TALES OF MYSTERY AND IMAGINATION

This is an excellent record from Alan PARSON. Symphonic, progressive, the songs are varied, and there are many people involved in the making of this chef d'oeuvre. The presence of orchestration (string & horn arrangements) give some grandeur to this album. The mix of classical arrangements, modern keyboards, choir and catchy pop rock bits is interesting. I like the numerous excellent & sweet backing vocals. On side 2, there is a catchy, beautiful & delicate mandolin bit, followed by a FLOYD-esque ("Us and Them") mellow pattern full of excellent vocals.