Customer Reviews

On a Storyteller's Night

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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!

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.

This is a must have album for anyone who is a fan of melodic/pomp rock. While they are unheard of in the U.S., Magnum was big in Europe and this is the CD that pushed them to stardom. After hearing this CD you will wonder where they have been all of your life!

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.

I loved this album! A genuine work of art. I am only now discvering Magnum's music even though I was familiar with them in the 80's. Tony Clakin's songwriting is awesome! However without Bob Catley's magnificent soaring vocals it just would not be the same. The title track, Les Morts Dansant, and The Last Dance are masterpieces. Especially The Last Dance, that song really gets me. It is a gorgeous and heartbreaking song. One that many people, including myself, can relate to. Bob Catley's vocals are so emotional. I wish I had paid more attention to this band 15 years ago, but I am making up for lost time now. This album is a must for fans of 80's British rock. I recommend it heartily.

This album stands up very well in comparison with Magnum's other offerings, delivering with a growing confidence another helping of some of the best that British Rock had to offer in the mid eighties. The opening track is a real belter, and has since become a staple of the live show and 'Best of's; one of Magnum's best. This is a strong album throughout though,and it's difficult to pick out individual tracks to recommend. Definitely worth the money back in '85 and still worth every penny.