Magic, Murder and the Weather is the fourth and final studio album by English post-punk band Magazine. It was released in 1981, after the departure of the band's founder and principal songwriter Howard Devoto. The album marks a notable shift in the band's sound and lyrics, largely due to the departure of Devoto and keyboardist Dave Formula.
The album contains a mix of post-punk and new wave influence, with a focus on darker, introspective lyrics. Magic, Murder and the Weather failed to chart but still received positive reviews. However, due to poor sales and disagreements within the group, Magazine disbanded shortly after its release. Despite its somewhat troubled history, the album has over the years earned a cult following among fans of the band.
The album's most notable song is "About The Weather," which combines post-punk chords with a pop-tinged melody. Other standout tracks include "So Lucky," "Honeymoon Killers," "Vigilance," and the haunting closer, "The Garden." These songs showcase the diverse range of influences and styles that the band was experimenting with at the time.
Unfortunately, Magic, Murder and the Weather was not a commercial success, leading to a decision to break the band up only a few months after its release. Despite this, the album remains an important piece of the post-punk puzzle and is a testament to the creative risks that Magazine was willing to take.
