Record Reviews

ALAN PARSONS PROJECT ~ THE COMPLETE ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886978905529 (Barcode: 886978905529) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1976 - 1986 Released: 2014 This Box Set collects the ten albums recorded between 1976 and 1986 by the British producer / sound engineer (Pink FloydFind albums by this artist´s "The Dark Side Of The MoonFind albums with this title" and many others) / keyboardist / composer Alan ParsonsFind albums by this artist and his ensemble called The Alan Parsons ProjectFind albums by this artist. In addition it also includes the previously unreleased instrumental album "The Sicilian DefenseFind albums with this title" recorded in 1979, which was shelved at the time and never saw the light of day until now. Although the ensemble was named after Parsons, in fact it was basically a duo project, which combined the talents of Parsons and keyboardist / songwriter / composer Eric WoolfsonFind albums by this artist (who died in 2009). The other members of the ensemble changed frequently over time and only a few of them appeared on a more permanent basis. Over the years the ensemble was fronted by many different lead vocalists, often several of which appeared on the same album, which was quite a unique concept at the time. Some of the less expected names include Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, Gary BrookerFind albums by this artist or Colin BlunstoneFind albums by this artist. Another unusual fact about the ensemble is that it never performed live during the original period of their existence. The music of the ensemble moved through several shifts over the years. Initially it was considered a Prog act, with their early album being more or less concept related. Later on the music became more Pop / Rock oriented and much less ambitious. One of the strongest characteristics of the music was the use of extensive orchestral arrangements, which always gave the music a strong European flavor, connected to the Classical Romantic tradition. The Alan Parsons Project is remembered by some remarkable songs, which are evergreens and the unique musical and sound production, which of course was Parson´s main area of interest. The typically British sense of humor and delicate, intricate, cultural hints portray the music at its best moments, although the overall output is rather unequal. Definitely worth revisiting!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 11 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ZOMBIES ~ DIFFERENT GAME COOKING VINYL 889 (Barcode: 711297538922) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 Yes, The ZombiesFind albums by this artist are back! The British Rock group, founded in 1961 (that is 62 years ago!) is still led by the two founding members: vocalist Colin BlunstoneFind albums by this artist and vocalist / keyboardist Rod ArgentFind albums by this artist, and now includes also guitarist Tom ToomeyFind albums by this artist, bassist Soren KochFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve RodfordFind albums by this artist. A string quartet plays some delicate arrangements on several tracks. The album presents ten original songs, nine of which were written by Argent and one by Blunstone. This is the seventh studio album by the group and it follows the 2015 album “Still Got That HungerFind albums with this title”. The unmistakable sound of the electric piano and the vocal harmonies, which characterized the group’s sound since their debut single “She’s Not There” from 1964, are all here, and why not, since they still sound absolutely gorgeous. All the ten songs are if fact simply perfect, beautifully melodic and touching, as if the time of the Golden Decade was still here, standing in shrieking contrast to the cacophony that surrounds us dauntingly today. Argent proves that his songwriting ability is completely intact and each and every one of his songs is a true gem. No pretentiousness, no BS, just great melodies, which grab the heart instantly. That is a great songwriting gift and we are lucky to be able and enjoy it once again, especially since almost nobody writes songs like these today. Blunstone’s vocals are as touching / heartbreaking, as they were decades ago. Overall, this is a stunning piece of music, which took me completely by surprise. I admit that I was expecting to hear once again a geriatric effort by musicians trying to revive their glory days, but this album is nothing like that. It is an instant Rock classic, with great songs, wonderful vocals and elegant, heartfelt performances, which kicks the butt mercilessly, emphasizing how ridiculous contemporary Rock sounds most of the time. Welcome back, o ye heroes of grand times!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 08/05/2023

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend