MAGNA CARTA DISCOGRAPHY - Official albums


Welcome to the most complete Magna Carta discography on the internet, dedicated to Chris and Linda Simpson, and to all other (ex) Magna Carta members!

If you know any Magna Carta related items that are not yet on this site, please contact the webmaster.

If you want to listen to some music, check the orange links. More sound samples will follow.
For copyright reasons all samples are incomplete and at a lower sound quality, of course. Buy the albums!

NEWS: Several CD releases! See News

Photos & booklet from the final concert at Carré, Amsterdam
I have added these photos and the booklet in a new chapter called "Photos".

Recent CD's, not yet mentioned on this site because of lack of time:
- Chris Simpson: When all is said and done (TECD134, Talking Elephant)

Also very exciting is the CD 'Paul Stewart': Magna Carta BEFORE their first album! Read more...

Recent information on this site:
- New albums announced (2014) - See "News"
- CD Release of "No Truth In The Rumour" (2012)
- Prisoners on the line (2009). Finally!!! It took 31 years before this fantastic album (one of my favourites) was finally released on CD by Repertoire Records!!
- Songs from Wasties Orchard was re-released in 2009 by Repertoire Records.
- Tomorrow Never Comes (2CD, Summer 2007)
- Written in the Wind (2CD, Spring 2008)
- Deserted Highways of the Heart (2CD, Summer 2007)
- "The Stars Present: The Greatest Hits of Magna Carta", a strange South-African release of their very first album
- 70's Pop Sound, a Spanish LP from 1973
- A private Christmas release by Chris, Linda and Matt (December 2006). See Bootlegs
- Two Russian CDs found of "Lord of the Ages" and "Songs from Wasties Orchard" (unknow label, so maybe illegal copies).
- CD "Backroads" (October 2006 + re-release in 2007)
- Some new singles, among which a Dutch promo release of "Romeo Jack".
- "In Concert" LP was apparently also released in Spain, with a slightly different sleeve (silver letters!)

  Last updated: Saturday, December 23, 2007
Magna Carta (a.k.a. This is . . . Magna Carta)
Magna Carta (a.k.a. This is . . . Magna Carta)
Magna Carta - Times of Change (Dutch version) Magna Carta - Times of Change (Taiwanese version)

Magna Carta

a.k.a. "This is . . . Magna Carta"

a.k.a. "Times of Change"

a.k.a. "Same"

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Times Of Change"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "I Am No More"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Mid Winter"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Sea And Sand"

The rare French Mercury sleeve is almost identical to the UK edition. The vinyl has a different lay-out.
In New Zealand this album had a very similar sleeve with the same title "Magna Carta", but with "This is . . . Magna Carta" on the side of the sleeve and on the vinyl.
In Holland the album was released with a totally different sleeve and the title "Times of Change", which is the first song on the album.

Because of the confusing original album title "Magna Carta", this album is also called "Same" or "S/T", especially at vinyl shops and auction websites. This nickname "Same" is of course not mentioned on the album.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1969 UK Mercury 20166SMCL / 138 165 MCY
LP 1969 FRA Mercury 138 165 MCY. Back of the sleeve mentions "Colombet PARIS-XV"
LP 1969 NZL Philips 6460 768 (Released as "Magna Carta", with on the side of the sleeve "This is . . . Magna Carta")
CD 1996 UK HTD Records HTDCD68 mentioned on the box side, HTD CD 68 on the back and the CD. Digitally remastered. With a 4 page booklet. See photo 2.
CD 1999 UK
(GER?)		 Mercury Records 538 837-2 (released 1999.03.29, remastered, incl. bonus track "Seven o'clock Hymn / Mid winter" live). With a 12 page booklet. There are at least two pressings of this CD, with very small differences. One mentions "MADE IN GERMANY" and the letter "A" on the CD circle, plus "538 837-2 01". The other version (probably a re-release) only mentions the number and the letter "C".
 
Also released as "Times of Change"
LP 1969 NL Fontana 6438 080. Released as "Times of Change", the first song on the album. See photo 3.
LP 1969 NL Fontana
Sample record		 6438 080. There is also a rare promotional copy of this album. Same sleeve, but with a small sticker on the back of the sleeve ("Sample record - not for sale"), and a special red-on-white print on the LP circle.
LP 1969? TAIW Fontana? NP-6001. The Taiwanese sleeve looks almost exactly like the Dutch Times of Change, but it is printed in black and white. The front mentions the Fontana label, but I guess this LP is just an illegal copy of the Dutch album. The LP circle is blue with silver printing. See photo 4.
LP 2007 S-KOR WOHN WOHN. In 2007 there was a South Korean re-release of the first Magna Carta LP. A limited edition of only 500 copies.
The Stars Present - The Greatest Hits of Magna Carta

