It is the year 1985th A year that should be richtunsgweisend for Magnum. To understand this, you turn the clock back about two years. The sales figures of "The Eleventh Hour" were compared to "Chase the Dragon" (1982) declined sharply - not least because of the meager garage sounds of self-produced by Tony Clarkin disc. The record company "Jet Records" failed the British then your support so that Catley & Co. stood without a deal. Due to the meager success, as well as a disease Clarkins the company Magnum was around for a year on ice. Then the clearance is achieved with "On A Storytellers Night" early 1985. The album is loved by critics and fans alike. Both the compositions and the sound effect when Magnum an overhaul would have undergone. For this, the evocative album covers of Rodney Matthews - it absolutely everything. Magnum promote on the island extensively the new album brimming with confidence. On 28/05/85 the Tour of resurgent leads to Glasgow, the Mayfair. The radio man Tom Russell recognizes the opportunity and leaves for his radio station "Radio Clyde" record the Magnum show. So far so good. Around 20 years later, the same man recalls the slumbering in archival footage and contacted Tony Clarkin regarding a possible CD release. Tony Clarkin are then free the shots now remastered as "Magnum - The River Sessions" were published. My expectations were not very big - after all, it is nothing new, the live tapes of yesteryear are brought to the people. But with this album is the matter somewhat differently. In view of the forthcoming "20 years celebration tour of on a Storytellers Night" win "River Sessions" but duly important. The former took place in 1985 Tour was if only for the setlist something special. Magnum - brimming with confidence whether the good disc - play their trump cards full of: 8 songs from Storyteller be given for the best - so that exactly half of the 16-song set list. No question, it's fun, the band in the best mood to play - now to experience 20 years later on CD. Sound Technically, there is not much to complain about, even if the drums act fairly in the background. In contrast to the published in 1991 live album "The Spirit - live" This is not a cut recording together a European tour, but simply: "Magnum - Live in Glasgow 05.28.85" - with all the rough edges. Right here I see the advantage of now present very authentic sounding live CD. As a big surprise, "Two hearts", which is newly orchestrated by Mark Stanway compared to the studio version turned out. Ever take the keyboards in Verglecih to the early years of a much greater role. Even the classics, such as "Soldier of the Line", "Changes" or "Kingdom Of Madness" more buttons Sound is prescribed. No bad medicine. On the contrary, balanced instrumentation of guitar and keyboard do the modified live sound noticeably good. Magnum probably noticed, that was to win with the nostalgic sound technically-inspired works such as "The Eleventh Hour" no more flower pot. As absolute highlight of the "River Sessions" I consider the addition "The Last Dance", which is partly performed two voices and really fully gets under your skin. There a further 20 years later is still cold back down. What is the bottom line: Two recommendations. Buy yourself the "River Sessions" and visited the forthcoming "Celebration Tour" in April. The CD does definitely have an enormous desire to "Magnum - Live in 2005". Keep the nightlight burning!
