New Morrissey album is good to go

In what amounts to a remarkable commentary on the current state of the music industry, Morrissey has been speaking about his latest work, confirming that, while his new studio album, is in fact, "ready", no label has yet been lined up to secure its release.

The formerSmiths singer has had his fair share of unhappiness with labels in the past, but that is hardly sufficient to explain why the follow-up to 2009's Years Of Refusal, though done and dusted, has yet to find a home. One thing is for sure: Morrissey does not want to go the 'own label' route.

"The follow-up to Years Of Refusal is ready and fluttering wildly against the bars," he wrote in a statement on the true-to-you.net fansite. "There is still no record label and the years shuffle like cards. My talents do not lie in DIY."

Morrissey remains one of the most iconic and independent of contemporary artists, standing out as one of the few who was prepared to publicly declare his disdain for the recent 'Royal Wedding'. "I don't think the so-called royal family speak for England now and I don't think England needs them," he said. "I do seriously believe that they are benefit scroungers and nothing else. I don't believe they serve any purpose whatsoever."

Industry observers were baffled by the thought that Morrissey might not secure a release for the record.

"It defies logic," one record company insider told Hot Press. "He has a strong fan base. He is still a big live draw. It may simply be a case of needing to match the artist to the label. Maybe the logical home for someone like Morrissey now is with one of the big indie labels."