Just how good they are
S. Richmond | Carrboro, NC | 01/30/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a huge magazine fan (if by some small chance you're not, start with the first 3 studio albums)this release caught me by surprise. It was released to zero fanfare and a spotty review here and there. The description was live recording from '78-'80 and the sound was bootleg quality. Fair enough, this sounds like audience recordings and I would consider it good bootleg quality, particularly good if they are audience recordings. But that description does this album no justice and doesn't explain why I like it so much.
The performances on Live & Intermittent are exceptional. Magazine was always a powerhouse band, but they are on fire for these recordings. In my opinion, the songs are much more energetic than those on Play. This is due in part to the presence of John McGeoch (why is this man not more revered?), but McGeoch and Dave Formula in particular play maniacally. Song selection is first rate. This album just cooks from start to finish.
If you are a Magazine fan and want to hear what they sounded like at the height on their powers...just buy this."