Piano Magic

Piano Magic

Piano Magic 1996 - 2016

20/02/2024

Derek Jarman passed away thirty years ago yesterday. If you possess Google, you don't need a history lesson for me on this great man but I would urge you to read at least one of his books ('Modern Nature' is a good place to start) and watch at least one of his films ('Blue' is full of wonderful music and evocative narration and yes, it is, ostensibly, just a blue screen throughout; 'The Garden' also highly recommended).

This track on 'Nil Omne,' the bonus CDEP which accompanies 'The Allegory Of Vanity' inadvertently borrows from Jarman's 'Blue' - that is, I didn't notice until I'd recorded it that I'd sub-consciously not only channeled his rhythmic narration style but also, here and there, his words. The mind is a complex archive. We record everything - it's just whether we can find it again.

https://cedricpinglenjohnson.bandcamp.com/track/the-clinic-after-derek-jarman-bonus-track

Similar artists - Piano Magic | Last.fm 15/02/2024

Three bands sonically similar to Piano Magic?

(Absolutely not offended by the suggestions here btw) :

Similar artists - Piano Magic | Last.fm Find similar artists to Piano Magic and discover new music. Scrobble songs to get recommendations on tracks, albums, and artists you'll love.

Machiavelli, by Cédric Pin/Glen Johnson 13/02/2024

"Your loss is their gain...."

As the British government locked us down, partied behind the scenes and awarded their cronies millions in dodgy PPE contracts, we were banned from attending the funerals of our loved ones and told not to go to the hospital even if we were dying. Coincidentally, Cédric and I were both hit by the first, brutal wave of COVID - something from which our bodies have not yet recovered. Will they ever? There were nights when I thought I would not see the morn. Yet still, Boris Johnson and his sycophants partied on.
Richard Branson, afraid of losing a million or two, ran to them with his begging cap, whilst the doctors and the nurses, stretched to their limits, wiped the blood from their gowns.

Machiavelli, by Cédric Pin/Glen Johnson from the album The Allegory Of Vanity

12/02/2024

In the event that your interest in memento mori, vanitas, existential nihilism, etc has not yet peaked, we're offering a bundle on 'The Allegory Of Vanity' (double CD album) + 'Nil Omne' (CDEP) + 'The Burning Skull' (CD album) for just £20 plus p&p. (Sorry for the rubbish photo. Not that it matters. Not that anything matters).

https://cedricpinglenjohnson.bandcamp.com/album/the-allegory-of-vanity

10/02/2024

RIP Damo. Thank you, thank you, thank you. x

The Allegory Of Vanity, by Cédric Pin/Glen Johnson 10/02/2024

'The Allegory Of Vanity,' the new album by Cédric Pin and Glen Johnson, is now officially out. I'm taking this opportunity to thank everyone who has so far bought a copy, in whatever form and for the kind words we've had in response. These are tough times for artists/musicians "at our level" - that is, ones that choose to self-release and don't have the budgets afforded to those on bigger labels. Our recording, design and production costs are modest, our marketing and promotion budgets are non-existent and thus, our expectations are reasonable!
Recently, we've discussed alternative ways of funding this project - Kickstarter-type models, benefactors, subscriptions, even auctions - but ultimately, we've decided on continuing along this path, releasing on Second Language Music, keeping the costs economical and hoping that there's still enough of an audience to support what we do.
Particular thanks to those who paid far and beyond the Bandcamp asking price last week. This benevolence is both deeply appreciated and humbling.
Lastly, it would be good to hear what you all think of the album. Feedback is so rare these days.

You can now stream the album (and buy the CD of course) over here :

The Allegory Of Vanity, by Cédric Pin/Glen Johnson 18 track album

Prick, by Cédric Pin/Glen Johnson 06/02/2024

'Prick' seems pretty popular.

Prick, by Cédric Pin/Glen Johnson from the album The Allegory Of Vanity

04/02/2024

How about a listening party for 'The Allegory Of Vanity?'

