We all know and love British legends MAGNUM most successful albums, but their early efforts are very good LP’s as well. As requested, here’s ”Marauder”, the third album by the English band recorded live released in 1980.
This LP replica Japanese expanded Limited Edition remastered CD includes 9 bonus tracks, including the rare four-track EP which preceded the album’s release in March 1980, called ”Live at the Marquee”, featuring material from the same show, plus other recordings from 1982.
Recorded on multi-track by former-Ten Years After bass player Leo Lyons, and mixed by talented Chris Tsangarides, ”Marauder” rocks. It was a successful album putting Magnum on the world map as it was very celebrated overseas.
Before the album release, Jet Records put out the EP titled “‘Live at the Marquee”, featuring four highlights of their set. Soon after, the rest of the same show crept out as ”Marauder”, LP.’ Despite its unattractive cover art, the music is wonderful, so we’ll forgive the label.
Although the subtleties of the studio productions are lost, the band’s sheer live welly makes this album essential to taste the band’s evolution as unit.
The tracks from Magnum’s first album Kingdom Of Madness performed here are great, ‘In The Beginning’, ‘Lords Of Chaos’ and the title track especially.
Musically, what you get here will not shock anyone who has heard the band’s first couple of albums, but if all you know from Magnum is On A Storyteller’s Night and subsequent albums, ”Marauder” might surprise you.
It’s a lot heavier band, and much more raw live. The band feels oiled and ready for the ‘big step’, while Bob Catley sounds terrific as always.
Highly Recommended
01 – If I Could Live Forever
02 – The Battle
03 – Foolish Heart
04 – In the Beginning
05 – Reborn
06 – Changes
07 – So Cold the Night
08 – Lords of Chaos
BONUS TRACKS:
09 – All of My Life [*]
10 – Great Adventure [*]
11 – Invasion [*]
12 – Kingdom of Madness [*]
13 – Reborn [+]
14 – Changes [+]
15 – All of My Life [+]
16 – Invasion [+]
17 – Kingdom of Madness [+]
* taken from Live at The Marquee EP
+ recorded live in Nashville, Tennessee, 1982
Tony Clarkin – Guitar
Bob Catley – Vocals
Wally Lowe – Bass
Kex Gorin – Drums
Richard Bailey – Keyboards, Flute (on 1 – 12)
Mark Stanway – Keyboards (on 13 – 17)