The Messenger
The Messenger is the big, bright, jangly guitar rock LP that Smiths fans would have killed for in 1994, full of fantastic guitar tones and cavernous choruses. But in 2013, it exists in its own, hermetically sealed context.
Guitarist Johnny Marr has long been heralded as the consummate sideman and collaborator—and a reluctant, if not downright delinquent, bandleader. The shoe fits: After leaving The Smiths in 1987, he’s become one of rock’s most wayward journeyman, popping up on albums by everyone from Talking Heads to Tom Jones, not to…
After playing the proverbial second fiddle for decades, it's nice to finally hear a complete soundscape nearly 100 percent…
Upon leaving the Smiths in 1987, Johnny Marr embarked on a musical walkabout, choosing to collaborate rather than build a career.
ClashMusic: Read an album review of Johnny Marr's first solo album proper 'The Messenger'. Marr was famously the guitarist and songwriter for Indie legends The Smiths alongside Morrissey.
<p>Johnny Marr's second solo album is like a whistlestop tour through his musical career – and will be loved all the better for that, writes <strong>Michael Hann</strong></p>
<p>The guitar legend's first solo album proper edges back towards the vintage jangly sounds – but you can't help imagining it with a certain singer, writes <strong>Dave Simpson</strong></p>
Guitar hero finally delivers his solo debut album, but was the wait worth it? CD review by Bruce Dessau
The solo debut by The Smiths guitar ace is a joyous return to the sound of his greatest triumphs...