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thebobsphere's review against another edition
4.0
Although The Smiths were about quality music-wise (although I still believe that their songs make more sense when taken individually rather than in an album format. The notable exception being the second half of The Queen is Dead – but that’s a debate for another day) things written about them has been rather poor. When lead singer Morrissey released his autobiography, I thought it would put some rumors to rest but it didn’t, if anything he made the band seem more enigmatic. A typical Morrissey move.
Finally guitarist and band founder, Johnny Marr is telling his side of the story and since this is his autobiography there’s a lot about his post Smiths life as well.
If you want dirty gossip about Morrissey and tons of pages dedicated to bad mouthing the band, then this is not the book for you. Marr talks about how he put The Smiths together and the rise to fame and eventual fall out. With the exception of drummer Mike Joyce, Marr treats the band members with respect and still speaks fondly of them. There’s more enthusiasm towards recording and touring, and to be honest I’m glad. At my age I’m tired of reading about how dysfunctional the band was. In reality they had problems and most of them stemmed from the fact that the band never really had a good manager.
After The Smiths split, Marr then writes about his collaborations and new bands, from Paul McCartney to his stint with Modest Mouse and The Cribs, Electronic and The Healers concluding with his team up with Hans Zimmer and his new band. Along the way he then realises his legacy and accepts that The Smiths are a part of that.
Set the Boy Free is not about the develop of a music scene. It’s rather about a person who loves guitars and has a love for music that’s so strong that it can overcome any obstacle. It’s not a boastful book despite the constant name dropping and Marr’s writing style is breezy and fun to read. If you are a fan of Johnny Marr’s guitar style or want an honest insight to The Smiths do read this book. A solid autobiography.
Finally guitarist and band founder, Johnny Marr is telling his side of the story and since this is his autobiography there’s a lot about his post Smiths life as well.
If you want dirty gossip about Morrissey and tons of pages dedicated to bad mouthing the band, then this is not the book for you. Marr talks about how he put The Smiths together and the rise to fame and eventual fall out. With the exception of drummer Mike Joyce, Marr treats the band members with respect and still speaks fondly of them. There’s more enthusiasm towards recording and touring, and to be honest I’m glad. At my age I’m tired of reading about how dysfunctional the band was. In reality they had problems and most of them stemmed from the fact that the band never really had a good manager.
After The Smiths split, Marr then writes about his collaborations and new bands, from Paul McCartney to his stint with Modest Mouse and The Cribs, Electronic and The Healers concluding with his team up with Hans Zimmer and his new band. Along the way he then realises his legacy and accepts that The Smiths are a part of that.
Set the Boy Free is not about the develop of a music scene. It’s rather about a person who loves guitars and has a love for music that’s so strong that it can overcome any obstacle. It’s not a boastful book despite the constant name dropping and Marr’s writing style is breezy and fun to read. If you are a fan of Johnny Marr’s guitar style or want an honest insight to The Smiths do read this book. A solid autobiography.
thecosylibrary's review against another edition
4.0
One of the best autobiographies I've red. It's to the point, doesn't get boring and really shows the passion he's got for creating music. Kudos to Johnny Marr!
categal's review against another edition
4.0
The Smiths meant so much to me as a teen, and it was a real treat to hang out with Johnny Marr on the pages of Set the Boy Free. I of course enjoyed all the guitar talk, but the politics really struck home, check this out:
"As 1979 went on, Britain began to fell the effect of the new conservative government, led by Margaret Thatcher. She had a colossal ego, and her philosophy relied on the very worst aspects of human nature. Her vision, like that of all Conservative governments, was truly cynical in that it relied on fear, greed and indifference toward others..."
Wow, 1979? Sounds like 2017 USA. We need our own Smiths to set us free.
"As 1979 went on, Britain began to fell the effect of the new conservative government, led by Margaret Thatcher. She had a colossal ego, and her philosophy relied on the very worst aspects of human nature. Her vision, like that of all Conservative governments, was truly cynical in that it relied on fear, greed and indifference toward others..."
Wow, 1979? Sounds like 2017 USA. We need our own Smiths to set us free.
amelia555's review against another edition
4.0
If you think of it, Johnny Marr is the embodiment of two teeneage dreams come true. The first being that you can become a rockstar if you really want to, no matter who you are and where you're from, just set your mind of it and work hard (*but you have to actually be good)). And the second being that you can meet the love of your life at 15, and it all works out, and you spend your life together.
(Morrissey is an embodiment of another teenage dream: one day your destiny will just knock on your door, literally. You just wait, you can't ran away from it.)
(Morrissey is an embodiment of another teenage dream: one day your destiny will just knock on your door, literally. You just wait, you can't ran away from it.)
blevins's review against another edition
4.0
Breezy and quick paced autobiography of Mr. Marr, known for his work in The Smiths, The The, Electronic, and other bands. I discovered The Smiths in 1985 and needless to say, I fell love with everything about them. When Marr joined another of my favorite bands from the 1980s--the much different The The, my devotion to him deepened. Not a fan of him joining Modest Mouse though--no one's perfect. Not a fan of them at all. Set the Boy Free flies by as he covers all the main topics. I'd loved even more Morrissey stuff but he gives me some good Matt Johnson stories, so that was evened it out. It's a shame The Smiths lasted as short a time as they did, but for four albums and countless singles, they were a completely unique and magical band.
Maybe the coolest thing about Marr? He's still married to Angie, whom he met when he was 15 and she was 14. The romantic idealist in me loves that to no end.
Maybe the coolest thing about Marr? He's still married to Angie, whom he met when he was 15 and she was 14. The romantic idealist in me loves that to no end.
suricatasazules's review against another edition
4.0
amo que no habla de ni kurt cobain ni de las torres gemelas
lumakip's review against another edition
5.0
Just a fantastic read whether you are a fan of the Smiths of just want to read a great musician's autobiography... he keeps your attention well and has just the right amount of detail to situations... fantastic book mr. Marr
kerryanndunn's review against another edition
4.0
Well, let's just say Johnny Marr is very diplomatic. I feel like he could have shown way more anger than he did in this. Some things I learned from Johnny:
1. Sometimes you meet your one true love as a teenager and it works out for life.
2. The Smiths really just needed a good manager.
3. Liam Gallagher only became famous because he had a cool haircut.
4. Sometimes the personal is political.
5. Music gives life meaning.
6. Drugs are bad.
7. Running is good.
I created a Spotify playlist as I read this book. Any song Johnny mentions got added. You can find it here:
https://open.spotify.com/user/121332760/playlist/43Q1oNV5oCkpp1zolypAzy
1. Sometimes you meet your one true love as a teenager and it works out for life.
2. The Smiths really just needed a good manager.
3. Liam Gallagher only became famous because he had a cool haircut.
4. Sometimes the personal is political.
5. Music gives life meaning.
6. Drugs are bad.
7. Running is good.
I created a Spotify playlist as I read this book. Any song Johnny mentions got added. You can find it here:
https://open.spotify.com/user/121332760/playlist/43Q1oNV5oCkpp1zolypAzy
therightprofile's review against another edition
4.0
Johnny Marr came to fame via the 80s band The Smiths, which is still one of my favourite bands. He's an excellent guitar player, and innovator, fiercely intelligent, passionate about music and an engaging writer too. This memoir goes into detail on how he came up with songs, collaborated with many musicians and championed improving and challenging himself. Real music, comes from the outsiders and nothing good comes when modus operandi is the pursuit of fame, riches and pretence to look cool.