i think you are being too analytical, Zen... Magazine were just 5 young blokes writing, recording & performing songs... quite a lot of people were affected by their output and their songs seem to possess a timeless quality judging by the comments on this site.... and... you seem to have overlooked their humour... Magazine are one band that never fail to bring a smile to my face...so where's the harm in that? who says they wanted to change the face of rock 'n' roll?

Fair comment Flux...However, good, even 'great' art, be it 'popular' or 'high' (horrible categorisation) should stand up to scrutiny and analysis. Maybe, such an analysis of Magazine would show that they do stand up to such analysis and reveal even greater depths to their creative output...or are we all just too lazy in our listening habits ? (ouch!)

Footnote: I'm not denying their timelessness, humour or ability to communicate. Yes, that's proven, but I s'pose I'm in search of the answer to 'Why?'

anyway, i'm into Girls Aloud now, and strongly suggest you all do the same. Good tracks for beginners are 'here we go' and 'the show' off what will the neighbours say album, and of course 'sound of the underground' and 'no good advice' off the sound album. REALLY!.. excellent rock in a new and sexy package. The DVD's are even better.

Nicola, Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine and Sarah. The new Magazine, a Top Shelf Phenomonon.

OK Open Mind, your role as court jester is pretty much agreed...and of course you're into Girls Aloud...and....oh, I can't be bothered, think I'll piss off and....