About the album art for "You Are The Magic People"

There has been some confusion about the album art, and for good reason. When I decided to release this album, I wanted to make a clear difference between the physical LP release and the less tangible MP3 release. I enlisted two of my friends, both fine artists from different schools, to create two unrelated images. One would be printed on the jacket and inserts of the LP, and the other would not be printed at all, only visible on people's iPods. It's my obnoxious way of reminding the listener that the two formats are not the same, and that neither is a replacement for the other.

This is the LP jacket, illustrated by Raul Gonzalez. When discussing the design with him, I knew our budget would be limited to a single color print on a large two-sided fold-over sheet. Knowing his background in sequential art, I asked him to include the namesake poem (Written by RC Weslowsky, found on the google, and used by permission) in its entirety as word balloons. He ingeniously had the text spoken by various mutations of popular comic characters, including the nefarious Yassy Goldie.

Here is the official mp3 album art. It was designed by Ben Sisto. He's a Brooklyn-based artist and promoter, though he may not differentiate the two acts. I've always admired Ben for his optimistic futurism, and when I came up with the two-format idea I immediately thought of him for the digital side. The design was created in Adobe Illustrator and as far as I know has never been printed out. The image is included in the metadata within the mp3s as they are freely provided at Inman Street Records.

I hope this clears up some questions. Be sure that you're listening to the right format before you enjoy You Are The Magic People on Oklo Audio!

Review in Built On A Weak Spot

Magic People - You Are the Magic People LP: "


Seems like I’ve seen You Are the Magic People mentioned all throughout the year from the Boston based arty noise-rock unit Magic People, yet I didn’t really realize it hadn’t actually been released. I think that may be about to change, albeit it may be in a very limited run through Oklo Audio here in the near future.

Magic People, during their nearly 5 year run of existence, has seen a number of changes over that time however has emerged as essentially the core of former Neptune and Grand Island drummer John Manson (now on bass) and keyboardist Al Deaderick. Together along with a cast including Jesse Hubbell (guitar/percussion) and Joshua Owsley (drums/saxophone) they recorded You Are the Magic People to be released on Oklo Audio. Those familiar with Manson’s previous groups don’t need much an introduction to Magic People. The odd sounds and lyrical wit that surrounded those outfits manage to work its way into a portion of Magic People’s material. On You Are the Magic People however, the groups sound is largely driven by an alternating assignment of consistent grooves provided by either Manson or Deaderick, which at times sound like a demented theme for a children’s show when paired with the spoken word and borderline ranting lyrical style of Manson. It’s not necessarily out of left field weirdo, but it certainly keeps things interesting and songs like “The Pigeon and The Eggs” and “Fuck the Wind” contain a deceptively catchy quality to them that has me repeating them over and over again. It’s a solid record for sure that fits right along with many of the great experimental/noise-rock related material that Boston spawned over the years.

Magic People – Fuck the Wind [MP3]

While the physical album doesn’t appear to be available quite yet, it has been made available freely through online label Inman Street Records. If you like what you hear definitely drop them a five dollar donation which I am sure would be much appreciated. While you’re there…download that Reports LP they have available too. Keep checking up on the bands Facebook page or the Oklo Audio blog for information on LP version of You Are the Magic People.

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