Boomslang (album)

Boomslang
Studio album by Johnny Marr + the Healers
Released	February 4, 2003 (2003-02-04)
Recorded	2000 at Clear, Manchester
Genre	Alternative rock, Indie rock
Length	50:40
Label	Artistdirect/iMusic
Producer	Johnny Marr

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic
Pitchfork Media	(3.7/10)
Rolling Stone

Boomslang is the first, and to date only album by Johnny Marr + the Healers. It was released in 2003 through Artistdirect and iMusic. The band consisted of drummer Zak Starkey and former Kula Shaker bassist Alonza Bevan with Marr handling guitars and lead vocals. The literal definition of the word "boomslang" is "a venomous, tree-dwelling snake... of tropical and southern Africa". The expression "I got boomslang..." in South Africa means to get caught up in something (like a boomslang snake hanging from a tree.) For example, "I was about to leave work when I got boomslang by a customer who needed something, and had to stay late."

The 2001 single "The Last Ride" – and its B-sides "Need It" and "Long Gone" – were included in the track listing. "Bangin' On" was released as a single in 2003 and got to #78 in UK. "Down On the Corner" was also released as a single, promoted by an appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn in February 2003.

Reaction

Boomslang received a mixed critical reaction. Uncut, Billboard and PopMatters gave the album positive reviews, while Q and Mojo published more lukewarm reactions.

In Rolling Stone, Pat Blashill wrote that the album "shimmers with elements of T. Rex and traces of the Stone Roses – it's got all the atmosphere of a great rock record, but not the guts of one".

Track listing

1. "The Last Ride" – 4:28
2. "Caught Up" – 4:27
3. "Down On the Corner" – 4:25
4. "Need It" – 5:47
5. "You Are the Magic" – 7:09
6. "InBetweens" – 3:39
7. "Another Day" – 4:58
8. "Headland" – 1:34
9. "Long Gone" – 4:39
10. "Something to Shout About" – 4:22
11. "Bangin' On" – 5:06

• All tracks written by Johnny Marr except "InBetweens"; written by Zak Starkey, Alonza Bevan, Adam Gray and Johnny Marr.