Melody Maker 8 Mar 1980

by Chris Bohn Second of a monthly series - this one isn't the smartest trick Magazine ever pulled - dragging down Sly Stone's quintessential protest celebration to dirge pace. Although Barry Adamson's careful bass lines adequately replace the trip-wire dancing of Larry Gilaham's original work. But ultimately Sly needs this sort of treatment about as much as we do.

NME 8 Mar 1980 by Roy Carr

Howie's second of the 'three singles in as many months make or break' campaign results in a good Martin Hannett production of a cold blooded performance of Sly Stone's classic. Whether it's meant to be satirical - scathing - or soulless never becomes apparent. Whatever Magazine's motives - they don't possess the required trash aesthetics of - say - Bryan Ferry when taking diabolical liberties with familiar works. With new trends being implemented faster than Tory policies - it's only a matter of who gets in first with both the hit/clear cut image before Nouveau Soul attempts to seduce Ska-faces and the whole cycle again swings through a few more freshly-greased degrees.

Sounds 8 Mar 1980 by Betty Page

The second in a series of three singles. This time Devoto tackles a Sly Stone song as only he can. It's sparse - dabbles in dub with echoey drums - disco bass and snatches of majestic guitar and synth. You'll either think it's a travesty or it's brilliant - that Devoto's a genius or a pretentious prat. Either way - Magazine are unique.

1. [Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)]
2. [Book, The]

MAGAZINE : Thank You (Fallettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (Virgin VS 328)