Magic and Medicine

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  (Redirected from )

Magic and Medicine
Hand-drawn illustrations of six figures, surrounded by a moon, rainclouds, a tree and two dogs
Studio album by
the Coral
Released28 July 2003 (2003-07-28)
RecordedOctober 2002 – April 2003
StudioElevator, Liverpool
GenrePop rock, psychedelic pop
Length41:10
LabelDeltasonic
ProducerIan Broudie, the Coral (co.)
The Coral chronology
The Coral
(2002) 		Magic and Medicine
(2003) 		Nightfreak and the Sons of Becker
(2004)
Singles from Magic and Medicine
  1. "Don't Think You're the First"
    Released: 3 March 2003
  2. "Pass It On"
    Released: 14 July 2003
  3. "Secret Kiss"
    Released: 6 October 2003
  4. "Bill McCai"
    Released: 24 November 2003

Magic and Medicine is the second studio album by English rock band the Coral. It was released on 28 July 2003, through Deltasonic. Within three months of releasing their self-titled debut studio album, the band began recording material for their next album in October 2002. Sessions were produced by the Lightning Seeds frontman Ian Broudie, with co-production from the Coral; recording continued in-between tours of the United States and Europe, finishing in April 2003. Described as a pop rock and psychedelic pop release, Magic and Medicine was compared to the work of the Animals, with frontman James Skelly's vocals recalling that band's frontman Eric Burdon.

"Don't Think You're the First" served as the lead single from Magic and Medicine, released on 3 March 2003. The Coral toured the following month, and then performed at the Midsummer Night's Scream and Glastonbury Festivals. "Pass It On" was released as the second single on 14 July 2003, which was followed by further festivals appearances, at International de Benicassim and V Festival, and a supporting slot for Blur on their European tour. The album's third and fourth singles, "Secret Kiss" and "Bill McCai", were released on 6 October 2003 and 24 November 2003, respectively; the latter coincided with a UK tour in the same month.

Magic and Medicine received generally favourable reviews from music critics, with some finding it an improvement over the Coral's debut album. It topped the charts in both Scotland and the UK, while also charting in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden. The album would later be certified gold in the UK. All four of the album's singles reached the top 30 in both Scotland and the UK, with "Pass It On" reaching the highest at number five in both territories.

Background and production[]

The Coral released their self-titled debut studio album in July 2002, through Deltasonic; it charted at number five in the United Kingdom, where it was subsequently certified gold.[1][2][3] Its two singles – "Goodbye" and "Dreaming of You" – became top 30 hits in both the UK and Scotland, with the latter reaching number 13 in the UK.[3] The album was promoted with three tours of the UK, including a co-headlining one with the Music, as well as performances at the Isle of Wight and V Festivals.[4] By October 2002, they were recording material for their follow-up album; Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds as the main producer, with co-production from the band, and Jon Gray acting as engineer. Seven backing tracks were made over the course of five days at Elevator Studios in Liverpool.[5][6]

After this, the Coral went on a tour of the UK, before returning to the studio later in the month.[6] In early 2002, the band supported Supergrass on their tour of the United States, which featured appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Last Call with Carson Daly, and then went to Europe.[6][7] Following the conclusion of tour, the band held further recording sessions.[6] The Coral were due to embark on a tour of the UK in February 2003; however, guitarist Lee Southall suffered from tendonitis.[8][9] The album was finished by April 2003; it was mastered by Gary Butler at RST Onestop in Prescot, Merseyside.[5][10]

Composition and lyrics[]

Musically, the sound of Magic and Medicine has been described as pop rock,[11] and psychedelic pop,[12][13] compared to the work of the Animals, with Skelly's vocals recalling the Animals frontman Eric Burdon.[14] Keyboardist Nick Power said they wanted the album to be more "organic [... with] a strong acoustic vibe", in contrast to the "really spontaneous" self-titled album.[15] Frontman James Skelly wrote over half of the album, with the reminder co-written with Power or guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones; "Eskimo Lament" was written solely by Power. Additional musicians appeared on the recordings: Louis Baccino with a flute on "Don't Think You're the First"; Megan Childs with a violin on "Milkwood Blues"; Martin Smith, Simon James and Andy Frizell with brass on "Eskimo Lament" and "Confessions of A.D.D.D."; Ollie Brindley with double bass on "All of Our Love"; and Andy Brindley with a harmonica on "All of Our Love".[5]

