Does Johnny Marr deliver for Smiths fans?
As someone who grew up in the Manchester area in the 1980s, it would be difficult for me to overstate the cultural significance of the Smiths.
Although they were only together for five years, to northern children like me they not only seemed ubiquitous but all-important – and were revered like no other band. And this reverence only seemed to grow after they’d split, when bands such as the Stone Roses, Blur, Radiohead and Oasis all cited them as a key influence.
The Smiths were arguably the first modern “indie” band – and there’s no question that they changed the course of modern British music.
So I, like millions of others, was excited to hear that the Smiths guitarist and co-songwriter Johnny Marr, after years of playing with bands such as the Pretenders, The The, Modest Mouse, the Cribs and the Pet Shops Boys, was finally set to release his debut album as a solo artist.
And I was relieved to discover that The Messenger, due out on 25 February, is well worth the wait. A masterpiece of angular art rock, it manages to sound close enough to the Smiths to please the band’s many fans whilst also harking back to the sound of a post-punk, pre-Smiths era and, in a particularly clever twist, referencing the many post-Smiths acts who perhaps wouldn’t have found the inspiration to come together if it weren’t for Morrissey, Marr, Joyce and Rourke.
Yesterday I travelled to Manchester to meet Johnny Marr in a break from rehearsals for his upcoming tour – and took him back to the Ritz nightclub, where the Smiths played their first ever gig in 1982.
Here’s what he had to say…
Related posts:
There are 6 comments on this post
Matthew,
Please tell me you didn’t say, “Post-punk, pre-Smiths” when referring to a twentieth rate pop singer.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I have watched so many bad Marr interviews and worse Morrisey ones (I am thinking about Ross’s disasters). But Mr Cain – great work – I have watched but didn’t really get your culture pieces before. Maybe interviewers should reveal a bit more about their tastes and background? I think with culture you can’t help but show personal opinion. I took it that you are a fan and knew all about Marr, his work and the background. Loved it – you asked all the questions I wanted to know answers too and also gave more insight into Marr and the music. Thanks! Looking forward to the album now – and watching your TV pieces with a bit more knowing.
twitter @drgeep
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Sadly, he doesn’t appear to have delivered anything, on any level. His singing is dire, the songs are fairly dull and most surprisingly, his guitar-playing sounds wholly devoid of the inventiveness that he once exuded. To be honest, it has left me feeling quite depressed that such an important figure in Britain’s recent(sparse) musical heritage can re-emerge with such a feeble product. It all seems to confirm the adage ‘Use it or lose it’ when concerned with any form of talent.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Why is everyone ignoring the fact that John Marr had already started his solo career with Johnny Marr and the healers. He was the lead singer and guitarist on that album. Why are there questions about him revealing his voice now?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The first Modern Indie Band were The Buzzcocks when they released the Spiral scratch E.P. before The Damned released their first single New Rose. With reference to the word Indie The Buzzcocks did EVERYTHING themselves. The Damned were helped by Stiff Records as The Smiths were helped by Rough Trade. Yes these label’s are known as Indie labels because they are small compared to the majors, but The Buzzcocks wrote the tunes, paid for the recording, helped with the engineering, paid for the sleeve cover design, and stuck them together themselves. They weren’t signed to any Label at the time. Now that is Indie
P.S. Johnny would agree with me I know, because I know him 
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Why can’t I get the film on my iPhone? As a massive marr fan I need to see this!!!!
Please help!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0