Play

I've always liked this album, and I like this two-disc re-issue even more. The original album had ten songs from the Melbourne Festival Hall show on September 6th 1980. The CD had the same track-listing plus three tracks recorded at the Russell Club in Manchester on May 3rd 1980. These three tracks, released as b-sides to the 'Sweetheart Contract' E.P., were 'Feed The Enemy', 'Twenty Years Ago' and 'Shot By Both Sides'. Finally, in 2009, the two-disc re-issue was released as 'Play +'. The first disc was the complete Melbourne show, restoring 'Feed The Enemy' and 'Shot By Both Sides' (which were missing from the original album) to their rightful positions. Magazine's line-up on the first disc was slightly different than on the second. Howard Devoto, Barry Adamson and Dave Formula are on vocals, bass and keyboards (respectively), with John Doyle on drums and Robin Simon on guitar. The second disc, recorded at the Manchester Free Trade Hall on July 21st 1978, featured the band who recorded Magazine's first album, 'Real Life'. The line-up was Howard Devoto, Barry Adamson and Dave Formula on vocals, bass and keyboards, with Martin Jackson on drums and John McGeoch on guitar. McGeoch would record two albums and numerous singles with Magazine before going on to play with Siouxsie and the Banshees, Billy Idol's Generation X and, later, Public Image Ltd. with John Lydon. I gave this release four stars rather than five because of the packaging. Very little was done to change the packaging from the original CD release, apart from adding a '+' to the front cover and adding the track-listing of the second disc to the back. The booklet had re-printings of the lyrics to the twelve songs on the first disc, the lyrics already being available on the original studio albums. I would have appreciated some liner notes, considering that the Melbourne show was being released for the first time in its entirety and the fact that the Manchester show was being released for the first time anywhere! I realize that Magazine does have a fairly rich history, but a brief summarization giving these two concerts some sort of context would have been appreciated. Maybe for the next printing?

DISC 1 - Melbourne 1980 concertCompared to the original LP version of the Melbourne concert, this edition has several more tracks, perhaps the complete show. If you already have "Maybe It's Alright To Be Nervous Now", you have all but two tracks of this disc. The Melbourne concert was recorded after the release of "Correct Use of Soap," and has music from the first three albums. However, guitarist John McGeoch left the group before this tour, so this disc features guitar work by Robin Simon (formerly of Ultravox and Neo) instead.DISC 2 - Manchester 1978This concert features the band lineup of the first album, including their original guitar player, John McGeoch, who sounds pretty great on it. For me, this concert is worth the price of buying the CD set alone, because the band has the fire and rawness of a new act with talent and, of course, has more songs from the first album.OVERALLThese are very good recordings and document the original and later sound of the band. For a fan and completist, you have to have this album. It's a small price to pay to hear concerts you may not have been able to attend. If you are new to Magazine, these live recordings will give you a good overview of their key material from the first three albums, but I recommend buying "Real Life" as an entry point.

I purchased this album when it was released new on vinyl many years ago, replaced it a few times, bought the cd...and now this revelation. One whole extra performance of some of their most legendary and rare live recordings. I purchased the dvd, T-shirt and cd of their live reunion in the UK (wish I could have attended) and they sound as bright and fresh as ever.

I admit to not being a huge Magazine fan, though the performances here of many of their better songs serves a useful purpose. The live recording on the first disc is strong, no-nonsense new wave; the older live recording on the second disc featuring the late John McGeoch and Martin Jackson is rougher but still worth a listen. The re-mastered sound on the first disc is an improvement; Devoto's vocals are mixed into the music, instead of standing apart as they did on the vinyl and original CD. The stars are Barry Adamson's bass and Robin Simon's (or John McGeoch's) guitar. The neutrals are John Doyle's (or Marin Jackson's) drums and Dave Formula's keyboards. The wild card is Devoto's vocals and lyrics. He has his fans, but I often find myself tuning him out and concentrating on the music.

Magazine was one of the best bands of that era, too bad more people didn't know about them. I saw them in S.F.and it was the same as this CD---- amazing!!!! Also the guitar playing is absolutely the best and he fits with the band perfectly, regardless if he was new to the group or not. The cool part about Magazine was the way all the instruments worked to create that unique sound.

For a few years in the late 70s and early 80s Magazine recorded some of the most intelligent music of the punk/new wave era. PLAY captures live the best of their first three albums. If you normally shy away from live albums (because they're usually so lame), don't be afraid of this one. This is one of those live albums like Cheap Trick's Live at Budokan or Black Flag's Who's Got the 10 1/2? that shows off how great the band really was and stands as an excellent album in its own right. Magazine fans argue over which of the first three albums are the best (I prefer Secondhand Daylight) - but this classic live album is a great high energy place to start if you're just getting into Magazine. If you're already a fan and don't own this - buy it! And once you've maxed out on Magazine records don't forget Howard Devoto's later work with Luxuria.

Fantastic ! Great to have the whole set. Although a big fan of a John McGeoch, Robin Simon's guitar is massive.The bonus disc featuring an earlier concert excellent as well.Much underrated band, probably one of the best bands to come out of the post punk era.Lucky enough catch them live in 79.

This is one of the best live albums by a post punk band. The first disk is the best and the second disk, whilst not quite so well recorded is still excellent. The sheer range of subject matter and virtuosity of this band remains uplifting and immensely enjoyable. Outstanding group.

Fantastic band. Saw them on reunion and they are still great. I think this is the best album and suggest give it an immediate listen

Had the single cd for years. Glad a got the new version . The 2nd concert is also great. With the bonus of mcgeoch on guitar

Brilliant CD, much better than the original Play LP / CD. Here you get the wole gig in Australia as well as an unreleased gig from the Lesser Free Trade Hall in 1978. Perfect