The Stars Present: The Greatest Hits of Magna Carta

Stars Present Greatest Hits - Magna Carta

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1969? RSA Fontana / Interpak How peculiar, to name this album "Greatest Hits". In fact it is the South African release of the very first Magna Carta album (see above). Probably this was just a marketing trick by Phonogram / Trutone (maybe it was released after Seasons?).
Magna Carta - Seasons
Magna Carta - Seasons Music for the Millions
Magna Carta - Seasons (Japanese version)
Magna Carta - Seasons (Japanese CD version, alternative CD sleeve + OBI)

Seasons

a.k.a. "Music for the Millions / Seasons"

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Autumn Song - Epilogue"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Elizabethan"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Airport Song"

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1970 UK Vertigo 6360 003 (Swirl, FOC)
LP 1970 UK Vertigo 6360 003 (Ufo, FOC)
LP 1970? GER Phonogram 6360 003 D (Swirl, FOC)
LP 1970 NL Vertigo 6381 082 (Blue metallic ufo, FOC
different cover 'Music for the Millions'. See photo 2.)
LP 1970 NL Vertigo 6382 153 (Ufo, non-FOC, 'Poplegends')
LP 1970 FRA Phonogram 9102 034 (2 Ufo versions, FOC)
LP 1970? USA Dunhill / ABC DS 50091 (Dunhill black lp circle in 2 versions, FOC)
LP 1970? USA Dunhill / ABC DS 50091 (Dunhill white lp circle, promotional copy, FOC)
LP 1970 ? CAN Vertigo 6360 003 (Ufo, FOC)
LP 1970 ? RSA Trutone (Pty. ) Ltd
Vertigo		 VO 6360 003 (South-African version. Non-FOC sleeve. "84 interpak" logo on back side. Vinyl has purple-blue circle with silver print. Little silver swirls on both sides.
LP 1970 ? RSA Trutone (Pty. ) Ltd
Vertigo		 VO 6360 003 (Another South-African version. Non-FOC sleeve. "84 interpak" logo on back side. Vinyl has the UFO print on the circle. Little silver swirls on both sides.
LP 1970? NZL Vertigo 6360 003 (Semi-swirl, FOC)
LP 1970? AUS Vertigo 6360 003 (Swirl, FOC). Inside (page 3): "Distributed in Australia by Phonogram Recordings PTY. Limited."
LP 1970? JAP Vertigo RJ-5007 (Swirl, no FOC. Beautiful different cover, printed on special 'leather textured' Japanese paper! See photo 3.)
LP 1976 NL? Vertigo? 6360 095 ("70's Popsound / Magna Carta". This info from the 'Friends of Magna Carta' website is not verified yet.
LP 1982 NL Vertigo 6381 082 on sleeve, non-FOC
6381 082 + 6382 153 on lp (Ufo,
different cover 'Music for the Millions'. See photo 2.)
LP 1994 KOR Si-Wan Records SRML 0023 (Swirl, FOC, South-Korea, Released by Polygram)
CD 1991 GER Vertigo 846 447-2
CD 2003 JAP Vertigo / Universal UICY-9299. Rock legend series. The basic version has a full paper sleeve + OBI, limited edition. This basic sleeve of this CD looks like the original UK sleeve. There is also a version with an extra, alternative paper sleeve + OBI, which looks like the Japanese vinyl cover See photo 4..
CD 2004 UK Vertigo / Repertoire REPUK 1034. A nice 'digipack reissue', with paper sleeve, FOC like the original album, folded inlay and even a semi-swirl CD. Apparently this CD has EAN code 4009910103425 (which I don't see mentioned on the CD).
 
Also issued as part of the following combination CDs
CD 1999 UK Mercury Records 538 812-2 ("Seasons + Songs from Wasties Orchard")
2CD 2003 UK Snapper Music SMDCD481 ("Ages and Seasons", 4 albums on two CDs)
Magna Carta - Songs from Wasties Orchard
Magna Carta - Songs from Wasties Orchard (Japanese LP)
Magna Carta - Songs from Wasties Orchard (Japanese CD version)

Songs from Wasties Orchard

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Time for the Leaving"

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1971 UK Vertigo 6360 040 (Ufo color, special fold-open cover)
LP 1971 GER Vertigo 6360 040 (Swirl, special fold-open cover)
LP 1971 NZL Vertigo 6360 040 (Semi-swirl, different cover and folding)
LP 1971? AUS Vertigo 6360 040 (Australian, Swirl, special fold-open cover)
LP 1971 NL Vertigo 9199 137 (Ufo color, "Pop Legends")
LP 1971? RSA Vertigo South African swirl, probably Interpak / 6360 040?
LP 1972 JAP Vertigo SFX-7428 (full swirl, different cover, non fold-open), with text insert.
See photo 2.
LP 2003 ITA Akarma AK254 (fold-out cover, 180 gram lp)
CD 1994 UK Repertoire Records REP 4447-WP
CD 2003 JAP Vertigo / Universal UICY-9300 (Rock legend series, paper sleeve + OBI, limited edition)
See photo 3.
CD 2003 ITA Akarma AK254 (paper sleeve, fold-out cover, lp imitation)
 
