One of my most revered albums in the progressive rock canon! ‘Tales Of Mystery And Imagination Edgar Allan Poe’—the celebrated debut album by The Alan Parsons Project—is set for a special reissue via Cooking Vinyl on 21st March 2025.
I’ve spent many hours exploring and reviewing Alan Parsons Project records over the years, and this particular release has always held a special place in my heart. From its concept-driven approach to its incredible list of guest musicians, this album remains an essential piece of prog rock history.
Overview of the Reissue
1. 2LP 45 RPM Audiophile Edition
First pressing comes with a limited numbered Obi-strip (only 2,000 copies).
Cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios (September 2024), using high-resolution audio transfers from the original master tapes (2016 remaster source).
Pressed at Optimal, Europe’s premium pressing plant.
Comes with a replica of the original album 8-page booklet, plus a printed insert featuring quotes from Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson.
Encased in a gatefold sleeve, with each track spread across two 45 RPM vinyl LPs for maximum fidelity.
2. Limited Edition Clear Vinyl (Half-Speed Remaster)
180GM heavyweight, clear vinyl edition.
Similarly cut at half-speed for precise audio reproduction.
Perfect for those who love a distinctive, collectible look to their LPs.
3. Abbey Road Remaster, Expanded Edition CD
Newly remastered at Abbey Road.
Includes four bonus tracks, giving you fresh insight into the making of this conceptual masterpiece.
Why This Album Is Special
Released in June 1976, Tales Of Mystery And Imagination was The Alan Parsons Project’s first foray into melding literary themes—in this case, the works of Edgar Allan Poe—with ambitious rock and studio wizardry. Alan Parsons, an acclaimed producer/engineer (best known for his work on Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon), teamed up with musician/composer/manager Eric Woolfson to create this atmospheric fusion of progressive rock, orchestral flourishes, and storytelling.
Guest Musicians include:
Arthur Brown (The Crazy World of Arthur Brown) on “The Tell Tale Heart.”
John Miles on “The Cask of Amontillado” and “(The System of) Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether.”
Terry Sylvester (The Hollies) on “To One in Paradise.”
Members of Ambrosia and Pilot, plus Francis Monkman (Curved Air, Sky).
It was an immediate success, selling nearly one million copies and achieving platinum status in several countries, including Germany and Canada. The album remains one of those timeless releases that continues to captivate both prog aficionados and casual listeners alike.
Audio Quality & Packaging
Whenever Miles Showell is involved—particularly at Abbey Road Studios—you can be sure the audio will be handled with incredible precision and respect for the original recordings. This half-speed process at 45 RPM allows for greater dynamic range, fuller bass response, and an overall enhanced listening experience. If you cherish hearing every nuance of the performance and production, this is the edition for you.
The clear vinyl version is equally enticing if you’re a collector, and the Expanded Edition CD with extra tracks will feed the completists among us who want to hear every facet of how this concept album came to life.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
