TALES OF MYSTERY AND IMAGINATION

Alan Parsons Project are generally a union of session players recording a concept work, devised by Alan and friend Eric Woolfson and inspired by famous writers - from the many Project albums I've heard, they hardly qualify for being 'Prog Rock' - more like bombastic pop music. This, the first release by APP, is the only release which comes close. Since my interest in this 'band' has waned over the years, my assessment may not necessarily be 'correct' as such, but rather a current opinion. I enjoy most of the instrumentals, and the production is quite 'large' sounding and clear, as you would expect from Parsons. My gripe with the entire affair is the vocal arrangements - mostly cheezy pop-star wannabees, of only which Arthur Brown stands out. 'The Fall of the House of Usher' is an absolutely superb, symphonic offering here, as is the beautiful opening instrumental 'A Dream Within a Dream'. Overall, some good music, but heads way too much into commercial sounding territory.