On A Storyteller's Night (20th Anniversary Expanded Edition) [Remastered] - Magnum

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Possibly their best work, Bonus tracks, long interview
Disadvantages:	None

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

20th Anniversary album, First released in 1985.

The album which many a Magnum fan would say this is the one, the opus if you will, and with very good reason. This is Magnums fifth studio album and very different in style to other rock bands of the same era. Though the album has a solid rock sound it isn't overly polished like many of their contemporaries albums. An excellent album from start to finish. Strong music and lyrics from Tony delivered masterfully as always by Bob. This album was originally released on a small independent label called FM after they left their previous label Jet. This album was produced by Kit Woolven and recorded in UB40's studio in Birmingham (UK). The album was so good it was the springboard to their signing with major label Polydor in the latter part of the eighties. Anyway back to the music....
From the atmospheric "How far Jerusalem" to the poignant "Les mort dansant" to the beautiful "The Last Dance" this album never fails to please, a true gem in an era of increasing mediocrity. A must have...

TRACK LIST

"How Far Jerusalem" - 6:25
Dark and brooding start with a strong rocky chorus and instrumental break in middle of track

"Just Like An Arrow" - 3:22
A more mainstream style track, a kinda love song but up tempo and rocky

"On A Storyteller's Night" - 4:59
Very atmospheric start, a mixture of soft keyboad led music to strong uptempo guitar chorus.

"Before First Light" - 3:52
A nice rocker

"Les Mort Dansant" - 5:47
Song about some chap about to get shot from a firing squad. Very good track. Nice piano and great chorus.

"Endless Love" - 4:30
Drum intro and a little different for Magnum. Strong guitar

"Two Hearts" - 4:24
I love this track. A good rocker

"Steal Your Heart" - 3:59
Perhaps the weakest track. But by no means a poor one.

"All England's Eyes" - 4:47
Real strong rock track this one

"The Last Dance" - 3:39
Slow, piano led, lighter in the air kind of track

The second cd contains demos of 6 of the album tracks. It also contains 2 versions of a track called Come on Young Love which actually is just "steal your heart" with a different chorus.
There is also a 26 minute interview with Bob and Tony (circa 1993)

Cover artwork by Rodney Matthews depicting what looks like a tavern.
Possibly one of my favourite Matthews pictures.