Greatest Hits packages are always contentious releases. They’re never really for the fans, the inclusion of exclusive new tracks the only reason most would buy them. So, they’re normally a means to introduce a more casual fan to the artists back catalogue. However, if you look at the track listing for the latest Greatest Hits release for Morrissey, you might gain a very warped perspective of his previous work. This fifteen track selection mainly curates tracks from his most recent comeback, focusing on material released on the Attack imprint of Sanctuary.First things first; the new material. Well, it’s all you’d imagine from Morrissey’s more recent material. Slightly over polished rock that thuds along, the only adventurous aspect being Morrissey’s still quick and witty lyrics. However, even these are beginning to sound a little jaded, 'All You Need Is Me' revolves around the rather faceless “There’s so much destruction in the world, but all you can complain about is me”, which sounds like something a sixth former would scribble on a pencil case.The problem lies when this most recent material sits against the more “classic” Morrissey anthems. Every time I hear ‘Everyday is Like Sunday’ I still get the same shiver down my spine, the same tingles of excitement I had when I first heard it. The memories of listening to it as I grew up near a “seaside town they forgot to close down”. ‘Suedehead’s’ perfectly formed guitar riff brings back all age old questions of why doesn’t he get back with Marr? And why has his music become much more macho now? Was there ever a more perfect, and underappreciated, pop song than ‘The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get’? Comparing these with ‘Let Me Kiss You’, ‘Redondo Beach’ and ‘I Have Forgiven Jesus’ is a thankless task, especially if, like me, you’re a huge Morrissey fan. They don’t quite hit the same levels as the older material. Sure, ‘Irish Blood, English Heart’ showed a spite and an energy that had been missing but the very poor lead single from this, ‘That’s How People Grow Up’, sounds worse than anything on the much maligned Southpaw Grammar.As an introduction to Morrissey, you’d be better off going to see him live. If he doesn’t slope off that is. His live shows are still his operating environment, a place, it seems, where he feels at home. All this latest Greatest Hits release serves to prove is that his most recent material is a bit flat and boring. And this is the opinion of a fan that’s seen him countless times over his career. Do yourself a favour, leave this on the shelf of Tesco and go pickup Vauxhall and I instead. Listening to this I can’t help but hear the lines from The Smiths ‘Paint A Vulgar Picture’: Re-issue ! Re-package ! Re-package ! Re-evaluate the songs Double-pack with a photograph Extra Track (and a tacky badge) 55%Links Morrissey [myspace]