02/02/2024

Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered 'The Allegory Of Vanity' today. Official release date is next Friday, 9th Feb but we will endeavour to start getting your orders out the door over the next week or so. Your patience is appreciated. If you haven't yet ordered, *please* consider heading over to Bandcamp within the next 13 hours - today is the one day of the month where their commission is waived and (Paypal fees aside), all income goes straight to the artist/label. Merci encore. 👻

https://secondlanguagemusic.bandcamp.com/

The Allegory Of Vanity, by Cédric Pin/Glen Johnson 02/02/2024

The second batch of gold-plated coin 'The Allegory Of Vanity' bundles now on pre-sale over here : https://cedricpinglenjohnson.bandcamp.com/album/the-allegory-of-vanity

These are the last 20 of the gold-plated coins. Never to be re-pressed. Be quick.

The Allegory Of Vanity, by Cédric Pin/Glen Johnson 18 track album

02/02/2024

Thanks to everyone who's already pre-ordered Cédric Pin and Glen Johnson's 'The Allegory Of Vanity' today. The first 20 gold-plated coin bundles sold out in less than 20 minutes but in fairness to other time zone folks, we'll be releasing another 20 coin bundles at 18:00 (GMT, London, UK time) today here : https://cedricpinglenjohnson.bandcamp.com/album/the-allegory-of-vanity
..two hours later than originally planned.

'The Allegory Of Vanity' features special guest appearances from Peter Ulrich (ex-Dead Can Dance), the American artist Josh Hight (vocalist on previous Piano Magic/Pin-Johnson releases) and Franck Alba (also formerly of Piano Magic).

The album is packaged as a 12-track double CD and whilst stocks last, initial orders come with a bonus CD of 6 extra tracks, 'Nil Omne.' Early birds will also get the opportunity to purchase a bundle containing one of *only forty* 24K gold-plated coins, designed by Cédric Pin.
The coins are bronze with 24K gold-plating, embossed on both sides with a polished plate finish. Size : 40mm x 3mm. They are protected by an acrylic shell. Please note : strictly one coin bundle per person. All coin bundles will be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery with tracking. Neither Piano Magic nor Second Language Music takes responsibility for packages lost in the mail - very important that you bear this in mind before ordering! There are no replacement coins!

Photos from Piano Magic's post 01/02/2024

Out 9th February and available to pre-order on Friday 2nd February (Bandcamp Friday), the second installment of ex-Piano Magicians, Cédric Pin and Glen Johnson's 'Burning Skull' series. 'The Allegory Of Vanity' reflects on the deception of time and how, particularly in the Internet Age, much of life is wasted on trivia, vanity, self-obsession and greed.

'The Allegory Of Vanity' features special guest appearances from Peter Ulrich (ex-Dead Can Dance), the American artist Josh Hight (vocalist on previous Piano Magic/Pin-Johnson releases) and Franck Alba (also formerly of Piano Magic).

The album is packaged as a 12-track double CD and whilst stocks last, initial orders come with a bonus CD of 6 extra tracks, 'Nil Omne.' Early birds will also get the opportunity to purchase a bundle containing one of *only forty* 24K gold-plated coins, designed by Cédric Pin. The first 20 coin bundles will go on pre-order at 08:00 (GMT) on Friday 2nd February and in fairness to those in other time zones, the second 20 coin bundles will go on sale at 16:00 (GMT) the same day.
The coins are bronze with 24K gold-plating, embossed on both sides with a polished plate finish. Size : 40mm x 3mm. They are protected by an acrylic shell. Please note : strictly one coin bundle per person. All coin bundles will be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery with tracking. Neither Piano Magic nor Second Language Music takes responsibility for packages lost in the mail - very important that you bear this in mind before ordering! There are no replacement coins!

'The Allegory Of Vanity' artwork was designed by Maria Makripoulias, based on original oil paintings by Cédric Pin.

This release will not be available in record stores. Neither will it be available on digital platforms except for Bandcamp.

