“We could have been a stadium band if we had played live”
Welcome to Now Spinning Magazine! I’m Phil Aston, and in this episode, I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Grammy Award-winning producer, musician, and audio engineer, Alan Parsons. Alan joins us to discuss his career, including the recent release of the Super Deluxe Edition of “Pyramid”, a masterpiece by The Alan Parsons Project. Before diving into our chat, I’d like to give a brief background on Alan Parsons, an iconic figure in music production and progressive rock.
Alan Parsons is renowned for his groundbreaking work in audio engineering and music production. His early career highlights include engineering one of the most famous albums of all time, Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon”, and working on iconic records like The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” and “Let It Be”. In 1975, he co-founded The Alan Parsons Project with songwriter Eric Woolfson, releasing a series of concept albums that blended rock, orchestral arrangements, and progressive elements. The band gained international acclaim with albums like “I Robot,” “Tales of Mystery and Imagination,” and of course, “Pyramid”.
With over 55 million albums sold worldwide, Parsons’ influence spans generations. While he initially focused on studio recordings, he later expanded into live performances and continues to create music, most recently winning a Grammy for his “The Secret” album in 2019.
The Super Deluxe Edition of “Pyramid”
In our conversation, Alan and I explored the creation and release of the Super Deluxe Edition of “Pyramid,” which includes remastered versions of the album, unreleased tracks, and stunning packaging. Alan shares how this release follows similar deluxe editions for albums like “Tales of Mystery and Imagination” and “Ammonia Avenue,” but this time, with the inclusion of vinyl.
Alan mentioned that while the order of these deluxe releases has been largely driven by record labels, he hinted that he is hoping to see a similar treatment for “I Robot” next, as he anticipates going through more archives for rare tapes and recordings.
One unique aspect of this box set is the attention to detail, particularly the story behind the music. The involvement of Sally Woolfson, Eric Woolfson’s daughter, in crafting the narrative adds an emotional connection to the album. The behind-the-scenes content, including early demos and outtakes, gives fans a glimpse into the creative process that shaped the final masterpiece. Listening to these previously unreleased recordings, Alan said, brought back vivid memories of the production days and the fun and experimentation that took place in the studio.
Revisiting “Pyramid” and Alan’s Thoughts on Live Shows
Pyramid, released in 1978, was the third album by The Alan Parsons Project and explored themes of mysticism and the allure of ancient civilizations. While the album may not have sold as well as its predecessor “I Robot”, it remains a fan favorite, and this deluxe edition promises to introduce the album to new listeners.
One track that stands out is the beautifully orchestrated “Shadow of a Lonely Man”, featuring a powerful vocal performance by John Miles, whom Alan praised as an extraordinary talent. Alan also highlighted the experimental nature of songs like “Can’t Take It With You”, which featured unusual time signatures like 7/4, further setting Pyramid apart from more conventional rock records.
Interestingly, The Alan Parsons Project did not perform live in the 1970s and 80s, focusing instead on studio recordings. Alan mentioned that there was some internal resistance to touring at the time, particularly from Eric Woolfson, who was less inclined to hit the road. However, Alan believes that if the band had toured back then, they could have reached even greater heights, potentially becoming a stadium-filling act. Today, Alan leads a live band and performs many of the project’s classic hits, which have been met with enthusiastic responses from audiences worldwide.
The Alan Parsons Project’s Cinematic Sound
One of the defining characteristics of The Alan Parsons Project is its cinematic sound, blending rock with orchestral arrangements and complex instrumentation. Alan reflected on the cinematic quality of his music and how, despite not touring initially, the band’s work would have translated well into visual mediums like MTV or short films.
The way music technology has evolved has also made it easier to recreate complex studio sounds in a live setting. In the early days, it would have been nearly impossible to achieve the same fidelity on stage, but advances in sampling and synthesizers have made it more achievable.
Alan Parsons’ Current and Future Projects
Alan’s passion for music and production remains as strong as ever. He continues to record new music and tour, and fans can look forward to more performances, including an upcoming U.S. tour. Beyond that, Alan recently worked on remastering Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” live recording from 1994 for release in Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround sound—a project that is set to release later this year.
Alan also shared his thoughts on the resurgence of Dolby Atmos and half-speed mastered vinyl. He remarked that these technologies provide a new way for fans to experience familiar albums, bringing out nuances in the music that even long-time listeners might have missed. The 45 RPM half-speed mastered version of Pyramid included in the deluxe edition is one example where the sound quality has been significantly enhanced.
A Career of Timeless Music
Alan Parsons’ career is one of continuous innovation, whether as an engineer, producer, or artist. With the release of the Pyramid Super Deluxe Edition, fans can once again immerse themselves in the intricate and evocative world of The Alan Parsons Project. As Alan prepares for his upcoming tour and future projects, it’s clear that his music continues to resonate with audiences old and new.
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out the Pyramid Super Deluxe Edition—it’s a must-have for any fan of progressive rock, and the remastered sound is nothing short of breathtaking.
For more information about Alan’s upcoming tours and projects, visit alanparsons.com. And don’t forget to give “Shadow of a Lonely Man” another listen—it’s an emotional, beautifully crafted track that showcases the talent of both Alan Parsons and John Miles.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
