Some iconic bands have a way of finding their way back to making music together. Maybe money helps a little. What seems obvious, though, is that the Smiths' Morrissey and Johnny Marr are never going to create another tune together. The loss of such belongs to the fans.
To make matters worse, Marr has dropped a new single, "Spin," while announcing he will be delivering a new album in October. The record will be his fifth solo affair, and while he still makes good music. jis voice isn't nearly as iconic as Morrissey's. When one hears the new song, the first thought might be, "It's fine." The second may be, "If only Morrissey were the vocalist."
"Spin" even sounds like a slightly more straightforward rock version of a Smiths song. It begins with a bed of Marr's excellent lead guitar, a simple drum rhythm, a bass keeping pace, and a double kick of the snare, eventually followed by an open note, and Marr begins singing.
Johnny Marr's new single aches for a Smiths reuinion with Morrissey
The entire sound is the Smiths, and it's epic. Make no mistake, Johnny Marr's latest tune is terrific, but it would be better had Morrissey been the one on vocals. Marr is a fine singer, but he lacks the nuance of Morrissey, just as nearly every other person to ever hum a tune does.
What Morrissey could have done with the notes on "Spin" is too frustrating to ponder. While Marr and Morrissey can't find a way to rehabilitate whatever relationship they once had, ultimately it is the fans who miss out the most.
One wonders if the entire new album of the guitarist, The Age of Everything, will suggest the same desperate thoughts. "If only the Smiths could make music again -- this music, in fact -- the world would be a better place."
Sadly, that is unlikely to ever be. The world spins on without such a gift, and we must live with what once was.
As far as the new Johnny Marr record, it will be released on October 2 by BMG. One can safely assume it will be a solid purchase and quite good. However, one can safely assume that with Morrissey on vocals, the album would be one that should be listened to for decades to come.
Johnny Marr's The Age of Everything tracklist:
- 1. "Spin"
- 2. "Beyond The Rain"
- 3. "It’s Time"
- 4. "How Come"
- 5. "Ophelia"
- 6. "That Feeling"
- 7. "In And Out Of Love"
- 8. "Just Once More"
- 9. "Fire With Fire"
- 10. "All In A Life"
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