Also issued as part of the following combination CDs
CD 1999 UK Mercury Records 538 812-2 ("Seasons + Songs from Wasties Orchard")
2CD 2003 UK Snapper Music SMDCD481 ("Ages and Seasons", 4 albums on two CDs)
CD 2007? RUS ? MCRCD 71150902 (1971). Another Russian edition, first spotted in 2007, so probably released in this year. It looks rather official, but it might also be an illegal release. Purple text printed on the silver CD. Same producer as the Russian version of "Lord of the Ages" (see below)
CD 2009 UK Repertoire Records REPUK 1101. A very nice re-release in a paper sleeve.
Magna Carta - in concert

Magna Carta - in concert (Japanese version)
Magna Carta - in concert (Repertoire version)

In Concert

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "The Boatman"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Old John Parker"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Ring Of Stones"

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1972 UK Vertigo 6360 068 (Swirl, FOC, lp in front part, appr. 307 mm tall)
LP 1972 UK Vertigo 6360 068 (Ufo, FOC, lp in back part, appr. 312 mm tall, so 5 mm taller than the other UK version, and some other small differences on the lp)
LP 1972 NL Vertigo 6360 068 (Swirl, FOC, lp in back part)
LP 1972 NL Vertigo 6360 068 (Ufo, FOC, lp in back part)
LP 1972 ? GER Vertigo 6360 068 D (Swirl, non-FOC)
LP 1972 ITA Vertigo (details unknown)
LP 1972 SPA Vertigo 6360 068 (Full-swirl, FOC. This is the only version which has the Magna Carta logo in shiny silver letters on the front sleeve!)
LP 1972 CAN Vertigo 6360 068 (Ufo, FOC, lp in back part, lp mentions 6360-068 as code, made in Canada)
LP 1972 AUS Vertigo 6360 068 (Full-swirl, non-FOC, Made in Australia, Distributed in Australia by Phonogram Pty. Limited)
LP 1972 JAP Vertigo RJ-5032 (Japanese version has a different design: no fold-out cover, and the black "Magna Carta" name on the European versions has been changed into a bright orange logo. Full sWirl lp with "Magna Carta In concert" also translated in Japanese. Album has long explanation in Japanese on the back. Also a full double-sided English text sheet inside.) See photo 2.
CD 1996 UK HTD Records HTD CD 69 (HTDCD69)
CD 2005 UK Repertoire REPUK1075. Sealed, deluxe, digitally remastered 2.500 pieces limited edition, CD reissue on the Repertoire label. It is packaged in a mini LP-style slipcase cover, which is an exact miniature replica of the original artwork. Respecting all details of the original issue, this CD has exactly the original gatefold cover with great paper quality, the lyrics and even the original vinyl labels are included. All reduced to scale. Even a little poster included. See photo 3.
Magna Carta - 70's Pop Sound

70's Pop Sound

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1973 SPA Vertigo 63 60 095. Side 1 (Cara 1) has a white full swirl. Side 2 (Cara 2) contains all track information, with all song titles in English plus translation into Spanish!
Magna Carta - lord of the ages



























Magna Carta - lord of the ages - the sophisticated 70's (seventies)

Lord of the Ages

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Two Old Friends"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Wish It Was"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Lord of the Ages"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Song of Evening"

