A VALID PATH

One of the last studio outputs of Alan Parsons. First of all, I have a great respect for who up to date and inspired Alan Parsons keeps himself - as a former studio engineer, he has the ability to absorp new trends and keep what suits his music.

Contrary to other reviewers or tastes, I don't mind at all hearing techno and electronica on this album. The studio work and engineering is top-notch as on any other of his albums.

The album sounds fresh and contemporary although a far cry from progressive rock. The album will please fans of intelligent electronic and pop music. Fortunately and maybe due to the album sound, most of the tracks are instrumental (well, only the guitar may be the only classic instrument here).

The two sung tracks are average pop tracks slightly below the average of Alan Parsons pop songs. The highlights are the long instrumental tracks. "Return to Tunguska" is a noteworthy electronic studio experimentation.

"L'arc en Ciel" has a powerful rhythm and bass line narrowing a breakbeat/drumnbass territory. "Chomolungma" has a pleasant contemporary vibe and documents Parson's qualities as modern engineer. The setback are two tracks: a re-make of "Mammagamma" and "A recurring dream within a dream".

Not many former 70's progressive rock masters and producers could pull off an album like that and I have a respect for that. On a progressive rock note, 2 stars are deserved, otherwise 3.