Reviews 
For me it is a toss-up between “I Robot” and “Pyramid” when it comes to my personal favorite Alan Parsons Project album. Pyramid arrived during the height of my stoner years, and while I missed the gravity of the song “What Goes Up,” which I had myopically placed firmly in my mind as a get high song, since it told me What goes up, must come down. Years later, and with a clear mind, it remains a favorite, and decades on the lyrics have finally sunk in. I would imagine your experience is likely different than my own, but what is likely the same is your excitement about the first ever Dolby Atmos mix of an Alan Parsons Project album!
For spatial enthusiasts to gain entry into the Atmos realm of Pyramid, one must pick up the Super Deluxe Box Set which includes 4CDs containing the album + 67 bonus tracks, of which 54 are previously unreleased, all taken from Eric Woolfson’s Songwriting Diaries and studio session out-takes. The set also includes the album on 45rpm 180g 2LP vinyl edition – half speed remastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios in a gatefold sleeve. Of course, of main interest to readers here, the audio Blu-ray disc contains the first ever Dolby Atmos mix of an Alan Parsons Project album, a 5.1 surround sound mix from the original multi-track master tapes by Alan Parsons, a new stereo hi-res and CD remaster of the original album by Miles Showell, along with a fully illustrated, 12” x 12” 60-page casebound book and a replica press folder.
Scaled down alternate editions are also available, including an expanded CD release that contains 2024 remaster of the original album, 4 additional bonus tracks, along with a 12-page booklet including Alan Parsons quotes as well as full lyrics. And the analog enthusiast is not left out in the cold, they can warm up to the vinyl LP formats include a 180gm clear vinyl plus a limited edition D2C exclusive 180gm gold nugget vinyl – both featuring Showell’s half speed remasters of the original album at Abbey Road Studios, with sleeve notes featuring quotes from Alan Parsons, the Woolfson family and musicians.
If the above specs haven’t yet sold you on this release, and somehow The Alan Parsons Project has not been on your radar, continue to read. The Alan Parsons Project established the epitome of sophistication in progressive rock from 1975 to 1987, during an ongoing collaboration between the masterful engineer/producer Alan Parsons and the erudite songwriter, musician, and manager Eric Woolfson, produced an oeuvre of 10 albums that delved into themes of science fiction, the supernatural, and literary and sociological inquiries. With an enviable record of over 55 million albums sold globally, they have commanded an unwaveringly dedicated following.
The serendipitous meeting of Parsons and Woolfson in the hallowed halls of Abbey Road Studios' canteen in the summer of 1974 marked the beginning of a legendary partnership. Parsons, who had honed his craft as Assistant Engineer on the Beatles' monumental albums ‘Abbey Road’ (1969) and ‘Let It Be’ (1970), and as the engineer behind Pink Floyd's seminal ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ (1973), joined forces with Woolfson, a consummate songwriter and composer moonlighting as a session pianist while crafting a concept album inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
Perceiving a visionary shift where the music industry might evolve into a producer's domain, Woolfson envisioned a synergy that would meld his compositional genius with Parsons's unparalleled production prowess. Thus, the formation of The Alan Parsons Project heralded a new era of meticulously crafted, conceptually rich music that remains a paragon of artistic excellence.
The album contains many favorites, such as "Pyramania" which is a lively and catchy track that showcases the band's characteristic blend of rock and progressive elements. Also, "Can't Take it With You" is a thought-provoking song with a memorable chorus and rich instrumental arrangement, plus "The Eagle Will Rise Again" best known for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this track stands out as a poignant ballad. Likewise, "Hyper-Gamma-Spaces" is an instrumental piece that highlights the band's ability to create intricate and atmospheric compositions and "Shadow of a Lonely Man" closes the album with a powerful emotional depth and a grand orchestral arrangement.
Absolutely recommended for fans and collectors of The Alan Parsons Project, and for progressive rock enthusiasts who have not yet added this to their collection.
Release date August 23, 2024.
Format Info
4CD + 2 45RMP 180gm Vinyl LPs + 1 Blu-ray Super Deluxe Edition featuring Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround sound and stereo mixe, and a plethora of bonus tracks. Also available as a 2 CD set or Gold colored Vinyl, as well as via streaming services, with different mastering..
Get your copy here:
Share this Article with your Friends
About the Author
Wesley is a lifelong music enthusiast. He started his career in the recording industry in New York City as an audio engineer, producer, and studio manager. Subsequently he toured across America as a guitarist with the short-lived band Land's Crossing. After many years in the technology sector and amassing a substantial vinyl and CD collection, he delved into immersive audio and created Hi-Res Edition to share with other listeners about the sound quality and discrete mixes available on many formats. He recently upgraded his system to 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos and continues to seek out and share about the best sounding releases.
Immerse yourself with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, all through 13 channels at 150-watts each.
Comments
English Translation via Google: It's a shame that the Bluray isn't available to buy individually. The responsible citizen should be allowed to decide what he wants. I don't need the vinyl discs or the flood of CDs at a completely overpriced price. I just want the Bluray Audio, nothing else. So please make improvements and offer them individually, then the sales will also work. The other albums, which were re-released in a similar form, are also available individually on Bluray. Why not this one?