MAGNUM: The River Sessions

Cover	Release	Style
	2005	melodic / pomp rock
	Label
	Hypertension / River Records
	Website
	Magnum
	Contact

	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	77:58	HYP 5237
	Review by	Rating
	Edwin	8,5/10
nederlands	Review
Has it really been that long? 20 years ago, Magnum’s “On A Storyteller’s Night” was released. The band have recently been commemorating that event by doing special shows in which the whole album was played - a testament of the fact that this was indeed a historic recording for the band. “The River Sessions” also fits perfectly in that celebration – it is a recording of a show in Glasgow from the original “Storyteller’s” tour back in 1985. The tour was the first outing for the classic line-up of Tony Clarkin (guitars), Bob Catley (vocals), Mark Stanway (keyboards), Wally Lowe (bass) and Mickey Barker (drums). “On A Storyteller’s Night” had just been released and it’s clear the band had a lot of confidence in the new material. In fact, apart from “Steal Your Heart”, each and every track of that album was played. In addition, 4 tracks from “Chase The Dragon” are featured and one each from their other albums. It makes for a fantastic setlist. Highlights? “The Spirit” was the first song of the band I ever heard way back in 1982, and it still sounds fresh. “Soldier Of The Line”, also from “Chase The Dragon”, remains one of my favourite Magnum tracks ever, as does the grandiose “Sacred Hour”. And the string of fantastic “Storyteller’s” songs, of course: the title track, “How Far Jerusalem”, “Les Morts Dansant” and “Endless Love”, to name but a few. The band’s trade-mark, “Kingdom Of Madness”, needless to say, is also here. I wouldn’t have minded a couple more songs from the debut, or “Magnum II”, but then you can’t have everything. The band had by then put aside that era almost completely… Not an essential release, but the fans will love it…
Musicians
Bob Catley: Vocals Tony Clarkin: Guitar Wally Lowe: Bass Mickey Barker: Drums Mark Stanway: Keyboards
Tracklist
Before First Light The Spirit All England's Eyes The Lights Burned Out Endless Love How Far Jerusalem On A Storyteller’s Night The Prize Les Morts Dansant Just Like An Arrow Two Hearts Soldier Of The Line Changes Kingdom of Madness Sacred Hour The Last Dance
Discography
Kingdom Of Madness (1978) Magnum II (1979) Marauder (1980 - live) Chase the Dragon (1982) The Eleventh Hour (1983) On A Storyteller's Night (1985) Vigilante (1986) Vintage Magnum (1986 – rare tracks) Wings Of Heaven (1988) Invasion (1989 – live 1982) Goodnight L.A. (1990) The Spirit (1991 – live) Sleepwalking (1992) Archive (1993 – rare tracks) Keeping the Night Lite Burning (1993 – unplugged) Rock Art (1994) The Last Dance (1996 – live) Days Of Wonder (2000 – live 1976) Breath Of Life (2002) Brand New Morning (2004) The River Sessions (2004 – live 1985)


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