I'm amazed more and more each day by Johnny Marr. Been a die-hard Smiths fan since 2007, so that is saying something.

His playing, just defies logic. I've heard most everything he has done and the first time I hear it I honestly have little idea what he is going to do next, and this holds true to this day. I've heard hundreds of his tracks, but he still throws me for a loop.

I have some cool examples. I have nothing to say about the examples really, other than have a listen and that I love them. All of the links are not of songs, but of Johnny playing the track solo. Any if you've never watched the entirety of these videos, please do. He has sage advice for anybody.

Some Girls Are Bigger than Others

There is a Light...

What Difference Does it Make

Big Mouth Strikes Again

This Charming Man

Anybody else have any thoughts to share on the man?

Really great footage... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPoUB9qBdg4&feature=player_detailpage#t=358s

If he would write some instrumentals or if somehow they could replace Morrissey's voice, I would listen. He's a fine, innovative guitarist. But those vocals just kill it for me.

Ted James
Deep Eddy Records http://www.deepeddy.net
The Nematoads http://www.nematoads.com

deepeddy wrote:

If he would write some instrumentals or if somehow they could replace Morrissey's voice, I would listen. He's a fine, innovative guitarist. But those vocals just kill it for me.

I agree. I like The Smiths, but I can only listen to so much of Morrissey's "vocalizing" before it becomes tiring. Always appreciated Marr's input though, and would love to hear some instrumental work.

Mike

manfromravcon.com

killbabykill34 wrote:

'Oscillate Wildly' was an instrumental Smiths track.

And is awesome!

Huge fan of Marr. He is a very elusive guitar player with a really original voice. Here's a cool What's in my bag video from Amoeba featuring Johnny Marr. By the way I have the Crime and Dissonance CD he talks about and it is amazing!

Ryan
The Secret Samurai Website
The Secret Samurai on Facebook

Last edited: Jun 15, 2012 09:57:35

djangodeadman wrote:

JakeDobner wrote:

I'm amazed more and more each day by Johnny Marr. Been a die-hard Smiths fan since 2007, so that is saying something.

2007? What took you so long, Jake? 1983 in my case

If I came out of the womb with a pompadour and carrying a bouquet of flowers, then I've been a Smiths fan since 1984... still not as good as you...

Ok, please be gentle with me here. This is being presented with complete sincerity. Can you guys educate someone that is ignorant about this kind of music? I'm extremely open minded and have studied many, many, many different varieties of musical genres and traditions, but know absolutely zero about the whole Smiths/Marr and/or "Manchester" sound (is this even the correct term?). I'm open and willing to learn. Exactly what is it about this material that is so appealing? What sets it apart from everything else? Who were the major pioneers? What would be the required listening if you were teaching a Marr/Manchester 101 course? Most importantly, I'm interested in the whys--in other words, rather than just expressing that a particular guitar player is so amazing or has a sound that is ground-breaking, please explain WHY this is considered. Could someone make me a compilation CD that illustrates the best of the best? Really, I want to learn! Cheers!

Insect Surfers
The Tikiyaki Orchestra
The Scimitars
Lords Of Atlantis
Fiberglass Jungle - Surf Radio

JONPAUL wrote:

Ok, please be gentle with me here. This is being presented with complete sincerity. Can you guys educate someone that is ignorant about this kind of music? I'm extremely open minded and have studied many, many, many different varieties of musical genres and traditions, but know absolutely zero about the whole Smiths/Marr and/or "Manchester" sound (is this even the correct term?). I'm open and willing to learn. Exactly what is it about this material that is so appealing? What sets it apart from everything else? Who were the major pioneers? What would be the required listening if you were teaching a Marr/Manchester 101 course? Most importantly, I'm interested in the whys--in other words, rather than just expressing that a particular guitar player is so amazing or has a sound that is ground-breaking, please explain WHY this is considered. Could someone make me a compilation CD that illustrates the best of the best? Really, I want to learn! Cheers!

While this is actually a youtube video of someone else playing the guitar part, perhaps this jangly part will give you an idea why Johnny Marr receives so many accolades. As far as the 'manchester sound' goes, I honestly would debate there really wasn't one, as I really don't believe there were many musical threads holding the bands of that era together outside of their shared geography.

THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary.

www.thekbk.com
http://www.deepeddy.net/artists/thekbk/
www.reverbnation.com/thekbk
www.facebook.com/thekbkal

I LOVE The Smiths. Ever since I was exposed to it, back in the late 80s when I was in Junior High, I have had Smith tapes/CDs in my regular rotation. Their Self Titled album is one of my fave albums of all time. I like Morrissey's solo stuff too, but the magic (in my opinion) was all in the Smiths years.

Johnny definitely comes at you from many different angles. I've been listening to the Smiths for decades now, and I still hear new things from time to time.

Thanks for posting that WHATS IN MY BAG video, Ryan. That's cool that he picked up a Bonobo CD. Bonobo is excellent, and I highly recommend to anyone who likes the down tempo electronic stuff. That Huxley documentary looks really interesting too. Viva le Amoeba!