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1973 UK Vertigo 6360 093 (Ufo, with full-colour 2-sided text insert)
LP 1973 CAN Vertigo 6360 093 (Ufo)
LP 1973 ITA Vertigo 6360 093 (Swirl). For a while I thought that only the Italian Lord of the Ages had a swirl print. Much later I found a South African pressing with full swirl. All other pressings seem to have only the UFO label.
LP 1973 RSA Vertigo / Interpak 6360 093 (Standard sleeve). Apparently there were at least THREE different South-African releases of Lord of the Ages. One has the full swirl on side A and a white label with text and small swirl on side B. Distributed by Trutone.
LP 1973? RSA Vertigo / Interpak 6360 093 (Standard sleeve). The other RSA LP circle has a purple-blue round label with silver text and Vertigo logo. Distributed by Trutone.
LP 1973 RSA Vertigo / Interpak STAR 5019 (6360 093) (Standard sleeve). On this third RSA release the LP circle also has a purple-blue round label with silver text and Vertigo logo. This one has a different number STAR 5019, with the other number (6360 093small below it. STAR 5019 is also mentioned on the sleeve (back side, top right). Distributed by Trutone.
LP 1974 SPA Vertigo 6360 093. Ufo, song texts on the back sleeve.
LP 1974 POR Vertigo 6360 093. Ufo, Fabricado em Portugal. Distribuicao Phonogram.
LP 1975 ? NL Vertigo 9286 923. Ufo, "Pop legends", "1973" mentioned on lp, but probably from 1975.
LP 1988 FRA Vertigo 9286 923. Ufo.
LP ? TAIW Artistie Style
Records		 RK-029. Standard sleeve. The LP circle has a simple white round label with black text and AS logo. The back of the (rather bad printed) sleeve mentions "Pop legends", "Vertigo", "9286 923" and "Printed in the Netherlands". So probably this is an illegal Taiwanese copy of the Dutch version.
CD 1991 GER Vertigo 846 448-2. Red and black CD print with Vertigo-logo. Made in W.Germany.
CD 1991 RSA Vertigo MMTCD 1581 (Bar Code 6 001210 538035). Sleeve has a much lower quality than the German version. Seems like they made a scan of that version. Only black ink printing on CD. Small Vertigo logo. Made in R.S.A. (South Africa, 15.8.1991)
CD 1999 RUS Limited Edition LIMECD 11990701. "Limited Edition" seems to be the label of this Russian version. (Unclear if this one is legal).
CD 2007? RUS ? MAGCD 73150902 (1973). Another Russian edition, first spotted in 2007, so probably released in this year. It looks rather official, but it might also be an illegal release. Purple text printed on the silver CD. Same producer as the Russian version of "Songs from Wasties Orchard" (see above)
 
Also issued as part of the following combination LPs and CDs
3LP ? NL Vertigo 6685 109. 3LP box called "The Sophisticated 70's", released by Vertigo. Contains three lp's:
- Beggars Opera: "Waters of Change" (1971)
- Magna Carta: "Lord of the Ages" (Vertigo 9286 923, Ufo, 1973)
- Genesis: "Live" (1972)
See photo 2.
CD 1999 UK Mercury Records 538 813-2 ("Lord of the Ages + Martin's Café")
2CD 2003 UK Snapper Music SMDCD481 ("Ages and Seasons", 4 albums on two CDs)
Magna Carta - greatest hits 1
Magna Carta - greatest hits 3
Magna Carta - greatest hits 2

Greatest Hits

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1975 NL Vertigo 9199 737 (Ufo, 'stage photo cover', lp also mentions small "9107 100")
LP 1975 RSA Philips SUC 103 (South-African, 6382 144, "Success Original Artists" label, distributed by Trutone) See photo 2.)
LP 1979 NL Vertigo 9107 100 (Ufo, 'studio photo cover'. Looks totally different, but exactly the same tracks as the 1975 version. 1979 as the year of issue is not mentioned on this lp. See photo 3.)
Magna Carta - Martin's Café (sometines misspelled as Martins Cafe)

Martin's Café

Recorded in Spring 1974, but "due to a head on collision between the record company and our management 'Martin's Cafe' was not released for some time." (Quote from Chris Simpson in his book "The complete works of Magna Carta")

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1977 NL Vertigo 6360 146 (Ufo). At least two versions, with slightly different sleeve spines.
LP 1977 RSA Interpak STAR 5012, South-African version, purple-blue LP circle, with silver text and Vertigo logo
LP 1977 SPA Vertigo 6360 146 (Ufo). Front mentions "STEREO 6360 146 GT.04". Back mentions: "Editado por FONOGRAM, S. A.
 
Also issued as part of the following combination CDs
CD 1999 UK Mercury Records 538 813-2 ("Lord of the Ages + Martin's Café")
2CD 2003 UK Snapper Music SMDCD481 ("Ages and Seasons", 4 albums on two CDs)
Magna Carta - Took a long time

Took a long Time

a.k.a. "Putting it back together"

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Took a long time"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Putting it back together"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Princess"

"Took a long time": all LP versions have a dark blue lp circle, but with strange tiny differences (see below).

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1976 NL GTO 2321 112 (only STEMRA logo's on side A+B)
LP 1976 UK GTO 2321 112 (STEMRA + Chappell logo's on side A, only STEMRA on side B)
LP 1976 UK GTO 2321 112 (only STEMRA on side A, STEMRA + Chappell logo's on side B, )
CD 2005 UK Talking Elephant TECD078, to be released appr. June 20, 2005
Magna Carta - Putting it back together
Magna Carta - Putting it back together (Japanese CD)

