Smell the Magic

Smell the Magic is the second studio album by American rock band L7, released in 1990 by Sub Pop. Originally issued as a 12" EP containing only the first six songs, it was reissued on CD in July 1991, expanded to album length with three more tracks: "Packin' a Rod," "Just Like Me," and "American Society." The opening track "Shove" was released as the band's first single.

Critical reception
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music called the album "a raucous, grunge-flavored blast." Trouser Press wrote that "L7 still brings the noise, but with a melodicism that isn’t as evident on the first album."

Rolling Stone placed Smell the Magic at #37 in their list of the 50 Greatest Grunge Albums, noting that "they were one of the few non-Seattle bands signed to Sub Pop," and the album "was an electric shock in a sea of grey." Likewise, the article mentions L7's formation out of Los Angeles' metal scene, then acting as a crossover act, and states conclusively that Smell the Magic is one of the "most widely cited as an inspiration by the next wave of punk and riot grrrl bands".

Personnel

 * L7
 * Donita Sparks - guitar, vocals, lead vocals on tracks 2,4,5,7,9
 * Suzi Gardner -  guitar, lead vocals on tracks 1,5,6,9
 * Jennifer Finch - bass guitar, lead vocals on tracks 3,8,9
 * Demetra Plakas - drums


 * Guest
 * Mike Patton - guest vocals


 * Production
 * Jack Endino - producer
 * Michael James - engineer
 * Daniel Rey - engineer
 * Randall Martin - logo
 * Charles Peterson - photography
 * Howard Rosenberg - photography
 * Jeff Price - art director