Morrissey

Morrissey’s musical reputation may have been nearly eclipsed by his outspoken criticism of everyone from David Bowie to the British Royal Family, but the aging rocker remains a symbol of alt-pop wistfulness and brooding romanticism. From his jangly crooning with The Smiths to an impressively drawn-out solo career, the Manchester-bred son of Irish-Catholic immigrants has reached an iconic status usually reserved for the dearly departed. With stronger-than-ever vocals and deeply affecting lyrics, 2009’s Years Of Refusal sees Morrissey renewing his cultural relevance with a vitality not seen in more than a decade. He may manage to alienate everyone around him, but it’s this same uninhibited egoism that makes Morrissey such an enduring artistic force.

Updated 11/02/2011