Magazine are a British post-punk/new wave band formed in 1977 by Howard Devoto. They blended punk energy with art-rock and synthesizer textures and released several influential albums between 1978 and 1981.

Founded by Howard Devoto (ex-Buzzcocks) in 1977. Key members included Dave Formula (keyboards), John McGeoch (guitar) and Barry Adamson (bass). Albums of note include Real Life (1978), Secondhand Daylight (1979), The Correct Use of Soap (1980) and Play. (live, 1980). Devoto later worked in projects such as Luxuria; Dave Formula worked with Visage/Midge Ure; John McGeoch later played with Siouxsie and the Banshees; Barry Adamson worked with Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and released solo material.

Magazine are presented in the reviews as a British post-punk/new wave band whose strengths lie in Howard Devoto's lyrics and vocal delivery and in distinctive contributions from Dave Formula (keyboards), John McGeogh (guitar) and Barry Adamson (bass). The Correct Use Of Soap and Real Life are singled out for their depth and arrangements; Play. documents a strong live performance from 1980. Overall the reviews recommend revisiting the band's late-70s/early-80s work.

For:Fans of post-punk and new wave, listeners of late-70s UK music, readers interested in Howard Devoto and synth/art-rock crossover work.

 The correct use of soap - a test of maturity for a band not so often remembered - is actually the ideal musical guide on how to combine Roxy Music, Sparks, the first (very first) solo Eno, and mix them all with the frenzy and nervousness of the British post-punk new wave.

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 Play is a live album recorded in Melbourne in September 1980, featuring about ten excellent songs mainly from their first and third studio albums, enthusiastically applauded by the audience present at the event.

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 Perhaps a little overrated by critics, but certainly too underrated by the public, the Mancunian band Magazine, along with Ultravox!, represent one of the leading groups of the very first British New Wave.

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