The Alan Parsons Project

[The Laughing Man]

[danlo]

First and only glance on MTV Don't Answer Me-enjoy...(The Real Story or what's really going on at Mallorys ).

[matrixman]

I discovered the Alan Parsons Project in 1982 via their hit song "Eye in the Sky" or more accurately "Sirius/Eye in the Sky."

That song made a big impression on me. When I heard the opening sounds of "Sirius" I was mesmerized. It was ominous and gorgeous. The music seemed to herald some epiphany, and remarkably it did, as it segued into "Eye In The Sky." It was by far one of the most arresting songs I'd heard at the time.

I've heard hardcore APP snobs dismiss "Eye in the Sky" as just pure commercial product. Well, that's their loss. All I know is that this song was an unforgettable experience for me. It is one of those songs that defines the early 80's -- my sense of the early 80's.

Then I bought their first Best Of album whose cover artwork I loved almost as much as the music on the vinyl. Anyway, it was a great collection of timeless, evocative songs - except that "Eye in the Sky" was missing "Sirius" so I had to hunt it down. Not surprisingly, Eye In The Sky ended up being my favorite APP album as well. But I was never really into their studio albums anyway, it was about the individual songs.

There have since been a bewildering number of APP compilations released, but I think the 1997 Definitive Collection, mentioned by Lucimay, is the "best of the best ofs." It is a handsome 2CD set that, IMO, delivers the cleanest, most...um...audiophile quality sound.

It's funny but I didn't even know what Alan Parsons looked like for a time. Sometimes I wish I never found out, because there's something to be said for preserving a little mystery in the world.

APP's songs are about mystery and wonder, but achieved without the music turning into bloated studio jam sessions. There is a sense of economy to APP's sound that I like. It glides along, sleek and modern, yet there is genuine emotion beneath the gloss.

[Endymion9]

I loved

I, Robot
Eye In The Sky
Pyramid
Turn of Friendly Card

They reminded me of The Moody Blues. How they could put out songs that had radio hit potential but then when you got the album you found a whole new depth to the entire concept album and I found I didn't want to play just one song. If I started the album, I always let it play all the way through.

[Cheval]

Got to see them twice.
First time was with YES (probably the same tour danlo seen) and then seen them again about four years ago. (Invalid Path? tour)
The second time was in a small forum (Jannus Landing in St. Petersburg, FL) and was their last US stop on the tour.

danlo, did they have the halographic light spheres floating above the pyramids on stage when you seen them?
That was an effect that up-staged some Pink Floyd's effects! (IMO)

Some of you fans may want to check out the Insturmental Works CD. Absolutely fantastic.

[danlo]

No it was in an ampitheater in the afternoon-no stagecraft or effects.

[Cheval]

When they had the halographics, they were playing at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
(One of the YES' "In The Round" shows)

BTW - The TBPAC sound system and accustics are unreal! (In a superb way)
One of the best venues for shows.
The singer of YES even commented on it.

[danlo]

Standing on Higher Ground

[danlo]

=And still the raven remains in my room...

[Cord Hurn]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLi7Ljcy6n8

[Alan Parsons Project: Games People Play]

[Cheval]

Sirius/Eye In The Sky
Games People Play
Damned If I Do
Primetime
A Dream Within A Dream/The Raven

Just a few of my favorites...