Unauthorised item in the bagging area

Sunday 3 March 2013

Generate!


I got the new Johnny Marr album last week. I'm not sure it's a great album but it has got some really good songs on it, at least half of them being more than a cut above. The guitar playing is the most Smithsian he's done since being in that band and also recalls some of the more guitar led Electronic songs (the majestic Forbidden City say). His voice is fine too, good enough to carry the songs. So, I can recommend it, if you fancy that kind of thing. There's a load of sparkiness to it to suggest the live shows will be great (as long as Ronnie Wood doesn't turn up for How Soon Is Now as he did in London a few days ago. I've also recently realised I missed a secret gig at Night And Day in town last Monday night). So I'm looking forward to the gig at the Ritz later this month. This song has a touch of post-punk and Buzzcocks about it.

Generate! Generate!

Johnny has done a ton of press and promotion for the album. The Guardian's weekly podcast features Johnny talking about his favourite 5 songs he's played on and for good measure, in a Bagging Area two-for-one special, Andrew Weatherall is also there talking to Alexis Petridis about The Asphodells, Fuck Buttons and djing in a foam party in a cowshed. Stream or download here.




'Space and light and order. These are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep.'

Le Corbusier.

2 comments:

Walter said...

What more will we expect from Johnny Marr. Great songs, great guitar and his voice that fits to them. I'm happy to have him back.

Btw - good idea to combine Le Corbusier with Johnny Marr, SA

Echorich said...

I'll admit I'm not convinced by the vocals, but the measured use of guitar great. The coda befor the final verse/chorus is definitely the highlight. I have to listen to it a few more times, but this is a grower.