Morrissey

Photograph: Fabio Lovino

Beyond a single new tune purportedly slated to appear on a forthcoming best-of package, Morrissey’s got nothing to promote at the moment; Ringleader of the Tormentors came out more than a year ago. So on his current American tour, the modern master of musical melodrama is doing the postpunk repertory thing, performing hits and obscurities from throughout his highlight-packed catalog. That means old-school solo-album material such as “Everyday Is Like Sunday” and recent gems like “Irish Blood, English Heart,” as well as plenty of Smiths tunes, including “How Soon Is Now?” and “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want.” Morrissey’s band, led by longtime collaborator Boz Boorer, gives the music a tough glam-metal crunch; hold your breath for drummer Matt Walker’s hilarious gong solo.

Opener Kristeenyoung knows about glam-metal crunch too. On The Orphans, a new album she recorded with drummer “Baby” Jeff White and producer Tony Visconti, this local oddball sounds like Tori Amos fronting T. Rex, wailing about mixed-race kids and Kurt Cobain’s pain over remarkably intense soundscapes that refuse to stay in one place for long. The unhinged quality of Young’s work makes for an unlikely fit in Morrissey’s impeccably styled world, but Moz is a huge fan: He recently released a single by Young on his Attack label, and he’s collaborated with her in the studio. He’d hate it if his friend didn’t become successful.