This week’s Namesakes is just an excuse for me to dwell on
nostalgic memories of Tom Selleck driving around Hawaii in his red Ferrari,
arguing with Higgins, and trimming his moustache. Ah, good times.
I can pretty much guarantee that none of these bands will live up to the Tom Selleck promise… but let’s find out for ourselves, shall we?
MAGNUM #1
Arguably the most famous Magnum in our arsenal originated in Birmingham in the year of my birth, 1972. Though they're apparently not considered to be part of the NWOBHM. Neither are they considered to be part of the NKOTB. Despite clearly having The Right Stuff. Anyway, the Birmingham stuff rather rather surprised me, because before today I’d figured they were part of the late 80s hair metal gang from LA. Probably because I’m only really familiar with their biggest hit, from 1988…
MAGNUM #2
Then, when I was two years old, 1974, in yer actual LA,
these funky dudes made the scene with their sole studio album. Which is a
shame, because they showed promise.
MAGNUM #3
A Magnum of Champagne – well, they came from France in 1976,
so this is as close as we’ll get. Could only find the full album (Coq'rock) on
the Tube of You, so make sure you enjoy all 36 minutes of it.
Magnum
– Rock n Roll Nicole (that’s track one)
MAGNUM #4
Italian “Space Rock” collective from 1979. They also did a
disco album, but I figured this more proggy affair might appeal to George.
MAGNUM #5
To Philadelphia now, where we find this glorious example of
AOR (don’t listen to them when they tell you that stands for Any Old Rubbish)
from 1980…
MAGNUM #6
Not a lot I can tell you about these guys except that they
probably came from New York in 1981 on Backatcha Records…
MAGNUM #7
Some smooth soul from Oklahoma in the early 80s. A-yip-i-o-ee-ay!
MAGNUM #8
An Australian Magnum, from some time in the 80s…
MAGNUM #9
Canadian disco from 1986, courtesy of Denis Richard Lepage,
a bloke with a lime growing out of his face. I’d get that removed with a laser.
Magnum
– Dancing The Night Away
Nine Magnums to get fizzy over – but which is your Magnum
Force… and which is your Magnum Farce?
Where are Magnum #10, the Polish party band?
ReplyDeleteHere, that's where:
https://youtu.be/xkl3a90B52o?si=X7kmCFZ5Sj4pWoE6
Once again, you prove yourself better at research than me. If only you'd had the idea for this feature first!
DeleteThings start well but then get progressively worse. I think I'll go for #2.
ReplyDeleteBeen out and about today (Estoril and Barreiro, since you asked) so will listen to these tracks tomorrow
ReplyDeleteSmooth soul from Oklahoma… not a phrase I have ever heard uttered and doubt ever will hear again. Big smile, though. - Brian
ReplyDeleteAs an aside from the music, Mr WIAA has been enjoying watching reruns of Magnum at the gym whilst on the really boring bits of equipment. He then has to rush home and quickly switch on the telly to find out whodunnit, as his gym session doesn't run as long as the show. I'm often quietly having my breakfast watching the news when I am suddenly ousted for Tom Selleck. It was a top show back in the day.
ReplyDeleteThere's a new version of Magnum shown here. Well, newer than the Tom Selleck version. And it's also #2 for me
DeleteI am aware of the new version of Magnum. I will not be sampling it. Apparently Tom Selleck himself says that it's rubbish.
Delete