“Second Hand Daylight” by Magazine - album review

features in: Album Chart of 1979 ● Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s

In the nine months since their debut, departing drummer Martin Jackson had been replaced, and the Manchester five-piece now lined-up: Howard Devoto (vocals), John McGeoch (guitar, saxophone, backing vocals), Barry Adamson (bass, backing vocals), Dave Formula (keyboards) and John Doyle (22, drums). By now camped with the likes of Japan and Ultravox, Formula's moody synthesizers are to the fore, complementing Devoto's provocative and often-disturbing lyrics. Best on side one is the album's sole single, the lively “Rhythm Of Cruelty” about a mean-treating lover, whilst the sinister “Permafrost” has most appeal on side two, ending with the horror-lines of the year: “As the day stops dead, at the place where we're lost, I will drug you and fuck you on the permafrost”. Poptones these ain't.

The Jukebox Rebel
11–Sep–2016

Tracklist

A1	[05:45] Magazine - Feed The Enemy (Howard Trafford, David Tomlinson) New Wave
A2	[03:03] Magazine - Rhythm Of Cruelty (Howard Trafford, John McGeoch, Barry Adamson) New Wave
A3	[04:43] Magazine - Cut-Out Shapes (Howard Trafford) New Wave
A4	[03:34] Magazine - Talk To The Body (Howard Trafford, John McGeoch) New Wave
A5	[05:13] Magazine - I Wanted Your Heart (Howard Trafford, David Tomlinson, Barry Adamson) New Wave
B1	[04:10] Magazine - The Thin Air (Howard Trafford, John McGeoch) Pop Ballad
B2	[06:40] Magazine - Back To Nature (David Tomlinson) Post-Punk
B3	[04:00] Magazine - Believe That I Understand (Howard Trafford, Barry Adamson) Post-Punk
B4	[05:25] Magazine - Permafrost (Howard Trafford) New Wave

ratings by TJR