Magick Defends Itself 1986-Temple Records 12" TOPY 022
PSYCHIC TV:
Dave Ball
Alex Fergusson
Ken Thomas
Genesis P-Orridge
- Magick Defends Itself
- Papal Breakdance
Comments by "Scotty The Body" of the PTV Guide Discography:
"The real feature to this recording is the excellent cover art and sleeve by Val Denham (sp?). The sleeve is textured to feel like the canvas of a painting. The music on the first side ("Magick Defends Itself") is a reissue of a previous B-side track ("Breakthrough") from the "Just Drifting" 7" of 1982. The original was a crisp, allegedly 360 degree recording, but the 12" reissue version is noisy and dulled. That said, the track really is an interesting walk through "the rooms of thee Temple Ov Psychick Youth." A typwriter provides percussion while far-off barking dogs strike dischords with the squeeking door solo. A good effort, as far as sound collage goes.
The B-Side features "Papal Breakdance," which ends up being entitled "I Love You" on many of the Live Albums from 1986. This track is neither Break music, nor really good dance music. It is simply a bass line put to a cheesy drum machine track. The best part of the song is the juxtaposition of the samples of the Pope, Anton Lavey and John F Kennedy.
This recording is essential for the completist or collector, for it features great artwork and excellent sleeve notes. However, if you've never heard either of these tracks, it is not required PTV listening. It is simply Product from the Process."
