Magnum
On a Storyteller's Night


3.0
good

Review

by piroga84 USER (21 Reviews)
September 27th, 2012 | 36 replies


Release Date: 1985 | Tracklist

Review Summary: It's good music goddammit. Buy it.

Next time you see it, in a dusty corner of a record shop, don’t think about it. Buy “On a storyteller’s night”. If you can download it, c’mon give it a try, listen to Magnum’s album from 1985. Sometimes you do things just because somebody tells you to.
What? What do you mean you need a good reason to give your earnings for any album, especially if it is coming from 80’s English rock scene?
Oh well, everything in this life must have a reason, a purpose or an adequate explanation. We need it in order to justify our actions, like “it is good music” is not enough. Here it goes then!

Magnum are:
Tony Clarkin — Guitar
Bob Catley — Vocals
Wally Lowe — Bass
Mark Stanway — Keyboards
Jim Simpson — Drums

First of all a good, politically correct consumer needs a tag before choosing a cd. Let’s say that AOR influenced pomp rock is our case here. Like Journey, but with an epic-er feel in it. "Les Morts Dansant" is the song to listen to, if you have an appetite for a theatrical epic, talking about soldiers going to face death in front of the firing squad. It is a very beautiful song, with a very catchy chorus. Recommended!

As in almost every 80’s pomp rock album the keyboards are the main attraction. They paint the bigger picture, they set the tone of the album and yes, they are magnificent. It’s all about the melodies, and boy are they fine. Take for example “Just like an arrow”, which is a very typical 80’s rock song. While it is not anything special, you can help it but enjoy its energy, its melody. It is cheesy but you have to admit that it is a tune that you can’t help but sing along. No track has a weak or boring melody, the singer-songwriter has an ear for melody that’s for sure. Good luck if you are looking for fillers!

Of course there are some bads. The riffs are generic (you are in the eighties right???), don’t expect any original ideas. Everything in this album sound familiar if you have spent time with AOR.”Steal your heart” is my evidence for that. It is maybe the most conservative and overplayed pattern of rock song in the 80’s. They drums are typical, but not weak. He is one of those drummers that knows his game but never overdoes it. If you are looking for complexity or musical prowess for the ages, stop whining and try Marillion. The singer , though, is good. Not great, sounds Meat Loaf-y at times and that is a good feat in my book. His voice is strong and he doesn’t seem to force it all, but he isn't special.

If I had to summarize this album’s essence in one word… that word would have to be, modest. If this album was a man, he would not be risky, but he would do a handful of things very well. This is maturity my friends, know your limitations and try to do the best you can. This is how every song sounds to me. The band is confident and knows that the songs have quality, the melodies are catchy and the playing is tight.

This is by far their best album and a great place to start if you want to know a forgotten and overlooked band. If this is the case you will not regret buying “On a storyteller’s night”. Maybe you will feel a little old. And a bit geek.

Melodies: 3,5/5
Originality: 0/5
Sincerity: 4/5
Fun: 3/5
Overall: 3/5



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user ratings (57)
4
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
piroga84
September 27th 2012


366 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Since this is not on the first page after i wrote it, thank you very much for reading Magnum fan!

piroga84
September 27th 2012


366 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Oh and the album "Chase the dragon" was released in 1982 not 1992, for what it's worth (but i cannot change it in the band's page)

menawati
September 27th 2012


16730 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

aha a Magnum review !

preferred Chase the Dragon (that song 'The Spirit' aaahhhmazing) but this was an enjoyable album, pos for reviewing them

menawati
September 27th 2012


16730 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

album is a bit AORish sonic but they did some enjoyable cheesy stuff



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hnpYXU3pao&feature=related

menawati
September 27th 2012


16730 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

this one not bad too



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUspqZhPHXs

menawati
September 27th 2012


16730 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

piroga84 do Chase the Dragon next

linguist2011
September 27th 2012


2656 Comments


Finally someone reviewed this awesome album! However, even though for a first review it is very decent, it doesn't really read well. It reads as if it was a direct dialogue from you giving your first thoughts on the album vocally, as opposed to putting your opinions down on paper in a fully coherent way. Mind you, I'll pos, because the points you made were very clear and to the point.

TheNotrap
Staff Reviewer
September 27th 2012


19009 Comments


Need to check this band one of these days.

piroga84
September 28th 2012


366 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

@linguist2011 thanks a lot for your comments, you are absolutely correct! I read some of yours, maybe i'll steal couple of tricks from your bag :p



@menawati thanks for reading man, i think the next will be Rotting christ, because i am Greek and i have to advertise good greek metal for millions to buy it and use the profits to save us from the economic crisis

kind of a holy quest, you see (holy, rotting christ...aha)

menawati
September 28th 2012


16730 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Well, its good to see magnum reviewed anyway. They weren't great but deserve more exposure.

piroga84
September 28th 2012


366 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

@thenotrap Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow. (Mark Twain)

TheNotrap
Staff Reviewer
September 28th 2012


19009 Comments


Hahah yeah that's true, we need to get our priorities right. Some much interesting music...so little time...

menawati
September 28th 2012


16730 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.



i think i live my life to that quote

linguist2011
September 28th 2012


2656 Comments


Yeah I was introduced to Magnum by my dad a few years ago, and I love their first two albums, which in my opinion are their best. 'In the Beginning' and 'Changes' are two songs worth listening to.

manosg
Emeritus
April 16th 2014


12710 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Great album but very samey, lacks diversity.

Relinquished
April 16th 2014


48973 Comments


on a storyteller's nig

Mad.
April 16th 2014


4916 Comments


on a storyteller's nig [2]

bloc
August 8th 2016


70683 Comments


This is awesome

And on a side note, I am very happy to bump this album title on the front page lol

vonseux
September 7th 2016


363 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Keep your nightlight burning

I'll come through wind and rain

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
December 29th 2016


32179 Comments


Wow this has got old way better than The Eleventh Hour.



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