AMMONIA AVENUE

Even after the mass commercial success of "Eye in the Sky" and the clarity of the APP formula going forward, Parsons and Eric Woolfson possessed enough integrity to produce a more than competent followup. It is true that the main theme of one of the best tracks, that for which the album was named, is musical retread from "Turn of friendly Card", but the inner segment confirms the project's knack for morphing its genetic material in an aurally pleasing fashion. The focus on human foibles in the lyrical concepts finds its messengers sounding increasingly like jaded 35 year olds. But compared to what else was transpiring in the 1980s, even a hackneyed Parsons is better than no Parsons at all.

Having bought in on all of ex CAMEL keyboardist PETE BARDENS' early solo material at the time of release, I recognized his debt to the APP, but it turns out to be particularly true of this era of the Project. "You Don't Believe" and "Pipeline" respectively sum up two facets of this sound: the melodic prog-tinged pop tune and the rollicking electronic instrumental, which are almost merging one into the other. "Dancing on a High Wire" is of similar high quality, every facet of the arrangement calculated to precision yet impossible to dislike, while "Prime Time" is similar to early 80s offshoot with Bardens et al called KEATS, only better. APP has a knack for beseeching us with predictability and succeeding. This quality irritates many, especially more adventurous prog fans who have forsaken their pop roots. But, while I acknowledge the many blemishes herein and even the ample flawed tracks like "let me go Home" and "Since the Last Goodbye", I still enjoy a well crafted and not over exposed AOR tune, especially one with provocative lyrics.

Here the bonus material is more disposable, the exception being a superb instrumental rendition of "You Don't Believe" that pays homage to THE SHADOWS, where we expect the protagonists to challenge each other to an old fashioned duel.

While this bouquet may not be market fresh, it's levels of noxious ammonia are well below commonly accepted limits.