Ammonia Avenue

by Alan Parsons, The Alan Parsons Project

Overview

One of the most interesting aspects about the Alan Parsons Project is the band's ability to forge a main theme with each of its songs, while at the same time sounding extremely sharp and polished. Much of this formula is used in Ammonia Avenue, only this time the songs rise above Parsons' overall message due to the sheer beauty of the lyrics partnered with the luster of the instruments. The album touches upon how the lines of communication between people are diminishing, and how we as a society grow more spiritually isolated and antisocial. But aside from the philosophical concepts prevalent in the lyrics, it is the music on this album that comes to the forefront. The enchanting saxophone of Mel Collins on "Don't Answer Me" adds to its lonely atmosphere, while the briskness of Eric Woolfson's wording throughout "Prime Time" makes it one of the Project's best singles. On "You Don't Believe," the seriousness of the lyrics works well with the song's energetic pace. The subtlety of the ballad comes to life on the elegant "Since the Last Goodbye," which focuses on a failed attempt at a relationship. With Ammonia Avenue, the sum of the parts is greater than the whole product, which can't be said for all of the Alan Parsons Project's albums. Vocalists Eric Woolfson, Chris Rainbow, Lenny Zakatek, and Colin Blunstone equally shine, placing their talents above and beyond the album's main idea. ~ Mike DeGagne

Product Details

Release Date:	01/27/2009
Label:	Bmg / Bmg / Sony Music
UPC:	0886978846228
Rank:	5583

Tracks

1. Prime Time
2. Let Me Go Home
3. One Good Reason
4. Since the Last Goodbye
5. Don't Answer Me
6. Dancing on a High Wire
7. You Don't Believe [Instrumental Tribute to the Shadows]
8. Pipeline [Instrumental Version]
9. Ammonia Avenue
10. Don't Answer Me [Early Rough Mix]
11. You Don't Believe [Demo]
12. Since the Last Goodbye [Chris Rainbow Vocal Overdubs]
13. Since the Last Goodbye [Eric Guide Vocal - Rough Mix]
14. You Don't Believe [Instrumental Tribute to the Shadows]
15. Dancing on a High Wire/Spotlight (Work in Progress)
16. Ammonia Ave [Eric Demo Vocal - Rough Mix]
17. Ammonia Ave [Orchestral Overdub]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Alan Parsons Project   Primary Artist
Alan Parsons   Primary Artist,Fairlight,Keyboards,Synthesizer,Drums,Guitar,Vocals
Eric Woolfson   Piano,Vocals,Keyboards
David Paton   Bass,Guitar,Vocals,Guitar (Bass),Guitar (Acoustic)
Chris Rainbow   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Mel Collins   Saxophone,Synthesizer
Lenny Zakatek   Vocals
Stuart Elliott   Drums,Percussion
Colin Blunstone   Vocals
Christopher Warren-Green   Conductor
Philharmonia Orchestra   Orchestra
Andrew Powell   Conductor
Ian Bairnson   Guitar,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)

Technical Credits

Alan Parsons   Producer,Programming,Writer,Composer,Engineer
Eric Woolfson   Writer,Composer,Executive Producer
Chris Blair   Mastering
Tony Richards   Assistant Engineer
Christopher Warren-Green   Leader
Andrew Powell   Arranger