Magazine - Real Life
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Free Music Notes for Real Life
Free Music Review: Great album - well remastered - mediocre packaging
Hit: 4 Stars
THE NEW REISSUES OVERALL:
SOUND: The mastering job makes a noticeable difference. The mix remains true to the originals, but there's more definition around the edges of each part - resulting in more powerful dynamics and an overall clearer sound. They refrained from maxing out the volume, which also helps with the dynamics.
MUSICAL CONTENT: They did it exactly right. Every non-album studio-recorded a-side and b-side has been slotted onto the ends of the appropriate albums. Previously, you had to buy the four albums, the non-album collection "Scree," and an additional disc to get the original a-side version of "Shot By Both Sides." (There was a great live 3-song b-side on an e.p., which is now only available on "Scree." Some alternate 2002 mixes of "Magic Murder and the Weather" songs are only available on the boxed set, "Maybe It's Right to be Nervous Now." The third disc of that box - the complete Peel Sessions - was released as a stand-alone cd in November, 2008.)
PACKAGING UPSIDE: Magazine had great album covers, but the Virgin cds all printed a diagonal banner across them indicating that they were budget cds. So that has been rectified. Also, the new cds come in clear jewel boxes and have nice artwork adaptations beneath the cds (which also have album-specific graphics on them). Typography on the spines is also specific to the albums and their visual aesthetic.
PACKAGING DOWNSIDE: The Virgin cds did a good job of adapting the back covers of the albums for the jewel box, and only the new "Correct Use of Soap" really tries to do that (poorly). The printing job is okay but not great. The typography on "Soap" and "Magic" is a little wonky, and the background color on "Soap" far more yellow than the original artwork/album. The Virgin cds also included the complete lyrics. The new cds do not have any lyrics. There's no additional graphic content either - photography, single covers, or anything else. Aside from the credits, all you get are mediocre essays that don't tell you much if you're already a Magazine fan.
Free Music Review: Classic Album, Unexceptional Reissue
Hit: 4 Stars
There are some remasters that significantly improve the sound quality over the original CD's release (The Cure, Jesus & Mary Chain); some remasters actually sound worse than the originals (Siouxsie and Depeche Mode's immediately come to mind); and then there are some that are just unremarkable. Don't get me wrong: the Magazine remasters sound fine, the audio quality just isn't a huge leap forward from what was on the original CDs. On top of that, the bonus tracks that are offered are all available elsewhere.
Bottom line: If you're a die-hard Magazine fan, you probably have all the tracks that are on here, and chances are slim you'll notice a difference in sound. If you're new to Magazine and are looking for a good place to start, don't think twice about picking this up.
Free Music Review: Much darker than the Buzzcocks, very original
Hit: 4 Stars
In my view the standout here is "Shot By Both Sides", but that's because it was still co-written by Pete Shelley and might as well be a Buzzcocks song. The album is great though, and while I've not always been the biggest fan of synthesizers the band makes them work. So while this won't be on the top of my favorite albums very soon, it is very easy to see that this is where 80s post punk got it's start.Free Music Review: The Great MAGAZINE!
Hit: 5 Stars
The first Magazine Cd or lp is essential,its also incredible beautifull with the great Howard devoto qand future Bad seed barry Adamson
I saw Magazine Live once A true "beautifull but powerfull punkband
live theyreinded me of Joy division
Check out their next 2 albums too Second hand day light is simply ..incredible
Free Music Review: Influential, haunting, but with a beat
Hit: 5 Stars
Howard DeVoto's post-Buzzcock's venture that combines Ultravox, Tuxedomoon, and Roxy Music (listen to the solo at 2:22 in "Shot by Both Sides" and then listen to Roxy Music's "In Every Dream Home A Heartache"). Incredible, influential album.