Magazine - Magic, Murder and the Weather (1981)

Magic, Murder and the Weather is the fourth studio album by English post-punk band Magazine, and their final album until the band's reformation in 2009. It was released in June 1981 by record label Virgin. One single, "About the Weather", was released from the album.

Unlike on the group's former album "The Correct Use of Soap", the writing credits for "Magic, Murder and the Weather" were not shared equally. The majority of the music was written by keyboardist Dave Formula; only the first three songs of side two of the LP were credited to all five members. Consistent with all Magazine's albums, the lyrics were written by Howard Devoto.

"Magic, Murder and the Weather" was recorded at Trident Studios, London in early 1981, with John Brand recording and engineering and "The Correct Use of Soap" producer Martin Hannett credited for mixing. A producer is not credited. Hannett mixed the album at Strawberry Studios in Stockport, with Chris Nagel assisting.

The classic lineup of the band had ended when guitarist and founding member John McGeoch had departed in mid-1980 to join Siouxsie and the Banshees. Former Ultravox guitarist Robin Simon, who played guitar for Magazine's 1980 world tour, left the group soon after the tour. Replacing him was ex-Amazorblades guitarist and Devoto friend Ben Mandelson. The lineup that recorded the album was as follows: Devoto (vocals and guitar), Barry Adamson (bass), Formula (keyboards), John Doyle (drums) and Mandelson (guitar and violin). Laura Teresa and Ray Shell also contributed backing vocals. Songs like ‘The Great Man’s Secrets’ and ‘The Honeymoon Killers’ demonstrate a newfound emphasis on expansive, widescreen synth work and elaborate rhythms.

"Magazine's final studio album, "Magic, Murder and the Weather", finds Dave Formula's washes of cold, brittle keyboards dominating the bitter and cynical music. Occasionally, Howard Devoto's weary lyrics surface through the icy mix, but it's clear that Devoto and Magazine have both had better days. It's not a graceful way to bow out, but the album has enough strong moments to prevent it from being an embarrassment as well." - allmusic.com

Tracklist:

About The Weather 4:08
So Lucky 4:12
The Honeymoon Killers 3:34
Vigilance 5:15
Come Alive 3:49
The Great Man's Secrets 4:58
This Poison 4:24
Naked Eye 3:30
Suburban Rhonda 3:33
The Garden 2:40

Magazine - Magic, Murder and the Weather (1981)

(320 kbps, cover art included)