The Messenger is the debut solo album by musician Johnny Marr, formerly of the Smiths. It was released on 25 February 2013 in the UK (and made #10 in charts) through Warner Music Artist & Label Services / Warner Bros. Records, and on 26 February in the US through Sire Records.
Reception The Messenger was ranked at number 44 in Mojo's best albums of 2013. The magazine's Jenny Bulley stated that the album showed how adept Marr was at "personality-charged guitar throttle" and "bristles with post-punk urgency as Marr re-examines his Mancunian roots and reaffirms his status as great British guitar hero", highlighting "Upstarts" as the standout track.Jenny Bulley. Mojo. Jan 2014. Issue 242. p. 62.
Track listing
Personnel Johnny Marr – guitars, vocals as well as ARP Omni, drums, bass, keyboards, Memory Moog synthesiser, and producer Nile Marr – soloist Max James – bass Jack Mitchell – drums Sonny Marr – backing vocals Doviak – backing vocals, producer Frank Arkwright – mastering Mat Bancroft – photography Johnathan Elliott – layout Robin Hurley – management Claudius Mittendorfer – mixing Joe Moss – management
Single releases "Upstarts" was released as a single digitally and on 7", with the new B-side "Psychic Beginner".
"New Town Velocity" was later also released as a single digitally and on 7", along with the new B-side "The It-Switch".
Videos were made for both of these singles, as well as the title track.
References