Well, I've always been a fan of the output from this artist and
the banter betwixt myself and Pete may in fact hold some
truth in that regard... ;D
Pete, I'm surprised that you are familiar with but only "5" from the APP catalogue?
No worries Pete, still lots of time to check the back catalogue...haha.
Ahh well, someone here needs to stick up for the guy I spose?...haha.
Honestly, like the Hodgson/Davies team with Supertramp, I would
have to say that there was a team effort and a great collaboration
with the Alan Parsons / Eric Woolfson unit that made the difference
for them, especially during their heyday back in the late 70's, early 80's.
I'm not sure what happened and whether or not there may have been a "fall out" of sorts that saw this group break away from the formula that made them popular back then or not?
Bottom line, I do have to say that their output certainly deserved
attention, at least in the low key, prog rock manner, and to some degree the commercial ends as well.
I mean, let's face it...here we have a group of professional musicians that were not known for their stage antics...had no flamboyant front man, possesed no wicked performers "ala guitar hereos", were not known for their illustrious and pretty much unforgetable stage shows...yet managed to get into the mainstream at the time, to the point of garnering a few top tunes along the way.
Certanly not Pink Floyd by any standards, Alan Parsons and co seemed to be content on putting forth the music that they firmly believed in then, and it found an audience...maybe not the mainstream one that makes for "rock superstar status", but one that has carved it's own niche on the musical epoch that we have come to know as "classic rock and roll" to one degree or another.
For what it's worth, how many other groups out there, then, and now can lay claim to having the succesfull ability to release not one, but 2 main "Greatest Hits" albums, separated by one containing all of the various vocal talents found on some of the albums, along with a complete "Instrumental" works?
Yes, there have been further compilations and subsequent variances on the same themes in regards to their initial releases, and in doing so have most likely found new audiences depending on the individual releases therein. However, any casual AP fan can delight in any or all of the
releases and would no doubt, not be let down upon giving even one release a half-hearted listen to. (Double entendre there, my forgiveness).
I would find it very difficult to mention "only 10" greatest hits from this artist, as there is in fact a plethora of "gems" that can be found on a multitude of the releases that The Alan Parsons Project has graced us with. Trust me, I can slap on the "EVE" album and get lost in it's entirety...maybe that's just me...but the quality and subtle nuances in most cases really showcase the talents of each and every contributor to the albums at hand.
Alan Parsons was not willing to settle for second best in any of his productions and he proves it well throughout the extensive catalogue over the years, never mind what he felt he needed to do this not only with his own material, but also in his earlier days with groups such as The Beatles and Pink Floyd.
Top 10 (with vocals)
1. If I Could Change Your Mind
2. Winding Me Up
3. Damned If I Do
4. Games People Play
5. Time
6. Pyramania
7. You Don't Believe
8. Prime Time
9. Since The Last Goodbye
10. The Turn of a Friendly Card - "Nothing Left To Lose"
***Bonus Track*** - Mr. Time
Instrumental Tracks
1. Lucifer
2. Mamagamma
3. Hawkeye
4. The Gold Bug
5. Secret Garden
6. I Robot
7. Sirius
8. Voyager
9. Pipeline
10. Where's The Walrus
Although, finding and possesing the "all important" hook in terms of music, may not be his given strength, especially for commercial airplay, Alan Parsons certainly can be given due credit for his exceptional ability to find and maintain a wonderful melody throughout any and all of his material, regardless of vocal inclusions or straight forward instrumental based ventures.
In my severely humble opinion, the man is a genious. The music speaks for itself and it all depends on how it's perceived at any given time by a listener.
On a great system, this music is a delight...AP wouldn't have it any other way...neither would I!
Thanks
Kim
