Magnum - On A Storyteller's Night

Magnum is best known by its songwriter, Tony Clarkin and its storyteller, Bob Catley. These two combined to create one of the most overlooked, forgotten and unappreciated bands of the 1980s. While they succeeded in obtaining cult status, the coveted breakthrough in the main music markets was far beyond their reach. Yet they kept plugging away, unrelenting to admit defeat, until decades after their formation. Finally admist the bleak 90s they scattered to the winds, leaving a rock legacy and a small hope for reuniting behind them.

Floundering in the late 70s and early 80s, slowly but surely progressing their sound as time ticked off the clock, the band kept hoping to strike it gold. But it wasn't until 1985, hot off the heels of this British outfit's 5th album, "The Eleventh Hour" that the band managed to find themselves and contribute to the landmark LPs of the 80s. "On A Storyteller's Night" was the jackpot and is more often than not considered a masterpiece of the heavier end of the AOR spectrum. The band enjoyed a highly celebrated unexpected turn into mass commercialism by polishing up their edgier stuff and flooding the songs with popish melody. Of course they would further take up these arms and storm the followups to "Storyteller" with even a more pronounced lean into that direction, but the beginning embers that would turn into the full fledged flame were sparked here.

Bob Catley is the one of the legendary vocalists that few have heard about, but those that have, fall head over heels in love with his pure unleashed emotion that pours over each song he decides to sing. Having a knack for the dramatic and managing to belt out his lines with not only confidence but a new revelation each time, he's a delight to listen to. Clarkin's guitar is sometimes sweet and silky, the perfect plushy to curl up to on a cold winter's night..and othertimes harsh and frosty, like the blustering wind rattling the glass on the window in the cruel frozen world outside. Either way, his tone bubbles with melody and well spiced for that hint of special flavour.

01.] "How Far Jerusalem" - But its the songs that make the album, and "Storyteller" is packed with A+ titles, including this opener, that let's the listener know that Magnum isn't playing around this time. They are going for the juglar right off the bat. "How Far", is positively a hymn, beginning with whispers of sound and echoing vocals that bounce off the walls of shuddering sound before sweeping right into the open with a sizzling of guitar fresh off the grill and the rock-solid inspirational tones of Catley. Three minutes into this mini epic it finally kicks up dust into a gorgeous galloping chorus. However, its the rest of the song that makes this a magical journey, bits of feedback, hushed vocals and delicate subdued keys make it feel more like a caressing hymn before the melodic juiced chorus sweeps the track off its feet again. Well thought out and put together, what a highlight it is!

02.] "Just Like An Arrow" - This one I could sing in my sleep. Driving commercial pop rock at its melodic best with a chorus that is superb in its deftly swift move into the chasm of addictiveness. You end up hanging on every note, awaiting with rabid anticipation for the next transisition back into the delightful chorus and feeling more than just a tinge of sorrow when it unfortunately ends all too soon... but that's what the 'repeat' button has been placed on your cd player for right?

03.] "On A Storyteller's Night" - Riveting and ultimately timeless, taking a majestic direction, kept light, airey and thoughtful... until the smashing chorus blows right through the door, crushing on the wings of melody, reinforcing the base of the song, adding in unexpected embellishments. This track is oozing with olde world charm in its fantastic lyrics that sculpt images of fire dancing on the crisp night air from the hot throat of mighty dragons, which soar fearlessly over rustic little villages, the citizens holding their breath, praying for safety...

04.] "Before First Light" - Some say this is a 'throwaway'. Well they don't know what the word means apparently. Think Guiffria, think Foreigner... got an idea? AOR, period. Allright... onward! Keys beckon and you must answer the call.. a breathtaking guitar solo is hidden in here amongst the pure commercially drive that sends this song catapulting forward with a fine honed polish. Very tight, infinitely melodic, and embodying that oh-so-sweet 80s sound that seems nearly lost in these 'modern' times. Bands these days are still striving to make it sound this good and often fall up short...

