“It’s a bit of a shame that records come and go so quickly sometimes. I still believe they can be beautiful things.”
—Johnny Marr
From The Smiths to Modest Mouse and The Cribs, Johnny Marr has made his mark as one of the most celebrated guitarists in the history of contemporary history. But it’s Marr’s turn in the spotlight with the debut of his solo album The Messenger, which will hit stores on Tuesday, February 26, via Warner Bros. Records/Sire Records. Filled with songs and beats reminiscent from his days with The Smiths, Marr’s new record will not leave fans disappointed, and we’ve got your opportunity to win a limited test pressing of The Messenger.
Marr’s ingenious and dynamic talent with the guitar has been evident since the 1980s when he co-founded The Smiths alongside Morrissey. The duo challenged pop conventions with their chart-topping hits during their five year collaboration. Marr continued to morph the face of rock-n-roll as a member in The Pretenders, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse, and The Cribs. Even though his role was principally “the guitar player,” he undeniably led these groups onto center stage with his skill and talent.
From the Q Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award and the Mojo Classic Songwriter Award to the Inspiration Award at the 55th Ivor Novello Awards, Marr has been continuously recognized for his contribution to the development of popular music in the three decades he has been involved in it.
The Messenger provides a new perspective of Marr as it is one of the few albums that feature his vocals since his work with his own band, The Healers. For someone who is known for his immense talent but is usually in the background with his guitar, this album reflects the depth of Marr’s quality as a musician.
Enter for your chance to win a test pressing of The Messenger by listing in the comments below the song that features, in your opinion, the best guitar solo.
A winner with a North American mailing address will be chosen on release day, Tuesday, February 26. If you don’t win, make sure you get your copy of the album and catch him on tour starting in March in the UK and April in the U.S. and Canada.
