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 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