Visiting Alain Whyte’s MySpace page makes you want to dash out some lyrics, grab a microphone and start singing. There, he has posted a half-dozen rock ‘n’ roll tracks that are stereo-ready — except for the absence of vocals. That’s the way the L.A.- based songwriter and producer works, and has for years with his most frequent collaborator, Morrissey.
Whyte, who played in Morrissey’s band for more than a decade and co-wrote more than 80 songs with him (including “Tomorrow,” “Irish Blood, English Heart” and “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful”), had a hand in five tracks on the new album, “Years of Refusal,” which came out today. “Yes, I’m biased,” Whyte says with a laugh, “but overall I think it’s a great album.
“I really think it shows Morrissey’s maturity and diversity and his willingness to set off in new directions. He’s made an effort to venture into new areas he’s never explored, although there’s always going to be an element in his music that’s distinctly him.”
Whyte, one of three collaborators (with Boz Borrer and Jesse Tobias) on the album, wrote some 40 demos of instrumental tunes for Morrissey’s first album in three years, “and he picked the ones that worked for him to write words to,” Whyte says. Since he departed Morrissey’s band in 2004, Whyte has stayed busy as a songwriter for television, as well as working a production capacity with artists such as Deerheart and JoAnna James. He’s also collaborated a bit with Tiger Army.
Does he ever wish, as a writer, he could pen the whole package? “I’ve just always been a better music writer than I am an overall songwriter. … I’m not exactly the world’s greatest lyricist,” he says. “By now, I know my strengths and weaknesses.”
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice piece, Mr Bronson.
I am a huge fans of 50 or so songs that Whyte wrote for Moz from 1992 to 2004 but unfortunately his material on YAR is as tired as Moz’s latest lyrics and vocal melodies. And Jesse and Boz’s contributions on YAR aren’t any better either.
Alain should be right there next to Moz, with Marr for a lifetime achievement award in music. And no, not every song is great on YOR, but here are some highlights:
Mama, Lay softly… Morrissey/Whyte
It’s Not your Bday… Morrissey/Whyte
You Were Good… Morrissey/ Whyte
All You Need… Morrissey/ Tobias
Im throwing… Morrissey/ Boorer
Keep truckin’ Alain we’re with you! Always.
“I am a huge fans…” and “YAR”, yar stupide, mah dare. And I’m sure you are huge. No cares what you think Torr, don’t bother commenting.
I really miss Alain’s live work with Morrissey … he was certaintly the best dressed … a nod to both Billy Fury and Paul Simonon … well played Sir!
Alain’s work on ‘Years of Refusal’ is top notch. ‘Carol’ reminds me of ‘Johnny Remember Me’ – in a good way. Miss you Alain but hope you are happy and well.
I´d love to see Alain again. It´s just so lonely here without you.
Huge fan. It’s was SO nice to hear from Alain and to see him getting some acknowledgement for his amazing contributions to the music world. He is a real talent.
I miss seeing him on stage with Morrissey and hope to actually run into him one day here in LA.