Magazine

The song "Magazine" by Heart from their album *Magazine* holds a unique place in the band's history, steeped in both creative passion and legal drama. Released in 1977, the *Magazine* album was initially a point of contention due to a dispute with the band's label, Mushroom Records. Heart had intended to release a polished follow-up to their debut *Dreamboat Annie*, but the label rushed out an unfinished version of *Magazine* using demo recordings, leading to a legal battle. Ann Wilson, in a 2015 interview with *Classic Rock Magazine*, described the ordeal as "heartbreaking," noting that the band felt their artistic vision was compromised. However, the song "Magazine" itself, with its raw energy and introspective lyrics, captured the band's resilience. Nancy Wilson later shared on X in 2020 that the song was inspired by the chaotic media frenzy surrounding the band’s rapid rise, reflecting on how fame felt like being "torn apart by glossy pages."

Another tidbit about "Magazine" comes from a 2018 Facebook post by Ann Wilson, where she revealed that the song’s gritty guitar riffs were born out of late-night jam sessions in Vancouver, where the band was experimenting with blending folk and hard rock. Fans on the Heart Fan Club Facebook Group often cite "Magazine" as an underappreciated gem, with one member sharing a story about meeting Nancy Wilson at a 2019 concert and learning that the song’s bridge was written in just 20 minutes during a burst of inspiration. The legal issues surrounding the album also led to a re-release in 1978 after Heart regained control, which included polished versions of tracks like "Magazine," making it a fan favorite for its authenticity and defiance.

Heart, formed by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, began their journey in the early 1970s in Seattle, Washington. Ann, with her powerful vocals, started performing in local bars and clubs, initially under the name White Heart, inspired by the 1960s counterculture and folk music scenes. Nancy, a skilled guitarist, joined later, bringing a distinctive acoustic flair that complemented Ann’s voice. According to their official biography on Heart’s website, the sisters were heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin and Joni Mitchell, blending hard rock with introspective lyricism. Their big break came in 1975 when they signed with Mushroom Records in Canada, where *Dreamboat Annie* and its hit "Crazy on You" catapulted them to fame. The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring, often facing sexism in the male-dominated rock industry, which Ann discussed in a 2016 *Rolling Stone* interview, saying, "We had to kick down doors to be taken seriously."

For fans looking to connect, Heart maintains an active online presence. Their official website, heart-music.com, offers tour dates, merchandise, and a newsletter. You can follow them on Facebook for live updates and fan interactions, Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos, and X for Ann and Nancy’s thoughts on music and culture. The Heart Fan Club Facebook Group is a vibrant community where "Zoo Freaks" can share stories and discuss tracks like "Magazine." Additionally, heartfanclub.com serves as an unofficial fan site with discographies, rare photos, and forums for die-hard supporters. These platforms keep the spirit of Heart’s music alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s vinyl spins at THE ZOO radio station.