The opening track, "In the Forest", begins with Power's organ, setting a darker mood for the rest of the album.[14] "Don't Think You're the First" begins similar to songs by the Doors, with a key change during the middle section, accompanied by a melodica, before leading into dub reggae.[16][17] "Liezah" is an acoustic song, with a melody evoking Belle and Sebastian, which is followed by the Moby Grape-indebted "Talkin' Gypsy Market Blues".[14][16][18] "Secret Kiss" is a slower song with an organ part in the vein of the Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and a clipping guitar riff styled after Pink Floyd.[16][17] "Milkwood Blues" includes jazz breakdowns, and ends with a violin.[11][16]

"Bill McCai" is an upbeat folk rock song about a sad middle-aged man who dies by its conclusion.[14] "Eskimo Lament" features gentle piano, plucked guitarwork and a trumpet, and is followed by the ballad "Careless Hands", which sees Skelly's voice recalled Lee Mavers of the La's.[16] "Pass It On" is an acoustic song that sees Skelly discussing his mortality, with a melody reminiscent of Paul McCartney.[14] The closing track, "Confessions of A.D.D.D.", is a love song, akin to the works of the Super Furry Animals.[14][16] It is a homage to Arthur Lee of Love, and ends with a three minuted extended jam section.[11][19]

Release[]

Several men performing onstage playing and singing into a microphone
The Coral toured throughout 2003 for Magic and Medicine.

"Don't Think You're the First" was released as the lead single from Magic and Medicine on 3 March 2003.[20] Two versions were released on CD in the UK: the first with "Witchcraft", "See-Through Bergerac", and the music video for "Don't Think You're the First", while the second featured "Tiger Lily" and "Teenage Machine Age".[21][22] The Coral's February 2003 UK trek was rescheduled for April and May 2003, with support from the Basement.[23] In June 2003, the band headlined A Midsummer Night's Scream festival in their hometown, and then performed at that year's Glastonbury Festival.[24][25] "Pass It On" was released as a single on 14 July 2003.[26] The CD version included "Run Run" and an acoustic version of "Shadows Falls"; the DVD version featured the videos for "Pass It On", an acoustic version of "Calendars and Clocks", "Heartaches and Pancakes", and The Curry File Documentary.[27][28] Originally scheduled for release on 21 July 2003 under the name Matrix Farm, Magic and Medicine was eventually released a week later on 28 July 2003.[10][29] The Japanese edition included "When Good Times Go Bad" and "Boys at the Window" as extra tracks.[30]

In August 2003, the band appeared at the International de Benicassim and V Festivals.[31] Following this, they toured across Europe supporting Blur.[32] "Secret Kiss" was released as a single on 6 October 2003.[33] Two versions were released on CD in the UK: the first with "Who's That Knockin'", "See My Love", and the music video for "Secret Kiss", while the second included "God Knows" and "Not the Girl".[34][35] "Bill McCai" was released as a single on 24 November 2003.[36] Two versions were released on CD in the UK: the first with "Boy at the Window", "Nosferatu", and the music video for "Bill McCai", while the second featured "When the Good Times Go Bad" and "From a Leaf to a Tree".[37][38] The "Bill McCai" music video was filmed in Amsterdam the previous month.[39] Magic and Medicine was released in the US on 10 February 2004 as a two-CD release, packaged with the Nightfreak and the Sons of Becker (2004) mini album.[40][41]

Reception[]

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic76/100[42]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[43]
Blender[44]
Entertainment WeeklyB[45]
The Guardian[46]
Mojo[47]
NME8/10[48]
Pitchfork6.7/10[49]
Q[50]
Rolling Stone[51]
Uncut[52]

Magic and Medicine was met with generally favourable from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 76, based on 18 reviews.[42]

In a review for Entertainment Weekly, Greg Kot wrote that it lacked "the self-titled debut's exhilarating peaks," though found Magic and Medicine to be "more consistent."[45] NME's Ted Kessler said it was "[n]ot quite" a landmark album, "[i]t is still, nevertheless, a quite dazzling album."[48] AllMusic reviewer Tim DiGravina wrote that the Coral "rein in their influences and just stick with the program of creating rocking tunes." He added that the "songwriting, playing, and production are so subtle," Magic and Medicine comes across as a "mature, solid throwback."[43] Blender writer Dorian Lynskey said it was "more mature, more focused and a little less fun" than their debut.[44]

