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Johnny Marr, curates a playlist of key British groups who have made Great British albums and why these can be lots of different things.

Renowned as the guitarist and co-songwriter of The Smiths, Johnny Marr played a pivotal role in shaping the musical landscape of indie and guitar bands, not only in the 1980s but far beyond. With a distinct style that eschewed clichΓ©s yet remained firmly entrenched in the realm of British guitar pop, Marr's influence reverberated through generations. His musical journey extended beyond The Smiths, as he became an indispensable member of several other iconic British bands, including the Pretenders, The The, Electronic, Kirsty MacColl, and The Cribs, while also carving a successful path as a solo artist.

Marr's fascination with the guitar began at the tender age of five, sparked by a toy in a Manchester shop window, and blossomed into a lifelong obsession. While he ardently followed guitar culture and bands, Marr was selective in his admiration, dismissing the notion of mere virtuosic displays as outdated within the realm of pop music. Instead, he gravitated towards bands that embraced creativity and artistic innovation, particularly those of British origin.

In his beautifully curated four-part playlist series, Marr takes audiences on a captivating journey through the realm of Great British Guitar Bands, spanning from the 1960s to the contemporary era. Focusing on artists who have not only resonated with him but have also left an indelible mark on the music scene, Marr reflects on the enduring legacy and cultural impact of British guitar bands worldwide. Johnny delves into the value of albums and why they are so important for many UK artists.

In this second episode, Johnny takes at a look at why great British albums can be lots of different things, from a collection of pop bangers by the Human League to a triple collection of alternative Clash moments to passionate emotional turmoil from Suede. Johnny also describes how great British electronic music can be "other worldly" and can turn artifice into beauty. Johnny also relates to a number of magical artists that he has worked with including Kirsty MacColl and Gaz from Supergrass. It's another fantastic ride through some of Johnny's most rated British bands, and you even get to hear what he likes to listen to whilst running around a big misty lake in Austria at 7am in the morning!

Radio 2 is celebrating Great British Groups as part of National Album Day, an annual celebration of the album format, which takes place on Saturday 19 October 2024. You can listen to a collection of special programmes by searching 'British Groups' on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds, including Your Ultimate British Group Top 30, Johnny Marr's Great British Groups, The Great British Groups That Broke America, and themed editions of shows such as Pop Top 10s and Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Kitchen Disco.

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1 hour

Last on

Sunday 00:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2

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Music Played

  • The Human League

    Love Action (I Believe In Love)

    • More Greatest Hits Of 80's (Various).
    • Disky.

  • Teenage Fanclub

    Did I Say

    • Sine Direct Signings.

  • Suede

    Heroine

    • Dog Man Star (Remastered).
    • Suede Ltd..
    • 3.

  • Alfa Mist

    Door

    • Sekito.

  • The Clash

    The Magnificent Seven

    • Sony International.

  • Kirsty MacColl

    Free World

    • Virgin.

  • Wire

    On Returning

    • The state51 Conspiracy, Parlophone UKWarner Music UK Ltd.

  • M.I.A.

    Galang

    • XL Recordings.

  • Eugene Reynolds, Jools Holland & Band & Fay Fife

    Editions Of You

  • Primal Scream

    Movin' On Up

    • Dino.

  • Radiohead

    Let Down

    • Parlophone.

  • Magazine

    Because You're Frightened

    • Virgin Records.

Broadcast

  • Sunday 00:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2