Ammonia Avenue

Ammonia Avenue

by The Alan Parsons ProjectThe 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.

Product Details

Release Date: 01/27/2009
Label: Imports
UPC: 0828768386224
catalogNumber: 5003197
Rank: 63653

Tracks

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Alan Parsons Project   Primary Artist
Colin Blunstone   Vocals
Chris Rainbow   Keyboards,Vocals,Background Vocals
Lenny Zakatek   Vocals
Andrew Powell   Conductor
David Paton   Acoustic Guitar,Bass,Bass Guitar
Ian Bairnson   Acoustic Guitar,Electric Guitar,Synthesizer Guitar,spanish guitar
Mel Collins   Saxophone,Soloist
Stuart Elliott   Percussion,Drums
Christopher Warren-Green   Leader
Eric Woolfson   Synthesizer,Piano,Keyboards,Vocals,Background Vocals,fairlight,Wurlitzer
Alan Parsons   Synthesizer,Guitar,Drums,fairlight,Linn Drum
Philharmonia Orchestra   Performing Ensemble

Technical Credits

Andrew Powell   Arranger,Orchestral Arrangements
Stuart Elliott   Simmons
Eric Woolfson   Executive Producer,Reissue Producer
Alan Parsons   Producer,Engineer,Reissue Producer
Jeff Magid   Reissue Producer
Jerry Ewing   Liner Notes
Steve Martin   Memorabilia
Sally Seddon   Memorabilia

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