"Putting it back together" releases.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1976 UK GTO Records GTLP 012 - 2321 (112) on cover
GTLP 012 - (2321 112) on light blue LP circle
LP 1976 GER GTO Records 2321 112 (light blue LP circle)
LP 1976 FRA GTO Records 2321 112 (light blue LP circle)
LP 1976 RSA GTO Records 2321 112 (light blue/green LP circle; rather bad printed sleeve, made of textured paper. Marketed by Polydor Division.)
LP 1977 POR GTO Records 2321 112 (creamy white LP circle, Portugese version)
LP 1976 CAN GTO / Ariola America ST-50014 (black LP circle)
LP 1976 USA GTO / Ariola America ST-50014 (black LP circle). Peculiar: the sleeve is titled "Putting it back together", but LP itself has the title "Took a long time"!
LP 1977 BRA GTO / Ariola America GTO 2321 112 (light blue/green LP circle). Fabricado pela CIA. Brasileira de discos Phonogram.
LP 1976 JAP GTO MWF 1021. Beautiful edition with a typical Japanese OBI. Double sided inlay, one side with explanations in Japanese language, the other side with complete song texts in English. Manufactured by Polydor KK, Japan.
CD 2006 JAP Air Mail Recordings / ARCHIVE AIRAC-1171, Air Mail Recordings, 4948722205364, remastered 24-bit, paper sleeve, CD in limited mini-LP cover edition, with OBI, released Jan. 25, 2006. See photo 2
This CD is also released as part of a Japanese limited edition 4CD box set, "BRITISH LEGEND COLLECTION VOL. 21", with Honeybus "Story" (AIRAC-1168), Rod Demick & Herbie Armstrong “Little Willie Ramble” (AIRAC-1169) and Paul Korda “Passing Stranger” (AIRAC-1170).
Magna Carta - Spotlight on Magna Carta

Spotlight on Magna Carta

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2LP 1977 UK Philips 6625 031 CB on the cover, 9286 916 on LP1, 9286 917 on LP2 (FOC, with misspelling "Phillips" on the cover side, "INTERNATIONAL SERIES" mentioned on several places)
2LP 1977 NL Philips 6625 031 on the cover, 9286 916 on LP1, 9286 917 on LP2 (FOC, with misspelling "Phillips" on the cover side)
2LP 1979 SPA Philips 66 25 031 on the cover, 92 86 916 on LP1, 92 86 917 on LP2 (FOC)
2LP ? TAIW Ya-Ying AR-10012 (Taiwanese version, thick cover, printed more red than the original, orange circles on vinyl, Asian logo and text)
2LP ? TAIW Ya-Ying AR-10012 (Taiwanese version, almost identical to the one above, but with blue circles on vinyl)
2LP ? TAIW Woodstock 0139 ? (Taiwanese version, some Asian text, pale green aircraft printed on the vinyl circles, "Evergreen" logo on back cover)
Magna Carta - Prisoners on the Line

Prisoners on the Line

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Soliloque 1"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Faces of London"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Forever"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Song for John"

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1978 UK Philips / Phonogram 9109 229 (with 2-sided black & white text insert). The sleeve of this UK version is printed on paper with a texture, a thin line pattern (unlike the Dutch version).
LP 1978 NL Philips 6308 309 (with 2-sided black & white text insert)
LP 1978 SPA Philips 6308 309 (Blue LP circle with some texts in English and Spanish.)
LP 1978? GER Philips 6306 166
LP 1979 RSA Philips STAR 5064 (sleeve also mentions 6308 309 and 'interpak'. South African version, with 2-sided black & white text insert on thick paper.)
CD 2009 EU Repertoire Records REPUK 1125. Finally!!! It took 31 years before this fantastic album (one of my favourites) was finally released on CD!!
Magna Carta - Live (Live in Bergen 8.10.78.)
Magna Carta - Live (Live in Bergen 8.10.78.)

Live (Live in Bergen 8.10.78.)

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "No Place To Sleep"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Dink's Song"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Forever"

Recorded live in the 'Grieghallen' in Bergen, Norway at October 8, 1978.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1978 NL Mercury 6304 507 (The short title is just "Live". The longer title is mentioned on the back side. Inner sleeve has black & white print on both sides, with photo's and some explaining texts.)
LP 1978 FRA Mercury /
Phonogram		 9102 853
LP 2009   Lilith 900670 - Reissue on vinyl!
CD 2005 UK Talking Elephant TECD079, to be released appr. June 20, 2005 (see photo 2)
Magna Carta - No Truth in the Rumour

No Truth in the Rumour

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1979 NL Ariola Benelux 201.176
LP 1979 GER TELDEC /
Strand		 6.24154 AP (TELDEC = Telefunken-DECCA). An RSR Entertainments Ltd Production.
CD 2012 UK Harvey Records No release number? Different track list
Magna Carta - Midnight Blue

Midnight Blue

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Slowbone Jones"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Have a nice Day"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Midnight Blue"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Little Bit of my Heart"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Highway to Spain"

