The Last Of The Famous International Playboys
"... the lad can do better"


The Last Of The Famous International PlayboysLucky LispMichaels Bones
Released In February 1989

Nay-Sayers:

ENIGMA OF THE WEEK
A hesitant rock pastiche. 'Panic' without the magnetism and the blinding self-confidence. Lyrically it either castigates or canonises the Kray twins, I can't tell which. I would still chain myself to a disused railway lne in Bacup for him, but the lad can do better.
- Stuart Maconie, New Musical Express, 2/4/89


Moz-Speak:

What was it about [the Kray Twins] that fascinated you?
"The level of notoriety that surrounded them -- the level of fame they gained from being unreachably notorious. When you reach that stage, you are admired."
And it doesn't matter what you've done?
"Well, no. The worse the merrier. There's a certain sense of glamour attached to being a notorious media figure... as I obviously know from experience! Some people have such an immense physical and clinical need for fame and attention they'll do almost anything. Of course, if the law was such that we paid no attention whatsoever to mass murderers or great train robbers these people would be less inclined to put themselves out. Unfortunately, do a dirty deed and, hey presto... 'News At Ten'."
Do you find it riveting?
"Do I? No, I don't but the media seem to; they seem to quite enjoy it and they seem to enjoy it more if the attack's been upon women, particularly young women."
The sleeve of the single shows you at six years old -- up a tree. Have you changed much since then?
"Well, I have a new sweater."
What were your hopes and expectations at that age?
"I didn't have any, I knew it was too late. That's why I was climbing that tree."
- Morrissey, Record Mirror, February 11, 1989