Composition mentioned by the guitarist in an interview presents, in his opinion, a unique interpretation on his part
Responsible for redefining the identity of British independent music, The Smiths released four studio albums, in addition to singles, throughout its five years of existence. Interestingly, however, the song that brings the most pride to Johnny Marr is a B-side — albeit a very popular one.
In a 2016 interview with the magazine Big Issue Norththe guitarist revealed that “How Soon is Now?” is his favorite song by the band. And it has everything to do with the immediacy of the composition in terms of sound.
Marr he said:
It’s because as soon as the guitar comes in, you know what it is. She is unique.”
The musician then explained how an aspiration from his youth reinforces his feelings about the track. He commented:
As a kid, I had the ambition to become good enough to make relatable music in the first five to ten seconds, like you can with ‘The Passenger’from Iggy Popor ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ (Rolling Stones), or any of those classics. ‘How Soon Is Now’ do it.”
The characteristic effect of “How Soon is Now?” was created through in-studio experiments by Johnny Marr and the producer John Porter. After originally recording the instrument, they split the signal between three Fender Twin Reverb guitar amplifiers, each with a different tremolo speed, which the two tried to synchronize by hand. If they made a mistake, they would have to start all over again.
The song was originally released as the B-side of the single “William, It Was Really Nothing”. However, it almost immediately proved more popular on radio.
This prompted the record label Rough Trade to re-release “How Soon Is Now?” as the next work song by Smiths. Unfortunately, the strategy didn’t work and the single only reached 16th position in the English charts. But that didn’t stop it from becoming a classic, to the point of being among the band’s most played songs on Spotify.
Johnny Marr and the disco origins of “How Soon is Now?”
Always sincere about the influence of disco music on his work, Johnny Marr often mention Neil Rodgers as one of his main heroes — to the point of naming his son in honor of the leader of chic.
“How Soon Is Now?” His inspiration came from this genre. In a 2023 interview with Radio X (via website Igor Miranda), Marr told how he was captivated as a young man by a disco hit by Hamilton Bohannonat the level of making you rethink the guitar.
He states:
In the 1970s, at some point, there was this song by this guy called Bohannoncall ‘Disco Stomp’. It was a really silly pop song. My friends were all starting to get interested in more elaborate guitar playing – Deep Purple, Led Zeppelinthose things. And I was quite a guitar aficionado, I must have only been around 12 years old. This song came out and it was so silly, but I kept waiting for it on the radio, I was obsessed. My friends all liked Hendrixwhile I enjoyed it. I thought, ‘that’s what a guitar should do’.”
“Disco Stomp”released by Hamilton Bohannon in 1975, takes its rhythm from the singular sound of Bo Diddley. Years later, Marr discovered about the artist through Rolling Stones.
When I wanted to make a composition centered around just one chord, Johnny decided to apply the lessons taught by these masters. He concluded:
All this because I was an eccentric child who sat in the car on vacation, back and forth, feeling sick but waiting for ‘Everybody does the disco stomp…’ Serious. I was green. That’s how it happened. It’s a creative person thing.”
Success and influence of the Smiths hit
Over the years, the legacy of “How Soon Is Now?” it only grew. In 2010, it was included in the list of Rolling Stone USA with the 100 greatest guitar songs of all time.
About that, Marr was elected the 56th greatest guitarist in history, also by Rolling Stone USAin 2023. The song chosen to represent your contribution to the instrument? “How Soon Is Now?”it is clear.
Collaborated: Pedro Hollanda.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
