This breezy autobiography of the Smiths co-founder is a great read and a delve into a working class Manchester upbringing in the 60’s and 70’s.
For those of us who grew up at this time in the UK - his story resonates - with the post war rebuilding still in evidence - as a new younger generation discovered guitars and formed bands.
Amazingly Marr was only 23 when the Smiths split in 1986 - and its the maturity in his youth and innovation as a guitar player ,songwriter and performer- that really shines through.
The Smiths are fondly remembered as the most influential band since the Beatles when they emerged onto the scene in 1983 with sparkling guitar driven singles such as “Hand In Glove”.
Post Smiths- Marr was in The The , Electronic (with Joy Division and New Order guitarist Bernard Sumner) , the Pretenders , Modest Mouse - as well as a later career in film soundtracks working with Hans Zimmer.
All these collaborations produced work of innovation and significance.
In fact , it has been his unique approach to guitar that has made him so unique and inspiring to a generation of guitar players.
When you hear a song with Marr playing on it - you instantly recognize his style.
Clean arpeggios abound - playing counter melodies to the main vocal - make for a very full and vibrant sound.
Clean vintage Fender amps with spring reverb abound with a sumptuous array of guitars from the iconic Rickenbacker 330 , Gibson ES355 (purchased by Sire Records founder Seymour Stein) and others.
The anecdotes and chance incidents that led to huge commercial success are all there, navigating the late 1970’s and early 1980’s indie record label world - as well as the chaos and and dissolution of the Smiths.
Its a great read - his guitar style has been described as “the sound of sunshine”.
He is a unique player that has been involved with some of the greatest indie guitar pop albums ever released.
Go check it out as well as his back catalog!
More info here:
https://www.amazon.com/Set-Free-Autobiography-Johnny-Marr/dp/0062438697