In a review for Rolling Stone, Jenny Eliscu wrote that with a number of the "flower-power rockers" the Coral imitate, they "seem to have run out of material after they recorded their debut." She added that Magic and Medicine "is little more than mimicry and affectation", taking from "the playbooks of true Sixties weirdos", such as Love and the Seeds.[51] Pitchfork contributor Neil Robertson noted the "frenetic freakout leanings" of their debut had been removed "in favor of a more humble approach", with more emphasis on the song writing, "[i]t all sounds far less interesting."[49] David Peschek of The Guardian referred to the album as "an ultimately frustrating piece of work", while "more often than not this music feels like a tasteful collection of lovely sounds rather than songs."[46]

Magic and Medicine topped the chart in the UK and Scotland.[3][53] It also reached number four in Ireland,[54] number 20 in Norway,[55] number 39 in the Wallonia region of Belgium,[56] number 43 in New Zealand,[57] number 60 in Sweden,[58] number 64 in France,[59] number 69 in Japan,[60] and number 99 in Germany.[61] "Don't Think You're the First" reached number ten in the UK, and number 11 in Scotland.[3][62] "Pass It On" reached number five in the UK and Scotland.[3][63] "Secret Kiss" reached number 25 in the UK, and number 28 in Scotland.[3][64] "Bill McCai" reached number 23 in the UK, and number 28 in Scotland.[3][65] Magic and Medicine appeared at number 78 on the 2003 UK year-end chart.[66] The album was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).[67] Playlouder ranked it at number five on their list of the 20 worst albums of the year.[68]

Track listing[]

All songs written by James Skelly, except where noted.[5]

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."In the Forest"
  • J. Skelly
  • Nick Power
2:39
2."Don't Think You're the First" 4:03
3."Liezah"
  • J. Skelly
  • Power
3:31
4."Talkin' Gypsy Market Blues" 3:07
5."Secret Kiss" 2:56
6."Milkwood Blues" 3:54
7."Bill McCai" 2:37
8."Eskimo Lament"Power2:30
9."Careless Hands"
4:14
10."Pass It On" 2:19
11."All of Our Love"
  • J. Skelly
  • Power
3:06
12."Confessions of A.D.D.D." 6:20

Personnel[]

Personnel per booklet.[5]

Charts and certifications[]

References[]

