After a grueling international touring schedule over the course of three years in support of his first two solo albums, 2013's
The Messenger and 2014's
Playland, former
Smiths guitarist/songwriter (who has become a legendary legendary guitarist/singer/songwriter)
Johnny Marr compiled this 17-track live album mostly from shows at O2 Academy Brixton and his hometown's Manchester Apollo in October 2014. With his steady touring lineup of guitarist/keyboardist
James Doviak, bass player
Iwan Gronow (
the Mutineers,
Haven), and drummer
Jack Mitchell (
Haven,
Bad Lieutenant), he showcases his rhythmic, textured guitar playing and reinforces the fact that he's not a bad vocalist, either, even proving a fine substitute for
Morrissey on their former band's "Bigmouth Strikes Again" (an album highlight), "The Headmaster Ritual," "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," and "How Soon Is Now."
Marr also performs a tune by a different former band,
Electronic's "Getting Away with It," and covers the
Sonny Curtis (er,
the Clash) classic "I Fought the Law." It's a pedal type of show, the guitars are mixed loud and clear, and one just might catch oneself singing along with the crowd on "There Is a Light...." ~ Marcy Donelson