NEW VOODOO/WARNER
Wyndham Wallace
The bad news first: this successor to 2014’s Playland at times lacks deeper lyrical substance; but we turn to Johnny Marr for music, not enlightenment, and fortunately, Call The Comet’s greatest pleasure is in how – with his flamboyant former bandmate wrapping The Smiths’ legacy like soggy chips in rightwing tabloids – Marr seems driven to reclaim their musical past before it’s irreversibly soiled. Consequently, nostalgic flourishes – the Queen Is Dead ferocity of The Tracers and Actor Attractor’s distant echoes of How Soon Is Now – dominate this absorbing collection. Indeed, at times, as on Hi Hello – which is not only brim-full of the jangling guitars that made Marr a hero, but also finds him whooping and moaning like the arch-miserablist himself – it almost feels like revenge. But Call The Comet never depends upon reminders of history. It merely utilises, then transcends them, as proven by the unexpectedly playful, anthemic Bug, or Walk Into The Sea, its naked piano chords and trebly guitar melody swelling into a howling wall of guitars; Marr’s lyrics – eloquently poetic – are recited like he’s The Blue Aeroplanes’ Gerard Langley. Morrissey may be trying to murder The Smiths’ reputation, but Marr hasn’t sounded this alive in years.
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About Long Live Vinyl
Issue 16 of Long Live Vinyl hits the shelves on what would have been Prince's 60th birthday.
Our cover story focuses on the astonishingly prolific decade between 1978-88, when the Purple One released 10 albums that shaped the future of pop. We also round up the 40 essential Prince releases on vinyl that your collection should not be without and profile the cover art that accompanied his remarkable catalogue.
Elsewhere this issue, we speak to The Smiths legend Johnny Marr about how he made his best solo album yet – Call The Comet – in his home city of Manchester, hear how Josh T Pearson raised the bar with his own latest record, and sit down for a chat with post-punk icons Wire. In our packed features section, we find out which record changed everything for former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler and meet famous 4AD artist in residence Vaughan Oliver to talk through his classic designs for the Pixies, The Breeders and Cocteau Twins.
Also this month, we turn the spotlight on a label that's become a Chicago institution with a mind-bogglingly diverse roster – Drag City, Mark Elliott travels to Belfast for his latest cratedigging adventure in The Trip, and we take an in-depth look at the making of Carole King's career highlight, Tapestry.
If all that's not enough, our packed reviews section rounds up new releases and reissues by The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, The Orb, Kamasi Washington, Let's Eat Grandma, Richard Hawley and many more, plus you'll find expert hardware buying and HIFI DIY advice, as well as turntable, speaker and accessory reviews.
Long Live Vinyl is THE magazine for vinyl lovers. Pick up your copy today!