The pre-order will go live at 8am (GMT) on Friday 2nd February here : https://cedricpinglenjohnson.bandcamp.com/album/the-allegory-of-vanity

26/01/2024

Hope you've enjoyed the recent stuff posted here on the early Piano Magic releases. For now, a pause on that particular subject as my attention turns towards an absolutely monolithic new release out next Bandcamp Friday (2nd Feb). To say I'm excited about unveiling this one would be a gross understatement. It is, quite simply, a *must* for anyone who collects Piano Magic and its associated projects. Oh yes, I almost forgot : you may want to set your alarm next Friday.....

You & John Are Birds 26/01/2024

Produced by John A. Rivers at his Woodbine St Studios in Leamington Spa, 'Artists' Rifles' was Piano Magic's 3rd official album.
The band chose to work with Rivers because he had previously recorded albums by Dead Can Dance and Felt. Rivers had also worked with Swell Maps, Eyeless In Gaza, The Specials, In Embrace and many others.

Written and recorded in just 5 days (February 11 - 15th, 2000), the record includes several tracks which would become live favourites, including 'No Closure,' 'You & John Are Birds' and 'Password.'
For this record, Piano Magic consisted of John Cheves (guitar), Miguel Marin (drums/percussion/other sounds), Paul Tornbohm (bass) and Glen Johnson (vocals, guitar/other sounds). Caroline Potter is guest vocalist on several tracks and Adrienne Quartly played cello.

The track '(1.55)' is an improvisation played on the Hammond Organ Martin Duffy used in the very same studio on Felt records.

The run-out grooves on the vinyl album read, respectively, "GHOSTROCK" and "TOASTROCK."

Due to its artwork and title, 'Artists' Rifles' was often misconstrued as a concept record but only the title track actually has a military theme - the British army regiment of the same name. The album photography, of The Royal Artillery Memorial, Hyde Park Corner, London, is by the band's guitarist, John Cheves.

'Artists' Rifles' proved particularly popular in Spain and opened the doors to unprecedented tour and media opportunities. The album also paved the way to a deal with 4AD Records.

You & John Are Birds Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesYou & John Are Birds · Piano MagicArtists' Rifles℗ 2000 rocket girlReleased on: 2000-05-01Auto-generated by You...

The Canadian Brought Us Snow (Op**te Remix) 25/01/2024

"Panic Amigo," of course, an anagram of "Piano Magic." This remix 12" EP, released on the esteemed Berlin label, Morr Music, in March 2000, takes the previous year's Rocketgirl 7" - 'There's No Need For Us To Be Alone'/'The Canadian Brought Us Snow' - and hands it over to 4 esteemed electronicists, Future 3, ISAN, Ensemble and Op**te, for reinterpretation.

Future Three : Danish electronic trio consisting of Anders Remmer, Jesper Skaaning, Thomas Knak. ISAN : British electronic duo of Antony Ryan (now resident of Denmark) and Robin Saville. Ensemble : Electronic music project founded by French musician, Olivier Alary. Op**te : Danish electronic music artist and producer, Thomas Knak.

The record sleeve features short-lived, much-loved Magic bassist and Gary Coleman fan, Gabe McDonough.

The Canadian Brought Us Snow (Op**te Remix) Provided to YouTube by Morr MusicThe Canadian Brought Us Snow (Op**te Remix) · Piano MagicPiano Magic Remixed℗ Morr MusicReleased on: 1999-11-01Composer: Che...

Amongst The Books, An Angel 24/01/2024

In Summer 1999, Piano Magic play their first shows in France, one of which is in Tours, the capital city of the picturesque Loire valley. Here, among the quiet, suburban backstreets, exists Acetone Records, a petite independent record label.

'Amongst The Books, An Angel,' is release number 9 of 12 in the Acetone Singles Club subscription series; its 12, hand-stamped covers form a large puzzle when joined together. Alongside the regular release, there's a limited-edition-of-20, transparent 7" with different artwork, in a transparent sleeve.

