Unboxing the Alan Parsons Project: Super Deluxe Edition of “Pyramid”
I am very happy to share my personal journey and emotional connection to this special release.
What’s Inside the Box
Four CDs and a Blu-ray Disc: Featuring multiple mixes, including a breathtaking Dolby Atmos mix, a 5.1 surround sound mix, and a new stereo HD CD remaster.
180g 45 RPM Vinyl: Half-speed mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, housed in a gatefold sleeve.
67 Bonus Tracks: Including 60 previously unreleased tracks taken from Eric Woolfson’s songwriting diaries and studio session outtakes.
Extensive Booklet: A fully illustrated 12×12-inch hardback book with interviews, full lyrics, and commentary on the bonus tracks.
Additional Memorabilia: A poster, reproduction press kit, and various photographs.
The Vinyl Experience
Let’s start with the vinyl. Initially, I was skeptical about the half-speed mastering at 45 RPM, thinking it might just be a gimmick. However, upon playing the vinyl, I was blown away. The sound quality is exceptional, with incredible depth and clarity. The music feels more alive, with an expanded soundstage and rich details that truly elevate the listening experience.
The CDs and Blu-ray
The CD versions, while not as dramatically different as the vinyl, still offer the best sound quality available for Pyramid. The Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround sound mixes are nothing short of spectacular. Alan Parsons, known for his work on Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, brings a similar level of expertise to this mix, creating an immersive audio experience that fills the room.
The Emotional Journey
One of the most touching aspects of this box set is the inclusion of Eric Woolfson’s songwriting diaries. These recordings, taken from personal cassettes, provide an intimate glimpse into the creative process. Listening to these tracks, you can hear Eric’s daughters, Sally and Lorna, in the background, adding a deeply personal and human touch to the music.
Sally Woolfson’s contribution to the booklet is particularly moving. She shares her memories of her father and the emotional significance of these recordings. For instance, she describes how “Shadow of a Lonely Man” was written in their lounge after her mother lost her father. These anecdotes add a layer of poignancy to the music, making it more than just a collection of songs but a piece of family history.
The Musicians
Pyramid features a host of talented musicians, including:
Eric Woolfson: Songwriter and keyboardist.
Alan Parsons: Producer and engineer, who played a crucial role in shaping the album’s sound.
Colin Blunstone: Vocalist on “The Eagle Will Rise Again”.
David Paton: Bassist and vocalist, known for his work with the band Pilot.
Stuart Elliott: Drummer, providing the rhythmic backbone of the album.
Chart Success
Upon its release in 1978, Pyramid achieved considerable success, reaching No. 26 on the US Billboard 200 and No. 34 on the UK Albums Chart. Although it didn’t produce a major hit single, the album has since become a beloved part of the Alan Parsons Project’s discography.
This Super Deluxe Edition of Pyramid is a must-have for any Alan Parsons Project fan. It offers an unparalleled audio experience, with meticulous remastering and a wealth of bonus material that provides insight into the band’s creative process. More importantly, it captures the emotional essence of Eric Woolfson’s work and the love his family has for his music.
If you’re a fan of the Alan Parsons Project or simply appreciate beautifully crafted music, this box set is worth every penny. It’s a fitting tribute to a timeless album and the talented individuals who brought it to life.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