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1982 NL Polydor 2925-127 (Inner sleeve with song texts, printed 2-sided in blue.)
LP 1982 NOR Polydor 2925-127 (Norway, Team Trykk, Olso)
LP 1997 GER Intercord INT145059
CD 1999 UK HTD Records (*) HTD CD 101 (HTDCD101) (*)
CD UK Talking Elephant? (*)
 
(*) HTD Records was taken over by Talking Elephant ('TE'). They sold some of the original HTD CDs with just a TE sticker over the original product number. As far as we know, there is no official TE release of "Midnight Blue".
Magna Carta - Sweet deceiver

Sweet Deceiver

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1983 SPA Victoria VLP-40
 
Also issued as part of the following combination CD
2CD 1995 UK Barsa Promociones Ref.: 0023 ("Las Tierras del Viento", see below)
Chris Simpson of Magna Carta - Listen to the Man
Chris Simpson of Magna Carta - Listen to the Man

Listen to the Man (Chris Simpson, solo)

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Fooled by a Promise"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Listen to the Man"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Magnolia"

This album is a solo album by "Chris Simpson of Magna Carta". For the CD they took a total different cover than the LP.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1984 UK Celtic Music CM 019   See photo 1.
CD 1993 UK Celtic Music CM 019   See photo 2.
Magna Carta - One to One

One to One

"Maybe the worst album cover ever", according to Chris and Linda Simpson now. Soon after the release, the record company was closing down.
In 2000 the album was released again as "Rings around the moon", with three bonus tracks.
In 2005 this album was re-released as CD1 of "Time for the leaving (2CD)".

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
LP 1988 UK Tembo Records TMB 118
CD 1988 UK Tembo Records TMBCD 118
Magna Carta - Old Masters & New Horizons

Old Masters & New Horizons

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 1991 UK Vertigo 510 660-2
Magna Carta - Heartlands

Heartlands

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 1992 UK SPH SPHCD 7813 (SPH = Sound Products Holland)
Magna Carta - State of the Art (a.k.a. Grandes Exitos)
Magna Carta - State of the Art (cartoon cover)
Magna Carta - State of the Art (a.k.a. Grandes Exitos)

State of the Art

a.k.a. "GRANDES EXITOS"

"State of the Art" was recorded live at Vredenburg in Utrecht (Holland). It was released in at least five different versions, all with different covers, although the 1993 and 1994 releases and the Spanish "Grandes Exitos" version have very similar design. Some songs of this recording were used for the later "Forever" live album (2000).

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 1993 UK D&K Records /
Studio 88		 DKCD 860040 (17 songs)
CD 1994 GER Hypertension Music HYCD 200 144 (17 songs, cover looks like version 1, but instead of *live* it has the subtitle "25TH ANNIVERSARY LIVE CONCERT" at left corner on the front sleeve)
CD 1995 UK HTD Records HTDCD99 on the sleeve back, HTDCD 99 on the sleeve side, HTD CD 99 on the CD, 5023387009928 (16 songs, see photo 2)
CD 2001 UK Talking Elephant TECD032 (17 songs, cartoon cover by Ruben Van Aefst, see photo 3)
 
"GRANDES EXITOS" is the title of the Spanish release of "State of the Art"
CD 1994 SPA Barsa Promociones CD 0047 on sleeve side, CD0047 on CD (17 songs, cover almost similar to version 1, but with some songs mentioned below *live*)
Magna Carta - Milestones

Milestones

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 1994 UK Vertigo / Phonogram 526 156-2
Magna Carta - Live at the BBC

Live at the BBC

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 1995 NL Pseudonym Records CDP 1022 DD on sleeve side
CDP-1022-DD on CD
Magna Carta - Las Tierras del Viento

Las Tierras del Viento

Cd 1: "Sweet Deceiver" (see 1982).
Cd 2: "Northland" is almost the same as "One to One" (see 1988). Three songs extra (Terminal Case of you, Ulysses, Greenfeelds), one song missing (Love in our time).

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 1995 UK Barsa Promociones Ref.: 0023
Magna Carta - Limited Edition

Limited Edition

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 1996 UK - - (demo's, outtakes and some archive material)
Magna Carta - Seasons and Songs from Wasties Orchard

Seasons + Songs from Wasties Orchard

Two early Magna Carta albums re-issued on one CD. Sleeve title "Seasons and Wasties Orchard", the CD and the sleeve side mention the main title.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 1999 UK Mercury 538 812-2
Magna Carta - Lord of the Ages and Martin's Cafe

Lord of the Ages + Martin's Café

Two early Magna Carta albums re-issued on one CD. Sleeve title "Lord of the Ages and Martin's Cafe".