The last of the Martin Cooper, Nottingham-recorded Piano Magic records, the A-side concerns Johnson's unrequited love for a beautiful, pigtailed, bookshop sales assistant who swans from A to M to Z, "as if avoiding bed....."

An alternative version of the title track appears on the band's 'Home Recordings' CDR from 2010, sung by Angèle David-Guillou, herself a native of Tours.

Amongst The Books, An Angel Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesAmongst The Books, An Angel · Piano MagicSeasonally Affective, A Piano Magic Retrospective 1996-2000: Disc 1℗ 2...

There's No Need For Us To Be Alone 23/01/2024

Though by 1999, Piano Magic had become a more guitar-centric band, its line-up was still fluid. The 'There's No Need For Us To Be Alone' 7" was the only Piano Magic record to feature Canadian bassist, Gabe McDonough, though this incarnation of the band played several notable gigs through the year, including Terrastock in London, the Oblique Summer Nights Festival in France and shows with Low, Life Without Buildings and Hefner (the latter's Darren Hayman sings on the title track here).

'The Canadian Brought Us Snow' is the first released Piano Magic track with Glen Johnson on vocals and references the arrival of McDonough in London : "The Canadian brought us snow and Lucky Strikes for John to smoke...." (John being John Cheves, guitarist of the band at this time and also the subject of 'You & John Are Birds').

At Tardis, an analogue tape studio in a basement, Hoxton Square, London, Piano Magic actually recorded 3 tracks during this session - a third, featuring Sue Tompkins of Life Without Buildings on vocals - was erroneously erased by the sound engineer.

The single was released on translucent red vinyl 7" by Rocketgirl and is still available from the label's website.
Both songs were remixed on the 'Panic Amigo' 12" EP (Morr Music), the following year.

There's No Need For Us To Be Alone Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesThere's No Need For Us To Be Alone · Piano MagicSeasonally Affective, A Piano Magic Retrospective 1996-2000: Di...

Crown Estate 22/01/2024

Piano Magic's second album, 'Low Birth Weight,' released on Rocketgirl in 1999, is the last stop before the home recording project becomes an actual band. The recordings here, though split between Glen Johnson's native Nottingham and new-found home of London, somehow retain cohesion. There's dreampop, electronica, experimentalism, post-rock, all of which bound by a romantic melancholia which is to become Piano Magic's trademark.
Guests are manifold. Simon Rivers of The Bitter Springs supplies the lyrics and voice to 'Crown Estate' and 'Dark Secrets Look For Light.' The electronic duo, ISAN, donate the beats for 'Bad Patient.' Matt Sawyer takes responsibility for the guitar hook in 'Dark Secrets.' David Sheppard and Pete Astor, then of Ellis Island Sound, contribute to a cover of Disco Inferno's 'Waking Up.' 'The Fun Of The Century,' and 'I Am The Sub-librarian,' released earlier that year, are also included.
This is the last Piano Magic album on which Johnson doesn't sing (or speak).

'Low Birth Weight' received generally positive press at the time and has perhaps been the most durable of Piano Magic albums, given its eclectic nature. It was re-pressed on vinyl by Rocketgirl in 2019, with new track notes by Johnson and previously unseen photographs. The album cover, photographed by Simon Bogdanovic, portrays the taxidermy of Walter Potter, then exhibited at Mr Potter's Museum of Curiosities, Jamaica Inn, Cornwall. Potter's collection was auctioned off in 2003 and despite a £1 million bid by the artist, Damien Hirst, for the whole collection, the works were split up.

Crown Estate Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesCrown Estate · Piano MagicLow Birth Weight℗ 1999 rocket girlReleased on: 2006-10-17Auto-generated by YouTube.

Mort Aux Vaches, by Piano Magic 21/01/2024

The release on which Piano Magic became a proper band.

