Uh oh, it's magic! Magic has always been a subject that captivates the human imagination. From ancient folklore to modern pop culture, magic continues to hold a special place in our hearts. Whether it's the allure of impossible tricks or the promise of supernatural powers, there is something undeniably fascinating about the world of magic. The origins of magic can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. These early societies believed in the existence of supernatural beings and practiced rituals and incantations to harness magical forces. Over time, magic evolved and took on different forms in various cultures, becoming an integral part of religious practices and cultural traditions.
Blue Magic - If You Want Me To
If you want me to I will reach out to the sky for you I will even hold your hands Like when I first met with you I'll never forget (Never forget) The taste of your
Blue Magic - Can t Get You Off My Mind Can t get you off of my mind You know i can t forget, how much i love you Can t get you off of my mind You know i can t forget, how much i need you Can t get. But if I had to write a column dedicated to, say Norwegian Black Metal, just so I could write about music with an occult twist I probably wouldn t by typing this post right now.
Over time, magic evolved and took on different forms in various cultures, becoming an integral part of religious practices and cultural traditions. In the Middle Ages, magic took on a dark and mysterious reputation. The concept of witchcraft emerged, and those accused of practicing it were often persecuted and executed.
Monday Magick: Blue Magic – Born on Halloween (Video)
Returning to the routine of pumping out a new Monday Magick post every week over the last month has been rewarding. And I’m especially happy I was able to do it during the month of October. It took afew weeks of getting back into the swing of things, but as the month began drawing to a close I kept my eyes peeled and ears open for an ideal selection to celebrate the outgoing “Season of the Witch” in style. And I do believe the track I picked for this week’s feature fits that bill. Taken from a 1975 LP from Philadelphia Soul quintet Blue Magic by the appropriately ominous title of ‘Thirteen Blue Magic Lane’, that song is the smooth but spooky soul ballad “Born on Halloween”.
“Born on Halloween”? By Blue freakin’ Magic? Can we ask for a more perfect Halloween themed Monday Magic candidate than that.
I’ve complained more than once in this space about the lack of diabolical subject matter in certain musical genres. My personal aesthetic tends to lean towards Funk, Soul, and R&B more than anything. But sadly those are genres that, due largely to cultural reasons and an admittedly tenuous link to “Chruch Music”, tend to shy away from lyrics about The Devil, witches, and the occult. Don’t get me wrong. I like all music. But if I had to write a column dedicated to, say Norwegian Black Metal, just so I could write about music with an occult twist I probably wouldn’t by typing this post right now. Dig? Despite digging soulful shit and having a decent collection of old Soul records I’ve neglected the fact that one of the most popular Soul groups of the ’70s, Blue Magic, actually has the word “magic” in their name and released several songs with vaguely “spooky” titles that allude to the dark paths of the occult in one way or another.
Being reminded of “Born on Halloween”, one of the most glaring examples of this spooky Soul dichotomy, was like a slap to the face.
The song itself, which was produced by Norman Harris and Ron Kersey at the famous Sigma Sound Studios featuring their notorious house band MFSB, is anything but, coming off soothing to the ear in a manner that is typical of the Philly Soul and Soul vocal group sound of the era. Sophisticated orchestral arrangements of dramatic strings provide a chilling but chilled out backdrop for vocal harmonies and a signature keening falsetto that tells a tale of spellbinding romance, abandonment, heartbreak, and supernatural obsession. The protagonist laments falling in love with a “Scorpio” who haunts his dreams to the point of feeling cursed by “the witches brew” of someone who was “born on Halloween, a queen of witchcraft”. That’s about as deep as the song goes to the occult rabbit hole, but it’s a surprisingly dark supernatural take on the standard brokenhearted R&B “simp” template if you ask me.
“Born on Halloween” was recorded for ‘Thirteen Blue Magic Lane’, the group’s third LP. They released a total of nine studio albums, the last of which, ‘My Magic is Real’, was released in 1995. All of the original members of the group appear to be alive and kicking. But there are reportedly three different version of “Blue Magic” featuring various lineups touring at this time.
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This period also saw the rise of alchemy, a precursor to modern science, which involved the search for the Philosopher's Stone and the transmutation of base metals into gold. Fast forward to the present day, and magic has found a new home in the entertainment industry. Magicians such as Harry Houdini and David Copperfield have captivated audiences with their mind-boggling tricks and illusions. The art of magic has also been embraced by Hollywood, with movies like "The Prestige" and "Now You See Me" showcasing the intrigue and excitement of the magical world. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in magic, thanks to popular TV shows like "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" and "America's Got Talent." These platforms have provided a stage for aspiring magicians to showcase their skills and compete for the title of the ultimate magician. The internet has also played a significant role in promoting magic, with countless YouTube channels dedicated to teaching and performing magic tricks. But magic is not restricted to stage performances and TV shows. It can be found in everyday life, from the simple pleasure of a card trick to the wonder of a child's imagination. Magic reminds us that there is still room for mystery and awe in our increasingly rational and scientific world. So, whether you're a believer in magic or a skeptic, there's no denying the enchantment it brings. From ancient rituals to modern entertainment, magic continues to captivate and inspire us. It's a reminder that sometimes, the impossible can become possible, and anything can happen if we believe. So, the next time you see the words "uh oh, it's magic," prepare to be amazed and let yourself be transported to a world where anything is possible..
Reviews for "The art of misdirection: How magicians keep their secrets hidden"
1. Jake - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Uh oh its magiic". The tricks were predictable and lacked any real wow factor. The magician's delivery was also lacking in charisma and stage presence. Overall, it felt like a cheap imitation of better magic shows I have seen. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this one.
2. Emily - 1 star - I really did not enjoy "Uh oh its magiic" at all. The tricks were basic and easy to figure out, leaving me unimpressed and bored for most of the show. The magician seemed uninterested and lacked excitement, which made it hard to get into the performance. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for a thrilling magic experience.
3. Mike - 2 stars - I was hoping for a captivating and mind-blowing magic show, but "Uh oh its magiic" fell short of my expectations. The tricks were unoriginal and lacked any real innovation. The magician's stage presence was also lacking, making the show feel dull and unengaging. Overall, it was a forgettable experience that I would not recommend to others.
4. Sarah - 1 star - "Uh oh its magiic" was a complete letdown. The tricks were cliché and lacked any real mystery or excitement. The magician's performance felt forced and lacked any genuine enthusiasm. I left the show feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for a quality magic performance.