Magnum - beads, lovingly revitalized

With Magnum samplers that's one of those things: either they refer only to a particular phase of the band, such as "Road to Paradise" in the early stages or "Chapter and Verse" at the commercial peak, or you get out wild potpourris hits, B-sides, live tracks or archive recordings on offer, as it was the case with "Long Days, Black Nights" or "The Gathering", which, while showing the diversity of the band, but, especially for beginners, be quite confusing ,

"Evolution" thus refers now to the last 10 years, or at the last 5 albums of the band. The label SPV, which could bring out the last 5 Albem, turned to Tony Clarkin with the proposal to release a Best Of album, which songs should contain from those albums that have been released under its banner. Clarkin finally agreed, but wanted the songs again revive. And that's what makes "Evolution" has become an indispensable work for fans and a representative Magnum - CD for everyone else.

From each of the 5 Albem each 2 songs were selected, which again new life should be breathed. The selection may be surprised some experts, especially since it does not refer to commercial success of each song, but rather on what would discover songwriter Clarkin over again and improve.
Whether the changes and additions were now needed or not, it is a pleasure to perceive and compare with the original titles. After all, one does not have to be so decide which version you prefer it.
The effort in any case, the Magnum have rendered, deserves recognition - and was worth it. The songs of the "Breath of Life" album are livelier, the songs from the "Moon King" - Album Listen to the entire album supple and acts as a unified whole and not like a motley sampler.
It also each band member comes into full play. Al Barrows cover artwork is fabulous, its newly added bass lines in "Blood on your barbed wire thorns" are wonderful. Harry James Drums listen to very versatile, lively and passionate, as are Tony Clarkins guitar riffs, produces crystal clear, great cinema. Mark Stanways keyboards give the album the necessary epic breadth to Bob's singing has probably not much to be said, the man has, it has not changed in spite of age, one of the most emotional and the most beautiful voices in rock Melodic - find area are.

Since the album still holds 2 new songs, not a fan will probably want to get past "Evolution".
"The Fall", a very nice, catchy melodic rock anthem and the somewhat melancholic number "Do you know who you are" are playful as well and lovingly produced as the other tracks and as with Magnum usual tap is not equal to all Deteil and facets at first hearing.

"Evolution" is not a "Greatest Hits" - album in the ordinary sense, but rather a re-inventing, a brief review and an unmistakable sign that Magnum continues to exist and, in spite of an almost 40-year anniversary, by no means a " Last Dance must think ".