Magma - Progressive Rock Music Forum

I've thought about this one for a while and now here it is.

Edited by AFlowerKingCrimson - September 27 2020 at 13:59

Very good band. MDK is incredible.

Well, I was wearing a Magma shirt yesterday, so that may say something.

For a long time I was intrigued by them--or let's say, the idea of them--but I had a terribly hard time actually finding their music in stores. They had an aura and legend about them that made them quite enticing for someone fond of weird music.

When I finally picked up something on vinyl (it ended up being a strange, cheap compilation), I won't say I was disappointed but it didn't match the mystique I'd hoped for.

A good amount of time went by and I eventually picked up Emehntehtt Re (or as some wag here put it, "I Mean it, Ray!") and then the appeal of the whole enterprise finally clicked.

A few years later I got to see them live (twice actually) and that did it. Hands down one of the best bands I've ever seen live. The recent incarnations of the band really bring the vision of the band to life in a remarkable way.

A summary evaluation:

On the plus side: a truly unique vision, a singularly crafted world, outstanding musicianship

On the negative: a great deal of repetition. If you're a fan, it's really worth picking up the majority of the catalog, but if you're not, an album or two really will do you

The damage that we do is just so powerfully strong we call it love

The damage that we do just goes on and on and on but not long enough.

--Robyn Hitchcock

Don't do it for me.

I went with the 4th option. I would probably like them much better without the made up language. I know that is what makes them unique but honestly it kind of ruins it for me. Although, what little I know about them, I kind of suspect I might like them less if they were singing in a language that I did understand. LOL

AFlowerKingCrimson wrote:

I've thought about this one for a while and now here it is.

Looking at the options, I can tell! LOL

eBay

Great band. Vander an awesome drummer

All I like is prog related bands beginning late 60's/early 70's. Their music from 1968 - 83 has the composition and sound which will never be beaten. Perfect blend of jazz, classical, folk and rock.

It's one of my favourite bands and one of the bands that I have the most albums by. For me the debut is one of the greatest debuts that I can think of (my favourite album by Magma). As for the MDK studio album, I'm more into live versions. "Theusz Hamtaahk" is one of my very favourite Magma compositions. And unlike quite a few, I adore Attahk.

I was disappointed with the Magma live performance that I saw a few years ago, Not a great sound system, too "vanilla" Prog in a way, way too loud, and too metalish for me. I was hoping for a more jazz, more acoustic and less rock Magma. Also, at the beginning was a speech about Magma (and its spiritual qualities) that I found cringe-inducing. I was like, wow, you take this far too seriously. I felt like the whole thing lacked subtlety and nuance. Texture was lacking. Those little moments that can make something good great felt lacking. I stopped listening to the band for about a year after that, and I have never since held the band in quite as high regard.

Edited by Logan - September 27 2020 at 18:21

Just a fanboy passin' through.

I'm sure it can depend on the performance, the venue, and one's mood at the time. It definitely didn't help that I took my wife to it and I was worrying about her reaction during the concert. I was feeling kind of embarrassed. She appreciated the experience more than I did. We both laughed during the opening speech (sorry, speech giver), which was embarrassing as it was a small venue. I saw Air Supply with her around the same time, which is one of her favourites, and I could enjoy that even though it's not my usual fare.

I have actually been to see far more classical concerts than rock, and so I kind of come in with certain expectations such as the audience should remain quiet during the performance, and please dress elegantly for the occasion. ;)

Edited by Logan - September 27 2020 at 18:39

Just a fanboy passin' through.

Option 1

Dig me...But don't...Bury me
I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive
Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect.

Poll Question: What do you think of Magma?
Poll Choice	Votes	Poll Statistics
One of my favorite bands/love them	21	[33.33%]
They are great(very good) /I like them a lot	13	[20.63%]
They are good/ I listen to them sometimes	10	[15.87%]
They are ok/Not much of a fan but don't hate them	2	[3.17%]
They don't do it for me/ can't get into them	9	[14.29%]
One of the worst bands ever/no thanks	1	[1.59%]
Not very familiar with them (only heard a little)	5	[7.94%]
I've heard of them but that's about it	2	[3.17%]
Never heard of them	0	[0.00%]
Other	0	[0.00%]
You can not vote in this poll

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