling swagger and a terrific glam rock feel that reminds me of Morrissey's Your Arsenal record. this fine single closes out with the haunting "Mexico," a song that was a live favorite for a few years before ever being released here. a very lovely song with some tasteful guitar work that reminds me of the dusty plains of...well, Mexico. it goes without saying, that if you're a Morrissey fan, then these songs on this single will make you very very pleased. i know that i am."