Johnny Marr is without a doubt a legend. As guitarist and co-songwriter of the Smiths, Marr helped take over and mould the world of 80’s indie-rock. Although much less headline-driven than Smiths band-mate Morrissey, Marr’s timidity has still left him popular but in a subjacent, less controversial manner. Having worked with various successful artists over the years and been announced winner of last year’s NME’s Godlike Genius Award, the Manchester man has achieved a lot since his post-Smith’s days.

It is tragically the case, however, that in this day and age if a 50-year-old artist has had big success in his earlier years, more often than not the terms ‘outdated’ or ‘dismally ordinary’ spring to mind. And as much as I’d love to love everything the Ex-Smiths man has done, Playland, regrettably, has left me feeling rather uninspired. It’s by no means a poor album, there’s just not that spark.

Disappointment aside, Marr’s second solo album is definitely a step forward from 2013’s The Messenger. At least this year we are provided with some reminders as to why Marr is who he is, and why he has been such an influential figure in the music world. Lead single ‘Easy Money’ is the epitome of catchy, upbeat indie-rock and sees some of Marr’s lyrical intelligence come to life as he talks about the evils money can lead to. Marr also briefly steps into 2014 as ‘Little King’ and title track ‘Playland’ bring a small touch of psychedelic-rock to the record. Playland undoubtedly has the potential to be regarded as a top of the range indie-rock album, it’s just difficult not to expect more.

If the past 32 years were to be forgotten and only the last couple remembered, Marr could still be deemed a creditable success in the rock’n’roll scene, but Playland was never going to be an epic Morrissey-Marr masterpiece, nor was it ever going to amaze the 2014 sea of Alt-J worshipers. But an album of simple, easy-listening indie-rock is – let’s face it – pretty damn refreshing.

Joey Colley 

photo: gigslutz.co.uk