'Mort aux Vaches' is the name given to a series of albums released by the Dutch label, Staalplaat, in collaboration with the Dutch radio station, VPRO. The name translates literally from French as “Death to Cows,” with “cows” being the French slang for cops - the equivalent to “Death to Pigs” in English.
Piano Magic played their first concert abroad at a festival organised by VPRO, at Het Patronaat, in Haarlem, the Netherlands, on 28th March 1999. The next morning, somewhat worse for wear (and it shows), the band went into the studio to record a VPRO radio session, later released as part of the Mort aux Vaches series. This session was ostensibly the set from the previous evening's performance.
Several of the tracks here are sketches of other Piano Magic songs : 'Greece' became 'There's No Need For Us To Be Alone.' 'Birds' became 'You & John Are Birds.' 'Trick' became 'A Trick Of The Sea.' 'Winter' was a variant on the already-released 'Wintersport.'

The personnel for the session were Glen Johnson (guitar, digital 8-track), John Cheves (guitar, electronic percussion), Paul Tornbohm (bass, synthesizer), Miguel Marin (drums).

Mort Aux Vaches, by Piano Magic 5 track album

French Mittens 20/01/2024

The French independent label, Debut, released only a handful of records, one of which was a split single between Piano Magic and Icebreaker International, the conceptual nom-de-plume of sometime Piano Magic members (and flatmates), Alex Perls and Matt Simpson.
Piano Magic's contribution, 'French Mittens,' recorded by Glen Johnson and Martin Cooper at the latter's home studio in Nottingham, features Caroline Potter on vocals.
Erroneously, the clear 7" single was mispressed - the sides accidentally reversed.
'French Mittens' was covered by Klima, aka one-time Piano Magic chanteuse, Angèle David-Guillou, on her 'Serenades & Serinettes' album (Second Language, 2010).

French Mittens Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesFrench Mittens · Piano MagicSeasonally Affective, A Piano Magic Retrospective 1996-2000: Disc 1℗ 2001 Rocket Gi...

Low, Transient Waves & Piano Magic - Sleep at the Bottom 19/01/2024

'Sleep At The Bottom' is a one-off studio collaboration between Low, Piano Magic and Transient Waves, commissioned by the London independent label, Rocketgirl, in 1998. It was recorded by Charlie McIntosh at his Cazimi Studios in East London, during a break in one of Low's frequent UK tours. Previously, Charlie had engineered Disco Inferno's early work at Cazimi - a favourite band of both Piano Magic and Vinita Joshi at Rocketgirl and an integral part of the Piano Magic story.
In truth, Low had already written 'Sleep On The Bottom' prior to arriving at Cazimi and their contributions were recorded live, in one take. Loren Jackson of Transient Waves added more guitar, as did Charles Wyatt, then a transient member of Piano Magic. Paul Tornbohm played supplementary percussion. Glen Johnson experimented with adding sampled match strikes to the track but they were voted out of the final mix, much to Johnson's despair.
In truth, there is little of Piano Magic to be distinguished from this release - it being, ostensibly, a Low performance with some lovely, transcendental guitar playing by Loren.

Alan Sparhawk of Low later guested with Piano Magic on their 2004 'Saint Marie EP,' singing 'Saint Marie' and 'Wrong Turn' (the latter, a duet with Vashti Bunyan).

Mimi Parker of Low, sadly, passed away in 2022.
Charlie McIntosh, too, left us in 2023.

Low, Transient Waves & Piano Magic - Sleep at the Bottom From : Low / Piano Magic / Transient Waves - Sleep At The Bottom / Green Acres ‎ (7")I know it has already been uploaded by an other user but the quality was...

18/01/2024

A.I. can tell you the meaning behind any song! : https://www.songtell.com/search?q=piano%20magic

"The song "I Am the Sub-Librarian" by Piano Magic (featuring Caroline Potter) tells the story of a character who identifies as a sub-librarian. The song explores various aspects of this character's life and experiences within a library setting. Let's analyze the key lyrics and their meanings:

"I am the sub-librarian, come in on the council bus" This line suggests that the protagonist works as a sub-librarian, meaning they likely have a part-time or temporary position. They commute to the library on a council bus, indicating that their job is within a public or governmental institution.

