Even if you know who Magazine is, do me a favor and just watch the first number, eh? So freakin’ awesome. And newcomers – tell me how many 21st century acts kinda sorta sound like this, inimitable vocals aside.
Howard Devoto is a weird guy. He’s also a genius. And not very consistent in his output; he once took a 10-year hiatus. But I’ve loved every band the Buzzcocks’ co-founder has formed, everything he’s recorded. Devoto’s Jerky Versions Of A Dream is still one of my favorite albums of the 80s.
Watching this, I’m struck with two thoughts – both sad. One, I was definitely born on the wrong side of the pond. Two, 30 years previous, this room would’ve been filled with pogo-ing young people going nuts. I don’t know how such veteran bands can still kick ass when the rooms have such low energy. Middle age sucks. Hard.
