petak, 11.09.2009.
Alan Parsons - Gaudi (1987) (14-track Remaster 2008)
Inspired by architect Antonio Gaudi, the Alan Parsons Project's Gaudi from 1987 has a leaner, edgier sound that is best represented on "Standing on Higher Ground." The last track, "Paseo de Graciad," is a finely orchestrated instrumental done exquisitely in full Parsons style. The usual lineup of Miles, Woolfson, Zakatek, and Rainbow share the singing duties, with Geoff Barradale taking over on "Standing on Higher Ground." [The 2008 Sony BMG reissue included bonus tracks.]...M.DeGagne
The idea that 1987's "Gaudi" would prove to be the final album by the Alan Parsons Project might have been more than a little surprising to the admirers of the band. After all, this is a concept album about a relatively obscure Spanish architect who had been dead for almost exactly sixty years before this album was released. Project songwriter, lyricist and the man responsible in the most part for managing the "concept" aspect of the APP, Eric Woolfson, sings lead on nearly half of the album's songs, leaving the other songs to the band's usual vocalists. Upon reading the remastered edition's liner notes, one comes to believe that this particular album was pretty much Woolfson's baby, with Parsons lurking about in the back providing his always near-perfect sound and arrangements. No song in particular stands out; even the obligatory instrumental seems to fade away into the ether of the whole. After the underwhelming sales of this album, the APP entered the studio to make another album, centered around Sigmund Freud. However, conflict between Woolfson and Parsons over songs, lyrics and production led to a double album, "Freudiana", being released with no artist's name listed. It was an APP album in all but name, with all of the usual suspects appearing, but it proved to be the end of the line. The Alan Parsons Project name was retired, and both principals went their own ways. This sad, sputtering end is regrettable, considering that the APP had flown the prog rock flag throughout the '70s and '80s, long after such music had fallen far from grace. It is also sad that the official end should have come with such a weak album. Still, if you're a completist, here "Gaudi" is in all its remastered glory (Parsons IS a studio wizard, and is seemingly incapable of making an album which doesn't astound the listener with pure sonic achievement), with bonus tracks that fail to really add anything to the package as a whole. Enjoy the APP's official swan song, or rue the day. Or both...D. Jellinc
Codec: mp3
Bitrate: 320 kB/s
Size: 150 MB
Genre : Rock
2000mustangs
Tracklist:
01 La Sagrada Familia 8:47
02 Too Late 4:30
03 Closer to Heaven 5:53
04 Standing on Higher Ground 5:48
05 Money Talks 4:26
06 Inside Looking Out 6:26
07 Paseo de Gracia / Alan Parsons Instrumental 3:52
08 Too Late / Alan Parsons Eric Woolfson Rough Guide Vocal 4:13
09 Standing on Higher Ground / Alan Parsons Vocal Experiments 3:58
10 Money Talks / Alan Parsons Overdubs 0:37
11 Money Talks / Alan Parsons Rough Mix Backing Track 4:28
12 Closer to Heaven / Alan Parsons Sax / Overdub Section 0:50
13 Paseo de Gracia / Alan Parsons Rough Mix 3:46
14 La Sagrada Familia / Alan Parsons Rough Mix 7:25
