Search - Magnum :: On a Storyteller's Night

This is an undiscovered gem for most

Denton Pomahatch | Coon Rapids, Minnesota USA | 09/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On A Storyteller's Night never even got word of mouth on this side of the ocean,but in their home country,England and many parts of Europe they were very popular and one listen to this cd you'll know why.If you're a fan of melodic rock or commercial rock ALA Foreigner,REO,Kansas,etc.You'll absolutely love this! Better songwriting and songs that are majestic and captivating,one listen to the title track,Last Dance or possibly the best song you've never heard Les Morts Dansant and you'll be hooked.The rest of the album is equally on par,but the above three really stand out.Check these guys out I think you're in for a real treat.I was lucky enough to be stationed in Germany '84-'87 and saw them live,it was a great show and had a huge following in Germany,I'm just glad I got to check them out over there because I doubt I would have even heard about them here in the states.Again I highly recommend this CD for anybody who likes the afformentioned rock,but have never heard of Magnum,I know you'll love this hidden treasure!"

THIS is Magnum

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 11/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As much as I love Magnum's 1983 album The Eleventh Hour, their 1985 follow up On a Storyteller's Night is even better. It is, in fact, their strongest overall album and the one release that best represents what the Magnum sound is all about. That sound, which is typically described as "pomp rock" has elements of Deep Purple and Rainbow to Uriah Heep and Genesis, as well as arena rock bands like Styx, Boston, and REO Speedwagon. Magnum's music is dramatic and bombastic, and highly melodic as well.



On a Storyteller's Night is not only a perfect example of Magnum's sound, it's also an example of what was possible in an era when the lines between rock, metal, and AOR weren't as defined as they are today. The album is heavy to the point of metallic at times, shifting abruptly to melancholy ballads and then to a keyboard-driven arena rock anthem and back again.



I'd recommend this album to just about anyone who enjoys classic rock. Magnum is a tragically overlooked band, and once you hear them, you're hooked. On a Storyteller's Night is a great album to start with, as it really represents what Magnum was all about. There really isn't a weak moment on the entire album, but songs like Les Morts Dansant, All England's Eyes, the title track and especially Just Like an Arrow are among the band's absolute best material.



NOTE: Castle/Sanctuary reissued On a Storyteller's Night in 1999 and gave it a much needed digital remastering as well as adding a 25-minute audio interview with Tony Clarkin and Bob Catley.

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