  1. ^ Ward, Simon P (30 July 2002). "The Coral – 'The Coral' (Deltasonic)". Dotmusic. Archived from the original on 11 August 2002. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  2. ^ "Coral The Coral". British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Coral | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  4. ^ Citations regarding touring in support of The Coral:
  5. ^ a b c d e Magic and Medicine (booklet). The Coral. Deltasonic. 2003. DLTCD014/5125609000.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ a b c d "OK Coral!". NME. 16 October 2002. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  7. ^ Farouky, Jumana (1 March 2003). "Nick Power of The Coral". Under the Radar. Archived from the original on 21 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  8. ^ "OK Coral!". NME. 4 November 2002. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  9. ^ "The Coral Postpone UK Tour". NME. 27 January 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  10. ^ a b "Roll Up! Roll Up!". NME. 8 April 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  11. ^ a b c Ubaghs, Charles (14 December 2006). "The Coral – Magic and Medicine | Music Review". Tiny Mix Tapes. Archived from the original on 22 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  12. ^ Corrigan, Adam (5 March 2004). "The Coral, Evergeen offer up new efforts". Bangor Daily News: 157. ISSN 0892-8738. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  13. ^ Knight Ridder (15 February 2004). "Minogue can't miss worldwide, can't make it here". The Beaver County Times: 9. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  14. ^ a b c d e f Begrand, Adrien (21 August 2003). "The Coral: Magic & Medicine". PopMatters. Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  15. ^ "OK Coral!". NME. 17 February 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  16. ^ a b c d e f Murphy, Kilian (1 September 2003). "The Coral – Magic & Medicine – Review". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on 12 November 2006. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  17. ^ a b Kutlesa, Marko (1 August 2018). "The Coral: Six of the Best". Skiddle. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  18. ^ Baker, Michael. "Coral". Trouser Press. Archived from the original on 22 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  19. ^ Whitman, Andy (1 February 2004). "The Coral – Magic and Medicine". Paste. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  20. ^ "Don't Think You're the First" (sleeve). The Coral. Deltasonic. 2003. DLTCD010.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ^ "Don't Think You're the First" (sleeve). The Coral. Deltasonic. 2003. DLTCDC010.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ^ "Don't Think You're the First" (sleeve). The Coral. Deltasonic. 2003. DLTCDC2010.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. ^ "Dreaming of April!". NME. 28 January 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  24. ^ "Coral Say OK to to[sic] Glasto". NME. 2 May 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  25. ^ "OK Coral!". NME. 23 June 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  26. ^ "Coral Play Camden". Dotmusic. 3 July 2003. Archived from the original on 11 January 2004. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  27. ^ "Pass It On" (sleeve). The Coral. Deltasonic. 2003. DLTCD013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  28. ^ "Pass It On" (sleeve). The Coral. Deltasonic. 2003. DLTCD2013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  29. ^ "The LA Broadcast!". NME. 7 July 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  30. ^ Magic and Medicine (sleeve). The Coral. Epic Records Japan. 2003. EICP 246.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  31. ^ "More Magic from the Coral". NME. 14 August 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  32. ^ "Magic and Medicine Tour". Dotmusic. 6 August 2003. Archived from the original on 11 January 2004. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  33. ^ "The Coral Give Us a 'Kiss'!". NME. 11 September 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  34. ^ "Secret Kiss" (sleeve). The Coral. Deltasonic. 2003. DLTCD015.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  35. ^ "Secret Kiss" (sleeve). The Coral. Deltasonic. 2003. DLTCD2015.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  36. ^ "Bill McCai, Pt. 1 – The Coral | Release Info". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  37. ^ "Bill McCai" (sleeve). The Coral. Deltasonic. 2003. DLTCD017.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  38. ^ "Bill McCai" (sleeve). The Coral. Deltasonic. 2003. DLTCD2017.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  39. ^ "The Coral Issue 'Bill'!". NME. 27 October 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  40. ^ Magic and Medicine (sleeve). The Coral. Columbia Records. 2004. CK 90619.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  41. ^ DiGravina, Tim. "Magic and Medicine [Bonus CD] – The Coral | Release Info". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  42. ^ a b "Critic Reviews for Magic & Medicine". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  43. ^ a b DiGravina, Tim. "Magic and Medicine – The Coral". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 2 May 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  44. ^ a b Lynskey, Dorian (March 2004). "The Coral: Magic and Medicine". Blender (24): 115. Archived from the original on 20 August 2004. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
  45. ^ a b Kot, Greg (13 February 2004). "Nightfreak and the Sons of Becker; Magic and Medicine". Entertainment Weekly: 71. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  46. ^ a b Peschek, David (25 July 2003). "The Coral: Magic and Medicine | Music". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 16 June 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
  47. ^ "The Coral: Magic & Medicine". Mojo (117): 95. August 2003.
  48. ^ a b Kessler, Ted (2 July 2003). "Album Reviews – The Coral : Magic & Medicine". NME. ISSN 0028-6362. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
  49. ^ a b Robertson, Neil (29 February 2004). "The Coral: Magic & Medicine / Nightfreak and the Sons of Becker Album Review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 16 June 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
  50. ^ "The Coral: Magic & Medicine". Q (205): 106. August 2003.
  51. ^ a b Eliscu, Jenny (19 February 2004). "The Coral: Magic And Medicine : Music Reviews". Rolling Stone. No. 942. OCLC 680063773. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
  52. ^ "The Coral: Magic & Medicine". Uncut (76): 108. September 2003.
  53. ^ a b "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  54. ^ a b "Irish-charts.com – Discography The Coral". Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  55. ^ a b "Norwegiancharts.com – The Coral – Magic And Medicine". Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  56. ^ a b "Ultratop.be – The Coral – Magic And Medicine" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  57. ^ a b "Charts.nz – The Coral – Magic And Medicine". Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  58. ^ a b "Swedishcharts.com – The Coral – Magic And Medicine". Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  59. ^ a b "Lescharts.com – The Coral – Magic And Medicine". Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  60. ^ a b ザ・コーラル [The Coral]. oricon.co.jp (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. Archived from the original on 13 November 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
  61. ^ a b "Offiziellecharts.de – The Coral – Magic And Medicine" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  62. ^ "2003 03 09 Official Scottish Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 24 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  63. ^ "2003 07 20 Official Scottish Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 24 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  64. ^ "2003 10 12 Official Scottish Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 24 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  65. ^ "2003 11 30 Official Scottish Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 18 August 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  66. ^ a b "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2003". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 4 January 2016. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  67. ^ a b "British album certifications – Coral – Magic and Medicine". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  68. ^ "The Shitlist 2003". Playlouder. 17 December 2003. Archived from the original on 22 November 2006. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  69. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 November 2011.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""