"Chalk Farm to Highgate Woods, sportsbag of borrowed books" Here, the lyrics describe the protagonist's journey from Chalk Farm to Highgate Woods, possibly representing the physical route they take to reach the library. Carrying a "sportsbag of borrowed books" implies that the protagonist enjoys reading and values the act of borrowing books.

"A steady diet of Brautigan, 'Tapestry' on the walkman" This line likely refers to the protagonist's literary and musical preferences. Brautigan may refer to Richard Brautigan, an American writer known for his unconventional prose. The mention of Tapestry, possibly Carole King's album, suggests that the protagonist finds solace or inspiration in music while engrossed in their library duties.

"Paranormal ill-health from dusting off the top shelf" This line could be interpreted in multiple ways. It may imply that the protagonist's exposure to old, dusty books has negatively affected their health, likening it to a "paranormal" phenomenon. Alternatively, it could symbolize the burdensome nature of their work, with physical strain or the feeling of being overwhelmed.

"I am the sub-librarian, counter girl, tea-maker" These lines encompass the various roles the protagonist assumes within the library. In addition to being a sub-librarian, they also work at the counter and make tea for others. These mundane tasks highlight their position's low-ranking status, but they likely take pride in their contribution to the library's operations.

"I am the sub-librarian, swan feeder, spectacle breaker" This line introduces further aspects of the protagonist's responsibilities. They mention being a swan feeder, indicating their involvement in caring for the surroundings or wildlife near the library. The phrase "spectacle breaker" could be metaphorical, suggesting that they challenge or disrupt established norms or expectations.

Overall, the song portrays the life of a sub-librarian, delving into their daily routine, personal interests, and the challenges they face in their role. Though their position may be modest, the protagonist finds meaning and fulfillment in their work.

The cultural and historical references within the song are relatively subtle and open to individual interpretation. Richard Brautigan and Carole King are both notable figures in their respective fields, known for their contributions to literature and music. These references may reflect the protagonist's affinity for their work or serve as markers of a particular cultural or artistic backdrop.

Thematically, "I Am the Sub-Librarian" explores concepts such as identity, labor, and the value of literature and music. It highlights the significance of libraries as spaces of knowledge, imagination, and connection. The lyrics touch upon the daily routines and responsibilities that come with working in a library, shedding light on the often overlooked roles and contributions of those in lower-ranking positions.

Symbolism in the lyrics is minimal, with the mention of "paranormal ill-health" and the term "spectacle breaker" being the most notable instances. These symbolic elements add depth to the portrayal of the protagonist's experiences, highlighting their potential struggles and their determination to challenge norms and expectations.

In summary, "I Am the Sub-Librarian" captures the life of a sub-librarian, exploring their duties, interests, and experiences within a library setting. It emphasizes the importance of these unsung heroes and their contribution to the world of literature and knowledge. The song invites listeners to appreciate the often-underappreciated roles within libraries and the significance of public spaces dedicated to learning and cultural enrichment."

I Am The Sub-Librarian 18/01/2024

Although recorded in Nottingham, 'I Am The Sub-librarian' is very much a North London story. A "council bus" is taken from Chalk Farm to Highgate Woods - these days a journey of approximately 36 minutes in light to fair traffic.
Once again, the inspirational American author/poet, Richard Brautigan, is mentioned, alongside Carole King's seminal 'Tapestry' album.
The vocal is sung by Johnson's former Nottingham housemate, Caroline Potter, who would later also grace the Piano Magic albums, 'Low Birth Weight,' 'Artists' Rifles' and 'Writers Without Homes.' Her breathing, of course, also sampled for 'Sub-librarian.'
The subject of this song is Joanne, an actual sub-librarian friend of Johnson, who later re-surfaces as the inspiration for the tracks, 'You & John Are Birds' and 'Sketch For Joanne.'

