May 11, 2018
11:50:01am
11:50:01am
Friday's Five Obscurities: Johnny Marr
It would be hard not to be overshadowed by a monolithic personality like Morrissey, but Johnny Marr was the genius behind the music of The Smiths, resuscitating the pop guitar riff. The band was his idea, and he was the one to end it, and since then it seems like he's done just about everything and worked with just about everyone. He spent time with Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders, played guitar for Bryan Ferry's hit single "Kiss and Tell," as well as Beck's "Milk and Honey." That's what I call range. He even created the signature motif for DiCaprio's character in Hans Zimmer's score for Inception. Noel Gallagher, Neil Finn, Eddie Vedder, Kirsty MacColl, even appearing on stage with Chic performing Le Freak. Here are some others:
1. Talking Heads: (Nothing But) Flowers
Marr's melodic guitar is perfect for the shimmer and subtle menace of this gorgeous Talking Heads single.
2. Electronic: Getting Away With It
New Order's Bernard Summer, Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant, and Johnny Marr? That's a supergroup. Marr may not be the most accomplished vocalist of the three, but I like this version, especially for the extended solo at around 3:00.
3. The The: Slow Emotion Replay
One of my favorite bands. Best show I ever saw? It might be Depeche Mode with The The opening. When Johnny Marr joined The The their sound evolved. He said that after The Smiths, being in The The felt like being in a grown-up band. Here he shows his chops on the harmonica.
4. Modest Mouse: Missed the Boat
Not one of my favorite bands. But when they made Marr a member I became a fan out of principle.
5. Johnny Marr: Easy Money
And of course Marr has a number of solo albums, with the next coming out this June. Here he proves he can mug for the camera like any frontman--hardly the quiet guy playing guitar in the back while Morrissey struck poses.
Past Friday Fives:
1. Talking Heads: (Nothing But) Flowers
Marr's melodic guitar is perfect for the shimmer and subtle menace of this gorgeous Talking Heads single.
2. Electronic: Getting Away With It
New Order's Bernard Summer, Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant, and Johnny Marr? That's a supergroup. Marr may not be the most accomplished vocalist of the three, but I like this version, especially for the extended solo at around 3:00.
3. The The: Slow Emotion Replay
One of my favorite bands. Best show I ever saw? It might be Depeche Mode with The The opening. When Johnny Marr joined The The their sound evolved. He said that after The Smiths, being in The The felt like being in a grown-up band. Here he shows his chops on the harmonica.
4. Modest Mouse: Missed the Boat
Not one of my favorite bands. But when they made Marr a member I became a fan out of principle.
5. Johnny Marr: Easy Money
And of course Marr has a number of solo albums, with the next coming out this June. Here he proves he can mug for the camera like any frontman--hardly the quiet guy playing guitar in the back while Morrissey struck poses.
Past Friday Fives:
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