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 1999 UK Mercury 538 813-2
Magna Carta - Live in Grassington #1

Live in Grassington

a.k.a. "Live at the Grassington Festival June 14th 1998"

a.k.a. "Grassington #1"

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Fooled By A Promise"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Wind On The Water"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Ticket To The Moon"

This album was recorded at June 14th 1998, and published in 1999. This makes it a bit confusing, because the next album "Evergreen / Grassington #2" was recorded in 1999, and published in 2000. The confusion is enhanced by the rather similar album sleeves.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 1999 UK HTD Records HTDCD98 on the sleeve back, HTDCD 98 on the sleeve side, HTD CD 98 on the CD (EAN 5023387009829)
CD 2001 UK Talking Elephant (This is exactly the same CD and cover as the 1999 HTD version, but with a small sticker over the HTD barcode. This sticker mentions a new bar code (EAN 5028479002023 and hand written "TECD 020").
 
Also issued as part of the following combination CDs
2CD 2002 UK Talking Elephant TECD043 ("A Touch of Class", see below)
Magna Carta - Live in Grassington #2

Evergreen (Live in Grassington #2)

a.k.a. "Live in Grassington #2"

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Airport Song"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Sun Ain't Gonna Rise"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Only Road Home"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Midnight Again"

This album was recorded at July 1999, and published in 2000. This makes it a bit confusing, because the previous album "Live in Grassington" was recorded in 1998, and published in 1999. The confusion is enhanced by the rather similar album sleeves.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 2000 UK HTD Records HTDCD113 on the sleeve side, HTDCD 113 on the CD
 
Also issued as part of the following combination CDs
2CD 2002 UK Talking Elephant TECD043 ("A Touch of Class", see below)
Magna Carta - Rings around the Moon

Rings around the Moon

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Michael of Angels"

This CD is a re-issue of "One to One" (1988), with three bonus tracks (among which "Michael of Angels"). And a totally different cover, with a painting by Chris Simpson. In 2005 this album was re-released as a part of "Time for the leaving (2CD)".

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 2000 UK HTD Records HTDCD 112
Magna Carta - titel

Where to now?

...the life and times of Magna Carta

A millennium set, with hits and lots of unique archive material, never released on earlier albums. The CD itself is a bit unclear about where exactly it was made. Probably in Holland, Magna Carta's second homeland.
Some music sites also mention an (Australian) EMI release with item code Z065743 and/or barcode 766486222625, but that is probably a mistake. This is simply the original release made in Holland, with another sticker over the original code! As far as I know, there is only ONE release of this album.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 2000 NL/UK Lost & Found
(Universal Music)		 542 543-2
Magna Carta - Forever

Forever

Subtitled "The classic live collection from Magna Carta". This collection is taken from three classic concerts: "State of the Art" (1993), "Grassington #1" (1999) and "Grassington #2" (2000). These three albums are described above.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 2000 UK Mooncrest Records CRESTCD 061 Z-UK / CRESTCD 061 - EXPORT (these are not two versions, both codes are mentioned on the same CD.)
Magna Carta - Seasons in the Tide

Seasons in the Tide

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Seasons In The Tide"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Pictures In My Pillow"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Paradise Row"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Columbus"

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 2001 UK Gold Circle Int. GI 67502-5
Magna Carta - A Touch of Class
Magna Carta - A Touch of Class

A Touch of Class

The double CD "A Touch of Class" is a combination of the Grassington #1 and Grassington #2 concerts.

On some websites you can find this album with a wrong sleeve (see photo 2), which mentions "Spare a Glass of Memories". However, this title / sleeve was never released! "Spare a Glass of Memories" was only a working title of "A Touch of Class".

click on the link for a music sample Music samples: see "Live in Grassington #1"
click on the link for a music sample Music samples: see "Evergreen (Live in Grassington #2)"

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 2002 UK Talking Elephant TECD043
Magna Carta - Ticket to the Moon

Ticket to the Moon (DVD)

A beautiful live DVD, recorded live at The Klif 12, December 2001 in The Netherlands, with Chris and Linda performing as a duo. This is the only official live registration of Magna Carta on DVD video so far. Some highlights of this concert were released as a bonus DVD on the In Tomorrow album.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
DVD 2002 UK Alpha Centauri ACE 11042E (Live at Klif 12, 2 December 2001. Concert dvd video.
Magna Carta - Ages and Seasons

Ages and Seasons

Cd 1: "Seasons" & "Songs From Wasties Orchard"

Cd 2: "Lord of the Ages" & "Martin's Cafe"

A re-issue of four great Magna Carta albums from 1970, 1971, 1973 and 1977! For some reason the design of this CD is quite ugly and the texts are very difficult to read. But if you want to start listening to Magna Carta, this double CD with four historical LPs for a bargain price is probably your best way to start! But please don't stop after this one, they made many more great albums...


Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 2003 UK Snapper Music Label
Recall 2CD		 SMDCD481
Magna Carta - Dejavu Retro Gold Collection

Magna Carta Gold

a.k.a. "Dejavu Retro - Magna Carta"

Also known as "Magna Carta - The Gold Collection". A highlight collection of songs taken from older and recent albums.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 2003 GER Dejavu Retro R2CD 42-56
Magna Carta - The Harvest of Gold - The English Folk Almanac

The Harvest of Gold

a.k.a. "The English Folk Almanac"

Cd 1: Fairport Convention & Steeleye Span

Cd 2: Amazing Blondel & Magna Carta

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Parliament Hill (live)"

"The Very Best of Amazing Blondel - Magna Carta - Fairport Convention - Steeleye Span". This 2CD is not just a Magna Carta album, it has four famous English folk groups. For that reason maybe it should not be in this list. But the four Magna Carta songs on this CD (a very old live recording, from 1969?) were never published on other albums. That makes this CD a 'must have' if you want to complete your Magna Carta discography.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 2003 GER Dejavu Retro R2CD 42-47
Magna Carta - titel

Ticket to the Moon (2CD)

Ticket to the Moon and Time for the Leaving - live (see below) are two rather strange re-releases. Together they contain three older Magna Carta albums:

- "One to One" (1988) (re-released as "Rings around the Moon" in 2000)
- "Live in Grassington" (1999)
- "Evergreen / Live in Grassington #2" (2000)

The songs of these three albums were divided over the four discs of the two 2CDs.
For the real Magna Carta fans, these two albums offer nothing new at all: the third version of the original albums... The album design is quite strange (a blue hysteric horse??) and does not have the stylish Magna Carta feeling. These two albums are rather cheap, but personally I would not really recommend them. The music is great, of course. But if you can, buy the 2CD "A Touch of Class", which has the two Grassington concerts on separate discs, and buy "Rings around the Moon" (although that one is more difficult to find).

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 2005 GER Ambitions 223113 (ISBN 3-86562-316-6)
(c) Membran Music Ltd, Licensed by Talking Elephant Records.
Magna Carta - titel

Time for the Leaving - live (2CD)

For more information, see "Ticket to the Moon (2CD)" above.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 2005 GER Ambitions 223114 (ISBN 3-86562-317-4)
(c) Membran Music Ltd, Licensed by Talking Elephant Records.
Magna Carta - In Tomorrow

In Tomorrow

Released in Oct/Nov 2005. Two CDs (studio + live tracks) plus a bonus DVD! A great new album, the best one in many years.

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "In Tomorrow"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Don't stop me"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Only love knows how"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Boulder to Birmingham"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Life in the old dog"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "You say"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "You"

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD+
DVD		 2005 UK River Records 5055134101159
Paul Stewart - That's the way it goes

Magna Carta presents:
Paul Stewart - That's the way it goes

'Paul Stewart' = Chris Simpson solo in 1966, three years before the start of Magna Carta!!

This is an exciting 'new' and historical album, released in April 2006, at the Dutch Spring tour! Comparable to the famous Hamburg tapes of the Beatles. In the mid sixties, Chris Simpson of Magna Carta used several pseudonyms. 'Paul Stewart' was one of them. After appr. 40 years the world finally can discover what happened before Magna Carta.
Read more...

click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "That's the way it goes"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "I don't want to know"
click on the link for a music sample Music sample: "Too too good"

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 2006 UK/NL Harvey Records HARVEYCD01
Magna Carta - Backroads

Backroads

Released in Sept. 2006. With a live recording of the great "Fields of Eden"! Re-released in a slightly different version in 2007.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
CD 2006 NL Dee 2 Records HARVEYCD02
CD 2007 NL Harvey Records HARVEYCD02
 
Magna Carta - Deserted Highways of the Heart

Deserted Highways of the Heart

Released in 2007. "Although this 2 CD package is a compilation, it is not not really a 'Best Of' in that it omits some of Chris Simpson's best known songs. Instead it is a collection of songs about relationships under the title "Deserted Highways of the Heart".

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 2007 UK Talking Elephant Records TECD116
 
Magna Carta - Tomorrow Never Comes

Tomorrow Never Comes

The Anthology 1969-2006

Released in 2007. A beautiful 2CD with an overview of the best Magna Carta tracks and an original sleeve by no other than Roger Dean, who also made the painting for "Lord of the Ages".

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 2007 UK Repertoire EAN 4009910110324
 
Magna Carta - Written in the Wind (2CD)

Written in the Wind

Released in March 2008. A nice 2CD, released by Smith & Co Sound & Vision BV, the Netherlands. Another collection album, but no new material. All tracks were previously released on other albums, although the booklet mentions that the 38 tracks were all re-mastered.

Media Released In Label Release number + comments
2CD 2008 NL Smith & Co SCCD 1155
EAN 8717278721552