I Am The Sub-Librarian Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesI Am The Sub-Librarian · Piano MagicSeasonally Affective, A Piano Magic Retrospective 1996-2000: Disc 1℗ 2001 R...

Exhaust Fumes, Magnolias & Light: Selected Lyrics 1997-2021 – Alasdair MacLean | Monorail Music 17/01/2024

Not sure how one does a poll here but I've had the idea of doing a Piano Magic (and associated projects) lyrics book for quite some time - something fairly plush but economical. Is that something you'd want to own? Perhaps with a few photos?

This Clientele one seems rather lovely, for example :

Exhaust Fumes, Magnolias & Light: Selected Lyrics 1997-2021 – Alasdair MacLean | Monorail Music Elegant volume of Clientele lyrics and other writings, sketches and fragments by Alasdair MacLean. Alasdair MacLean Exhaust Fumes, Magnolias & Light: Selected Lyrics 1997-2021 LabelEdge Of The Lane PressReleased12th September 2022 Staff Pick View All Staff Picks Format Exhaust Fumes, Magnolias & Lig...

Industrial Cutie 17/01/2024

Flipping the 'Fun Of The Century' EP was tantamount to discovering two separate bands on one record. 'Industrial Cutie' (named after Johnson's admission of being into both industrial music and twee indie pop during the '80s) is a playful, not-without-humour, MIDI-heavy improvisational piece that precursors Johnson's later solo project, Textile Ranch.

Industrial Cutie Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesIndustrial Cutie · Piano MagicSeasonally Affective, A Piano Magic Retrospective 1996-2000: Disc 1℗ 2001 Rocket ...

The Sharpest Knife In The Drawer 16/01/2024

The second track on 'The Fun Of The Century' EP, 'The Sharpest Knife In The Drawer,' is built around Alex Perls' cyclic guitar and Ezra Feinberg's padded toms. Again, vocals and Moog synth were by Jen Adam, with additional guitar and synth by Glen Johnson. This EP could be seen as a transition piece between Piano Magic's earlier experimental electronica experiments and a minimalist, more guitar-based "post-rock."

The Sharpest Knife In The Drawer Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesThe Sharpest Knife In The Drawer · Piano MagicSeasonally Affective, A Piano Magic Retrospective 1996-2000: Disc...

Jen Adam - The Fun Of The Century (demo) 15/01/2024

For anyone who's not heard the original demo of 'The Fun Of The Century,' here you go.

Jen Adam - The Fun Of The Century (demo) Music by Glen Johnson, the former founder and songwriter with the Anglo-French group, Piano Magic (1996 - 2016). Also recording as Textile Ranch and with Future Conditional, Silver Servants and Statu

The Fun of the Century 15/01/2024

'The Fun Of The Century' EP, released on short-lived London indie label, Piao!, in May 1998, is truly a record of two halves, of two bands. The first side, played by Glen Johnson and three, new, American music school cohorts on a gap year, was recorded in a garden shed studio in Mornington Crescent, London, by sound engineer, Pete Lorentz. Here, Johnson takes a back seat to the more accomplished musicians, Alex Perls (aka Alexander (Sandy) Rousmaniere), Jen Adam and Ezra Feinberg (later of Citay) and it's Adam's songs, 'The Fun Of The Century' and 'The Sharpest Knife In The Drawer,' that take centre stage.
This incarnation of Piano Magic plays just two live shows, at The Garage in Highbury, only to dissolve when the Americans return home that Winter.

'The Fun Of The Century' deals with a true-life incident in which Adam falls, or is pushed from a roof, during a New York party, sustaining bone-breaking injuries. The scarred hand on the record sleeve is hers.

"Could it be that you drove me into your fleet of hand-melt candy?
Could it be that you sent me falling off the roof backwards, gently?"

The Fun of the Century Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesThe Fun of the Century · Piano MagicLow Birth Weight℗ 1999 rocket girlReleased on: 2006-10-17Auto-generated by ...

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Out November 10th and available to pre-order now from : https://pianomagic.bandcamp.com/album/part-monster-2