Magazine – Real Life (1978)
[Album 727/1001]
Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
I’m guessing when assembling their fantasy lineup for a music supergroup, most people don’t choose Martin Jackson as their drummer.
Admittedly, prior to this album, I was unfamiliar with his work.
Although he may not unseat Stewart Copeland behind the drum kit in my lineup just yet, Martin’s subtle details really enhanced the 9 tunes here.
Mr. Jackson reminds me a lot of Phil Rhodes (Gin Blossoms), especially with a couple of his delightful details on the opener, Definitive Gaze:
1. Delayed cymbal hits (on the 2nd beat, rather than on the downbeat)
2. Opening the hi-hat towards the end of a song section, to increase the urgency
For me, it’s those sorts of details that take a song or an album from Good to Great.
I suppose having a producer like John Leckie (The Stone Roses, The Bends) probably didn’t hurt either.
And seeing that I was also frequently reminded of Supergrass when listening to Magazine’s debut, if this is indeed the Real Life, life is good!
…..
Verbalize the Positive
Cheers to the years 1977-1983. I used to think that window was a relatively weak era for music.
How wrong I was & how nice it’s been to be proven wrong, repeatedly!
1001albumsin10years 
Only know a little Magazine, but 1977 to 1983 is great. Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, The Jam, Blondie, The Clash, Joy Division/New Order, The Cure.
A formidable list for sure – though surprisingly, even though The Cure is by far my favourite group from that list, I think each of the others had a stronger 77-83. Though The cure from 85-2000, I don’t think many artists can compare!
I don’t quite have a handle on my favourite Cure stuff yet. I’ve been enjoying Wish lately – never checked it out until very recently.
It’s among my favourites – especially Doing the Unstuck, as perfect a track as I’ve heard!
Squeeze. Im really digging them lately.
I scooped a $5 Squeeze LP recently – I’m with you!
This album is one of the greats. 77-83 wasn’t bad I lived it.
I was alive for the last couple of those years!
On the VC list to check out further. Ta.
Every era has it’s gems and gooseberries, doesn’t it?
Fortunately, this would be closer to an era gem!
Speaking of gooseberries, I remember having a white wine years ago (I believe from NZ?) named, “Cat’s Pee on a Gooseberry bush” – despite the unappetizing name, it was surprisingly potable!
Sounds like marketing suicide, but glad it was drinkable Geoff!
I think you should pack it in as a teacher Geoff and become a producer. I mean I make my case here with these 2 points…
1-Delayed cymbal hits (on the 2nd beat, rather than on the downbeat)
2. Opening the hi-hat towards the end of a song section, to increase the urgency
Wowzers Fella your a pro!
Cheers Deke – though I fear I’d overuse those 2 details. It would probably lose its effectiveness if every single song had the delayed cymbals / open hi-hats!
You sound like a seasoned producer with that kind of talk.
John McGeoch was a game-changing guitarist too, this and his work with Siouxsie and the Banshees … Phew!
Good to know – I still have to get to a couple of Siouxsie albums, looking forward to hearing his work there!
I only know a few bits and pieces of Magazine, but liked what I heard. I’ll throw this on the ‘check out’ list.
And that probably sounds like my experience – after 1 album I feel like I’ve only heard a bit of their work, but I certainly liked what I heard!