A VALID PATH

Last to time Alan Parsons album was a pleasant surprise for me. From his very early works I liked his catching melodies, great sound and pleasant music with touch of progressive sound. Somewhere in eighties I just missed him from my memory.

After many years, somewhere in 2005 or 2006 I saw him live in Trieste, big concert in Piazza Unita, central town's square. To be honest, concert itself wasn't as good as possible, but I heard some old songs and my memory was refreshed. So I just purchase his newest possible album at first possibility.

Yes, it's different music from his older works, and it's for good. Not too many musicians from old generation could change something in their music. Alan Parsons just does it.

Very melodic album of electronic sound. Old pop-rock and art rock is successfully mixed with modern electronic sound, including some techno rhythms and samplers. But in difference from many modern electronic musicians, I can feel rock roots there. Electronic sounds are used very economically, no overproduction at all. Plenty of vintage rock nuances are presented under the electronic skin. David Gilmour added his guitar on great universal.

This album isn't masterpiece ( no Parsons' album was). But it is good example of naturally refreshed music by professional musician. His music always was a pleasant soft- rock, or pop-rock, with some touches of art-rock. Same is now. But on the modern level.

Don't think this album will be interesting for prog purists ( but for me it's difficult to think about Alan Parsons as pure prog artist). But everyone who liked his melodic music in 70- s or 80-s,will be pleased with this work as well (just open your ears!).