Legendary guitarist Johnny Marr is returning to the States in November to promote his sophomore solo album Playland. Released earlier this fall by Warner Music Group, Playland is Marr’s follow-up to last year’s critically acclaimed Top 10 album, The Messenger. The first single, “Easy Money” is a hip-swinging, toe-tapping, super catchy pop number. Rolling Stone said it best when they explained that the song has a “…throbbing bass, funky guitar and a catchy melody to mask lyrics about the downfalls of greed.”
Johnny describes the video for “Easy Money” as, “A ‘high times in low rent England’ kind of thing whereas the song ‘Easy Money’ is more of a ‘low times in high rent England’ kind of thing.” In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Marr explained his thought process behind the album’s first single. “I like the idea of sneaking a serious concern into the mainstream, disguised as a big pop tune.
The riff was so catchy and infectious that I wanted it to be about something that appeared to be trite but was actually quite universal. Money is a preoccupation of everybody, and it took me quite a long time to write something that appeared to be simple. If you were to ask anybody in the City what they’re after, essentially the root of it is money. It’s the age-old thing of people thinking that it will make us happy.’”
It is hard to believe that this is only Marr’s second solo album especially when you look at the career he’s had over the last three decades. Marr formed The Smiths with Morrissey in 1982 and has spent every year since they disbanded in 1987 as a fully-fledged member of at least one band.
From The Pretenders to Modest Mouse, Marr “has always prided himself on being part of the essential weaponry to whichever gang initiates him into their midst.” It wasn’t until the 21st century that he took the role of frontman, founding The Healers in 2000. In the spring of 2010, he joined forces with Hans Zimmer to create the “electronic heavy score” to Christopher Nolan’s Inception. Needless to say, Marr has been more than a little busy since The Smiths.
Enter to win tickets to see Johnny Marr in the city and on the date of your choice from the tour itinerary below AND the brand new Playland on vinyl by leaving a comment citing the track—older or brand new—you’d most like to hear performed live AND the city and date where you’d like to catch the Mr. Marr.
We’ll choose a grand prize winner for a pair of tickets to the show of his or her choice AND the brand new LP. One runner-up will sent Playland on vinyl. Winners will be notified directly via email this Friday, November 7. Tickets to any of the dates below are still available for purchase.
Johnny Marr’s Playland is in stores right now. On vinyl.
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PHOTO: JON SHARD
Johnny Marr Tour Dates:
NOVEMBER 2014
9th – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
10th – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
14th – Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ
15th – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
16th – Paradise – Boston, MA
18th – Upstate Concert Hall – Clifton Park, NY
19th – Corona – Montreal, QC
20th – Danforth – Toronto, ON
22nd – Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH
23rd – St. Andrews – Detroit, MI
25th – Vic Theatre – Chicago, IL
26th – Arvest Bank Theatre – Kansas City, MO
28th – Gothic Theatre – Denver, CO
29th – Belly Up – Aspen, CO
DECEMBER 2014
1st – Top Hat Lounge – Missoula, MT
3rd – Starlite – Edmonton, AB
4th – Republik – Calgary, AB
6th – Sugar Nightclub – Victoria, BC
7th – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
8th – Neumos – Seattle, WA
10th – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
11th – Wow Hall – Eugene, OR
12th – Ace of Spades – Sacramento, CA
16th – Glass House – Pomona, CA – For Tickets Click Here
18th – Belly Up Tavern – Solona Beach, CA
19th – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
20th – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
