My record collection
[365] - Magic Hour - Secession96

Back in February I posted what I claimed then would be Magic Hour’s last appearance in the series but, as you can see, that turned out not to be true since a couple of weeks back I came across a UK based seller on Discogs with a copy of Secession96… which is now mine.

Magic Hour - Secession96

Secession96 was the last of three Magic Hour albums and while the first two albums were released on Ché in the UK as well as Twisted Village in the US, this album never got a release outside the US which is why I never got around to getting a copy.

While the first two albums had songs, this album just contains four instrumental work-outs, which I guess may have discouraged Ché from releasing it? I suspect it’s also the reason I didn’t try too hard to get a copy. I had a download, not sure where from - I assume I bought it somewhere - maybe eMusic back in the day? I’ll have to admit that, while I’m partial to a work out I’m often more partial to a song, so haven’t listened to Secession96 that often.

I did just notice that they are described as “songs” on the sleeve which got me a little intrigued about just what is a song? To me a song needs, at the very least a melody, and preferably some words, but I guess my definition is a little constrained in the modern (last 60 years!!) age.

That’s not to say that I’m not partial to a lengthy instrumental work out (a “composition” maybe, or perhaps a “piece”) and Secession96 is not bad, although I sort of feel it would be better experienced live (and sadly I never got to see Magic Hour live).

• Catalogue Number: AHFOW 10/180
• Artist: Magic Hour
• Title: Secession96
• Format: CD
• Bought from a Discogs seller for £11.89
• Buy ‘Secession96’ on Bandcamp