05.] "Les Morts Dansant" - Magnum was well known for their anti-war songs, and this can be added to their growing collection. The story of a war upon a battlefield, later which became the very opposite of what it once was, the very picture of peace. Its opening is reflective and soft, seeing little to clutter up the rich vocals, aside from a bit of synth and such to encourage the progress of the song. After the scene has been etched out, more instruments are added, most notably the drums and tons more guitar, building a wall for the appropriate moments, perhaps to embody the one mentioned in the song. It closes with bells on. Alot of people are simply wild about this song, but it doesn't quite fit in with the head turning tracks that are scattered about abundantly on this disc, and therefore falls a little short simply because of the company its keeping on here.

06.] "Endless Love" - Pivotal to the success of this track are the drums... a driving force that pounds down with all the thunder of the heavens to pave the way for the edgy guitars and the twinkling tinkerbell keys that sparkle like tiny fairy lights deep somewhere within the musical layers. A smooth and rolling piece, dependant on so many elements to come together for it to sound complete, and thankfully every last instrument has been expertly handled to add the most to the overall sound of this one. Hard rock near its very finest.

07.] "Two Hearts" - "Send my love on the telephone, no one answers, no one's home.... call after call I just get nothin' at all." There might be two hearts breaking here, but one of them is definitely not mine! An energetic, swaggering vehicle for Catley's personality to come shining through like a beacon in the dark. His handle on the lyrics is pure genius, shaping each word with a passion, often times not too subtle at all, and giving each line an extra edge. Clarkin's guitar solo simply rips through the waves of keys and drums bouncing along in the background, bubbling with taut anticipation. Repetitive, yep. Worthy of hearing once again? You betcha!

08.] "Steal Your Heart" - The perfect companion piece to "Just Like An Arrow"... another bouncy AOR track carried by a rather noticeably addicting keyboard piece that rips through the song repeatedly. Catley twists the lyrics so they ring deeper despite their rather lighthearted and simplistic nature. Its repetitive nature mars its lasting ability, but for pure fun and a quite danceable rhythm, its hard to go wrong with this one.

09.] "All England's Eyes" - Resonating with a heaviness seen little else on the album, and the wandering progressive trappings that marked some of Magnum's past catalogue, its a tip of the hat to their beginnings with a hint at the future. Not bad at all, but lacks some of the flow that make other pieces displayed on this disc so irresistable.

10.] "The Last Dance" - Very gentle with the touch of loneliness, this is essentially and soft, emotionally unsettling showcase for Catley's gorgeous voice, accompanied by piano and lushly ambient synth sounds, letting this light as a feather ballad have plenty of room to breath. Catley is joined by an expansive choir for the chorus, which echos with that lonely feeling. The piano closes the curtain upon the song, dripping slowly like tears...showing all the pain.

"On A Storyteller's Night" is the first of three nearly perfect cds released by Magnum in the mid 80s. The others being "Vigilante" and "Wings of Heaven". Of the 'holy trio', "Storyteller" stays closer to the original vision of the band, with some fantasy imagery, anti-war sentiments and a whole lotta love tossed in for good measure. Tony Clarkin knew that this was his best collection of tunes written up to this point, and he ressurrected the band from its near death just to record them. Thank goodness he did, for this disc is pure class all the way. Not quite as poppy or love soaked as their future discs, and finding a nice snug spot right in the middle. Its a comfortable disc to listen to anytime, striking the perfect balance between heavier hard rock and a little commercial AOR sneaked in on the side. If you are looking for a collection of finely created tunes with top notch performances, then look no further than "On A Storyteller's Night". AOR fans that have managed to go without this gem for so long, won't be disappointed.

Ratings and Wrap Up:
9.1
Songs - 8.8, Performance - 8.5, Production - 6.7, Lyrics - 8.5
Hot Spots: "On A Storyteller's Night", "Just Like An Arrow", "Steal Your Heart"
Bottom Line: good stuff, if a bit sweetly poppish at times.

Review by Alanna Evans -
the best cover of the 80s?! Id kill to have this in LP just for the art.

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