Motorhead's album "Bad Magic" is an outstanding example of the band's signature sound and attitude. Released in 2015, it is a powerful and energetic collection of songs that truly embodies the essence of Motorhead's music. From the very first track, "Victory or Die," the listener is greeted with the unmistakable gravelly vocals of Lemmy Kilmister, backed by the driving force of Phil Campbell on guitar and Mikkey Dee on drums. The band's raw, no-frills approach is clear throughout the album, with each song delivering a punch of relentless energy and aggression. One of the standout tracks on "Bad Magic" is "Electricity," a catchy and high-octane tune that showcases the band's ability to create memorable hooks while still maintaining their heavy sound. The lyrics, filled with references to the rock-and-roll lifestyle and the band's enduring legacy, only add to the overall impact of the song.
Our main character in this film is a small, eight-year-old girl named Shula. She isn’t originally named Shula. She is unnamed at first, a threat that has suddenly appeared on the horizon and dubbed a witch. No one knows where she came from, who her parents are, and she refuses to speak properly. Surly and serious, the people immediately have decided that she must only be a witch.
The girl, later named Shula, that is the uprooted, by her companions in the camp, is accused of witchcraft by a local woman who, walking from the village well with a bucket of water balanced on her head, encountered Shula in the road and collapsed before her; she claims the child has bewitched her. In August this year Zambia s Human Rights Commission stated that it was deeply concerned at the growing pattern of killing older persons on suspicion of witchcraft , and while the country s Witchcraft Act prohibits anyone from indicating any person as being a wizard or witch , this phenomenon continues today.
The lyrics, filled with references to the rock-and-roll lifestyle and the band's enduring legacy, only add to the overall impact of the song. Another highlight of the album is the gritty and bluesy "Fire Storm Hotel," which features a blues-inspired guitar riff that adds a different dimension to Motorhead's sound. The track demonstrates the band's versatility and willingness to experiment while still staying true to their roots.
I Am Not a Witch review – straight-faced satire on Zambian witchcraft casts a spell
Z ambian-born Welsh director Rungano Nyoni has delivered a pulsingly odd and strikingly original debut: a tale of dogma, prejudice and corruption in the country of her birth. It’s a strange witches brew of deadpan farce and arthouse stillness that some will find exasperating, and it’s not without its missteps; but there’s a confidence and clarity of vision that’s hard not to admire, especially for a first feature.
Events open with Shula (Maggie Mulubwa), a shy and inexpressive orphan, being accused by her fellow townspeople of witchcraft: one woman has alleged that she made her trip over while carrying a bucket of water, and a man has backed up her allegation with his own account of the girl chopping of his arm with an axe. (Said arm has miraculously reattached itself by the time he makes this claim.) A gloriously droll police officer indulges these accusations with a mix of apathy and outright disdain, but the will of the people is clear, and Shula is exiled from the town.
Good Time review - Robert Pattinson sticks up for his brother in chaotic heist movie Read moreShula falls into the care – though that word is used with a degree of caution – of Mr Banda (Henry BJ Phiri), a venal and desperately inept public official who spies an opportunity to make a fortune from the girl’s supposed gifts. She’s swiftly enrolled into a witch camp, a shabby conurbation on the edge of town whose occupants are, Shula aside, exclusively elderly women. Shula has a white ribbon attached to her back – the other end is attached to a large spool – and is told that if she cuts it she will become a goat. The presence of the ribbon naturally brings to mind Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon, and there are certainly the same themes of puritanism as seen in that film, albeit expressed in a far less austere manner.
Soon Shula is being put to work, picking criminals from lineups, appearing on talk shows in full witchy get-up, and attempting to summon rain to the dried-up region. Shula does all of this grudgingly, far more sceptical of these superstitious beliefs than the adults around her – although it is notable that the general belief in witchcraft seems to be conditional, and tends to be expressed more vociferously when there’s a benefit to doing so. Many of the witches, for example, are elderly relatives who family members were keen to dispose of, and a tourist industry has built up around the camp.
I Am Not A Witch. Photograph: film company handout
There’s a seam of straight-faced satire running through I Am Not a Witch that curiously brings to mind the naturalistic farce of The Thick of It. Phiri is excellent as the officious Banda, a snake oil salesman frequently upended by his own incompetence, reminiscent of Chabuddy G in People Just Do Nothing or David Brent at his most brazen. Yet Nyoni never lets the comedy overwhelm our outrage at the treatment of Shula, especially when events take a troubling turn towards the film’s conclusion.
For all its charms, there is a languidness to Nyoni’s film that can become aggravating. Scenes that should pass by in moments outstay their welcome, and the film sometimes prioritises aesthetics over clear storytelling, with one of the film’s most crucial moments rendered difficult to understand due to a tricksy camera shot.
Still, there’s more than enough here to mark out Nyoni, whose film has been supported by Cannes’ Cinefondation Residency, as a major talent. In the staid and Eurocentric world of arthouse cinema, she looks set to be a significant new broom.
Satire, humour, eccentricity and clever dialogue evoke a range of emotions. Many scenes are bizarrely entertaining and yet ultimately the film, and the many serious themes it covers hit like a punch in the stomach.
Throughout the entire album, Motorhead's unique blend of punk, rock, and metal is evident, creating a sound that is instantly recognizable and undeniably powerful. Songs like "Shoot Out All of Your Lights" and "Tell Me Who to Kill" only further reinforce the band's reputation for delivering hard-hitting, no-nonsense rock. "Bad Magic" is a testament to Motorhead's longevity and dedication to their craft. Even in their later years, the band continued to produce high-quality music that showcased their unmatched energy and passion. It is a must-listen for any fan of hard rock and a fitting addition to Motorhead's legendary discography..
Reviews for "Bad Magic Comes to Life: Live Performances of Motorhead's Iconic Album"
1. Adam - ★★☆☆☆
I have been a long-time fan of Motorhead, but their album "Bad Magic" seriously disappointed me. The songs lacked the raw energy and power that I have come to expect from this band. Lemmy's vocals sounded tired and strained, and the instrumentals felt repetitive and uninspired. Overall, "Bad Magic" just didn't live up to the standards set by their previous albums, and I found myself skipping through most of the tracks.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
As a fan of Motorhead's earlier works, I had high hopes for "Bad Magic," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The album lacked the iconic Motorhead sound that made me fall in love with them in the first place. The songs felt generic and lacked the punch that I associate with this band. Lemmy's voice sounded weak, and the lyrics seemed uninspired. It's a shame because I know Motorhead has the potential to create amazing music, but "Bad Magic" just didn't capture that magic for me.
3. Michael - ★★★☆☆
While I appreciate Motorhead's attempt to explore different musical territories, "Bad Magic" just didn't hit the mark for me. The experimentation fell flat, and the album lacked the grit and intensity that I expect from these rock legends. The production felt overpolished and took away from the rawness that makes Motorhead unique. Additionally, some of the tracks felt like fillers and did little to add depth to the album. Overall, "Bad Magic" felt like a missed opportunity to create something truly special.
4. Emma - ★★☆☆☆
"Bad Magic" by Motorhead left me underwhelmed. The album failed to deliver the adrenaline-fueled experience that the band is known for. The songs lacked the infectious hooks and memorable riffs that I love about Motorhead's music. The energy felt forced and artificial, especially when compared to their earlier releases. It pains me to say this as a long-time fan, but "Bad Magic" is a forgettable addition to Motorhead's discography.