Shot By Both Sides - The Return of Magazine
Post Punk Legends return on Prime Time TV and Gigs
Oct 16, 2009
When Magazine reformed for a series of gigs in February 2009, they were to become the second band in a holy trinity of post punk legends, Gang of Four, Magazine and Public Image Limited to reconvene.
Real Life
The band were formed in 1977 in Manchester when Howard Devoto, singer with the emerging Buzzcocks, left to create a group that had more intellect and musical complexities than many of their punk peers. The song "Shot by Both Sides" was cut, and destined to become a classic single, it was seen by many to be the dawning of the age of post-punk, a more intelligent, complex and erudite musical form than what had gone before.
After an uncomfortable Top of the Pops appearance, the group soon released their first LP, "Real Life." All the trademarks of the bands unique sound became apparent, the brooding ominous bass-lines of Barry Adamson, the paranoid, haunting guitar lines of the late John McGeogh, and the often creepy, melodramatic keyboards and synths of the jazz influenced Dave Formula.
Juxtaposed with Devoto's quirky singing style, their first album soon became a masterpiece of post-punk. Devoto's lyrics touched on spirituality and karma on songs such as "My Tulpa" and "The Light Pours Out of Me", which at the time was innovative and different. The album was produced by John Leckie, who would later produce another landmark Mancunian album, the self titled debut by the Stone Roses.
Martin HannettAfter the less well received ambitious second album "Secondhand Daylight," uber-producer Martin Hannett worked on arguably their best album, "The Correct Use of Soap," having just worked on Joy Division's "Unknown Pleasures." The album was quicker in tempo and had a lighter feel then their previous albums, reflected in the jaunty "Model Worker" which explored themes of working in a totalitarian society or work-place.
Howard Devoto's bookish nature also came to the fore in the best known song from the album "A Song from Under The Floorboards" in which the singer's interpretation of Kafka's "Metamorphisis" is explored. Martin Harnett's trademark subtle echos which makes the album sound as if it was recorded underground and the tight, avant-garde synth leanings of the group ought to have propelled the group to stardom.
Instead the departure of McGeogh and a last below par album meant that the group had to disband. John McGeogh went on to join Siouxie and the Banshees, whilst bassist Barry Adamson had a successful solo career.
Mancunian Reunion
Although the band reformed without the late McGeogh, who passed away in 2004, former Apollo 440 guitarist Noko joined the group to play a series of gigs early in 2009. The gigs were virtual sell-outs and two Manchester shows, which saw Howard Devoto resplendent in white suit, being unsurprisingly popular.
Magazine's cross-over appeal with punk fans and serious musicians was none more so apparent than when they recently performed a show stopping set of "The Correct Use of Soap" at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, following the likes of David Byrne who has also performed at the swanky venue.
Their appearance on the "Later with Jools Holland" programme on the BBC in October confirmed their nationwide appeal, and it only remains to be seen whether Magazine can compose new avant-garde material for today's brand of studious intellects. Today's bands such as Maximo Park and Radiohead owe a lot to Howard Devoto and his group of musical mavericks.
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