Integral Vinyl & CDs

Review: Magic, Murder and the Weather', Magazine's fourth studio album and their last before reuniting in 2009, remains an essential touchpoint in post-punk history. Originally released in June 1981 by Virgin, the album showcases the band's signature brittle, cold sound, with a sharp production from Martin Hannett that amplifies its eerie, atmospheric vibe. This new pressing, sourced from the 2000 remastered recordings, comes with a photo inner sleeve that includes an insightful interview with John Doyle. Magazine's enduring appeal as a band for connoisseurs is undeniable, frequently cited by those who appreciate their influential and avant-garde approach to music.

Review: Howard Devoto, the architect of Manchester's punk scene, once claimed that Magazine's albums were crafted to endure, a sentiment that resonates in their latest offering, No Thyself. Serving as a long-awaited successor to Magic, Murder and the Weather, this album marked a triumphant return after three decades when it landed in 2011. With Noko on guitar and John 'Stan' White on bass, the band skillfully revives the dynamic essence of their early work. Tracks like 'Do The Meaning' and 'Holy Dotage' deliver the urgent post-punk energy that defined their classics, while the more ornate pieces like 'The Worst Of Progress' showcase their more experimental influences. Devoto's acerbic and darkly humorous lyrics remain sharp, reflecting on aging and mortality in tracks like 'Hello Mister Curtis', where he addresses Ian Curtis and Kurt Cobain with wry candour. Amidst familiar sounds, standout track 'Physics' introduces a new direction with its tender melodies.

Review: Secondhand Daylight is the second album by Magazine, released in March 1979 through Virgin. The album marks a move towards a more atmospheric post-punk sound, with increased use of keyboards and intricate arrangements, offering a distinct departure from their debut. Pressed using the re-masters from 2000, this edition comes with a photo inner sleeve featuring an interview with Howard Devoto. Magazine's influence can be traced in later artists like Radiohead and Morrissey, cementing their status as one of the most innovative and enduring bands in the post-punk era.

Review: Penguin Cafe Orchestra's debut release offers a unique blend of minimalist classical, folk, and avant-garde influences, with a distinct, whimsical charm. Opening with the iconic 'Penguin Cafe Single,' the track immediately sets the tone with its playful melody and intricate arrangements. 'The Sound of Someone You Love Who's Going Away and It Doesn't Matter' follows with a more reflective mood, its wistful theme evoking a deep sense of longing. The album's blend of simple, yet profound compositions showcases Simon Jeffes' ability to evoke powerful emotions with minimal means. This blue vinyl reissue brings a fresh vibrancy to a seminal album that continues to captivate listeners with its otherworldly sound.