The Last of the Famous International Playboys
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| "The Last of the Famous International Playboys" | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Single by Morrissey | ||
| from the album Bona Drag (compilation) | ||
| Released | 11th February 1989 (UK) | |
| Format | 7", 12", CD, cassette | |
| Length | 3:37 | |
| Label | HMV (UK) | |
| Chart positions | ||
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| Morrissey singles chronology | ||
| "Everyday Is Like Sunday" (1988) |
"The Last of the Famous International Playboys" (1989) |
"Interesting Drug" (1989) |
"The Last of the Famous International Playboys" was the third single released by Morrissey. The song was not featured on one of Morrissey's main studio albums, but can be found on the compilation album Bona Drag along with the B-side "Lucky Lisp". The artwork for the single features Morrissey, aged 7, up a tree in Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester - literally a boy at play. The song appears to be about the hero-worship of the Kray twins, London gangsters from the 1960s. It is also notable for featuring his former colleagues in The Smiths; Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce and one time former Smiths rhythm guitarist Craig Gannon who also appear on the b-side, Lucky Lisp.
The song was covered in 1994 by the Bent Backed Tulips, otherwise known as alt-pop band Dramarama. The version was acoustic, sung and played entirely by John Easdale, Dramarama's singer/songwriter. Its release was limited to a 7" vinyl single, and served as the B-side to "Tie Me Down."
Contents |
[edit] Track listings
[edit] 7" vinyl
- "The Last of the Famous International Playboys"
- "Lucky Lisp"
[edit] 12" vinyl, compact disc & cassette
- "The Last of the Famous International Playboys"
- "Lucky Lisp"
- "Michael's Bones"
[edit] Reviews
The NME gave the single a mixed review, with Stuart Maconie saying the track lacked "magnetism and... blinding self-confidence" and finished by saying "I would still chain myself to a disused railway lne in Bacup for him, but the lad can do better"[1]
[edit] Musicans
Morrissey: Voice
Craig Gannon: Guitars
Neil Taylor: Guitars
Andy Rourke: The Bass Guitar
Stephen Street: Keyboards
Mike Joyce: The Drums
[edit] Live Performances
The song was performed live by Morrissey on his 1991 and 1992 tours.
[edit] References
[edit] Release details
| Country | Record label | Format | Catalogue number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | HMV | 7" vinyl | POP1620 | |
| UK | HMV | 12" vinyl | 12POP1620 | |
| UK | HMV | Compact disc | CDPOP1620 | |
| UK | HMV | Cassette | TCPOP1620 |
[edit] Cover versions
Finnish band Russian Love made a cover version of the song on their fifth album, Gala Brutale, released by Zen Garden in 1996.
[edit] Trivia
This track was recently used by comedian Russell Brand on his Live DVD.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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