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:

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