The Alan Parsons Project – Tales of Mystery and Imagination (Album Review)

Unlike George Lucas ruining the original Star Wars trilogy, the 1987 remix of Tales of Mystery and Imagination is nothing short of perfection and while the original mixes, from 1976, are worth your time tracking down and listening to, the remix is arguably the best way to enjoy this cult classic. 

Yes, there’s an 80s vibe to this 70s album, but the prog-rock style remains ever-present thereby offering not only refinement in production but a significant improvement over the original. No doubt there’ll be some who prefer the original mix and there’s nothing wrong with that. Subjectively, I prefer the fuller, more atmospheric, sound of the remix along with the inclusion of the Orson Welles’ narration; although it does make for a less fluid and relaxing musical experience. 

While the original mix has previously been difficult to come by, in the modern era, it’s wonderful to note that it is available, as of 2024, via Apple Music et al. However, in going back to the album whilst compiling the upcoming Best Albums of 1976 ranked list, I took the time to listen to both versions and can declare that I remain most impressed with the 1987 remix as it’s more akin to a rock symphony than its original mix. It is simply a sonically better, and bolder, presentation, that works incredibly well with the style of music. 

It’s also important to mention that the 1976 mix was reissued in a 2007 Deluxe Edition and via the 40th Anniversary releases; a release that is not currently available to streaming services. As physical releases go it should be noted that Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab was the first to re-issue the original album on CD in 1994, although this particular release isn’t readily available and goes for considerable prices on the second-hand market. These releases no doubt showcase a perfect example of why physical media reigns supreme, but it’s a missed opportunity for those of us who choose streaming as our primary method for music delivery and it would be nice to see these additional versions released to a broader audience. 

Similarly frustrating is the fact that a higher resolution and the well-respected surround sound mix is missing from Apple Music. The only version present is the lossless CD-quality edition and while it’s an adequate facsimile, it could be so much more immersive. Given Apple Music’s push for Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos streams, it’s bizarre that Mercury Records hasn’t delivered Apple Music for streaming via their network. Most likely, while it is only conjecture on my part, they’re probably waiting for the 50th Anniversary release window before offering an updated release. Some may ponder if the surround mix is available elsewhere, or if a higher resolution is present via TIDAL or Qobuz and the answer to that thought process is no. They have the exact same version, of this album, as Apple Music. While it may be a frustrating omission, let’s hope that we will see additional offerings over the next couple of years as the album approaches its 50th Anniversary.

While fans will be aware of Alan Parsons’ legacy, newcomers may not realise that this project and the subsequent albums didn’t merely come about randomly for Parsons worked with The Beatles, Paul McCartney & Wings, and Pink Floyd as an engineer on Abbey Road, Red Rose Speedway, and Dark Side Of The Moon respectively. To say he’s a legend would be an understatement but no amount of collaborative efforts with these musical masters could have prepared the world for the haunting musical retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s most classic written works.

Of course, 70s art rock would be for nothing if album artwork hadn’t played a key role. Instantly recognisable, the barren artwork directs your eye to the centre image, one of a shadow man presented on a strip of recording tape. The concept’s great for it is as if there’s an open door in the two-dimensional world that we can see but can’t quite access. From a distant view, it also gives the impression of an audio waveform; at least to me. 

Upon the release of the 1987 remix, however, the cover art did get a makeover that fills in the white space with an even more obscure caricature, taken from the original liner notes, that works surprisingly well with the existing artwork. It also maintains a solid match to the music but whichever way you look at it, both designs can stand on their own, sans the musical accompaniment. 

As with many popular albums from the era, there was a range of alternative cover art, with some of the cassette releases being particularly appealing along with the 1977 vinyl reissues that feature Parsons being wrapped up as if he would become the faceless mummified man. 

Nevertheless, while the cover art may have drawn you to the album, it’s ultimately the music that keeps us engaged and coming back for more. Join me as we explore the music that makes the Tales of Mystery and Imagination so compelling. 

A Dream Within A Dream (1987 Remix) opens the album with Orson Welles’ narration. While it isn’t the best opening, it’s far from the worst and helps the music to build gradually in the background. Once the minute-long spoken introduction has ended, the rest of this tune, instrumental in nature, has an oriental feel to it before morphing into a rhythmic rock piece. A Dream Within A Dream is just that; a multitude of songs within a singular track. Stunning and emotive, A Dream Within A Dream most importantly flows seamlessly through the transitions, blending perfectly into The Raven. 

The Raven (1987 Remix) is the opus here, both from Edgar Allan Poe’s perspective as well as The Alan Parsons Project. It’s magnificent and in part that is due to Alan Parsons’ use of the vocoder that breathes an otherworldly life into the song. Similarly, Leonard Whiting’s non-distorted vocal on The Raven is incredible, as is the guitar solo that is notable for being included in this 1987 remix. Even if you’re not a fan of the entire album, The Raven is one of the greatest classic rock songs ever recorded. 

The Tell-Tale Heart (1987 Remix) has a Led Zeppelin feel to it but it’s symphonic rock at its very best. There are moments of chaos and moments of subtle delicateness, but it all comes together in a killer tune that will set your stereo on fire; figuratively speaking, of course! 

The Cask Of Amontillado (1987 Remix) flows seamlessly from The Tell-Tale Heart, even though the style is much more mellow by comparison. It takes a group of master musicians to pull off such a transition even when contrasted against the era of the linear album format. The adage that they don’t make music like this anymore rings true for The Cask Of Amontillado is audible perfection.

(The System Of) Doctor Tarr And Professor Fether (1987 Remix) is a killer rhythmic tune. John Miles’ did a remarkable job on the vocal but it’s the guitar tuning, and performance, that really sets this recording apart from the rest of the songs on Tales of Mystery and Imagination. 

The Fall Of The House Of Usher [Instrumental] (1987 Remix) while split into Prelude, Arrival, Intermezzo, Pavane, and Fall sections is arguably a collective body of work that shouldn’t be considered as individual pieces when discussing the movement. Yes, it is sectional and could be discussed in that manner but The Fall Of The House Of Usher is stronger as a continuous piece of work that will remind you of Pink Floyd in places, particularly in the Arrival section, and classical symphonies in others. There’s even a classic film vibe, think The Godfather, to be heard within the Prelude area of the movement.

The Fall Of The House Of Usher [Instrumental], overall, is a lovely piece but one would rightly suggest that Side A of the original vinyl release would be worn out, unless you’re more of a fan of the symphonic elements, for that is where the soul of Tales of Mystery and Imagination really lies. Of course, what could be seen as a weakness could also be interpreted as a strength for this album can be listened to, and subsequently interpreted, in different ways. The Fall Of The House Of Usher [Instrumental] is a 15-minute behemoth but it’s as memorable for its length as David Bowman's movement through space and time in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. 

To One In Paradise (1987 Remix) closes the album out nicely while ensuring that you’ll feel like playing it again. Even though To One In Paradise may not compare to the songs found on the first half of the album, it’s contemplative meaning that even if you decide not to spin the record again, you’ll be just as rewarded for sitting back and reflecting on the music you’ve just experienced. 

From start to finish, the Tales of Mystery and Imagination is an experience. One that will captivate you, and allow you to interpret Edgar Allan Poe’s works in an entirely different manner to his written output. Despite its modest success and subsequent cult following, I’m sure that if you take the time to listen, undistracted by the world around you, you’ll also become a fan of The Alan Parsons Project: Tales of Mystery and Imagination…forevermore. 

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The Alan Parsons Project – The Turn of a Friendly Card

It is such a long time ago that my memory is blurred on the fact, but I am pretty sure that The Turn of a Friendly Card (ToaFC) was the first music I owned.

My sister had a number of Alan Parsons Project albums on vinyl and I heard them in the house when I was a teenager. The sound must have captured my fancy because I soon owned ToaFC on cassette which I would play on my Sony Walkman. It is interesting to note that such an early discovery would really stand the test of time, as The Alan Parsons Project remains my second favourite act/artist of all time, after Jean Michel Jarre. I own a copy of every readily available album, including follow-up works by Parsons after the Project was dissolved.

ToaFC is the band’s fifth album, released in 1980, and like all preceding and indeed all following Project works is a concept album. In this case the concept is the temptations of gambling. Parsons and Eric Woolfson, the partnership that underpinned the Project, both lived in Monte Carlo within walking distance of the big casinos. Personally, as someone who often just doesn’t hear lyrics, I can forget that the theme is there most of the time and I don’t think that takes away from the listening experience.

The opening track, May Be A Price To Pay, has the typical sound of a Project work, but the track is otherwise a relatively standard “vocals and instruments” performance. The Project’s sound has an electronic timbre but typically they had a full complement of traditional instruments. The electronic sound likely came from the electronic keyboard and electric guitars, but there are also acoustic guitars and pianos, clavinets and harpsichords at times.

"May Be A Price To Pay – Live at Rock of Ages Festival 2013". This recent live version of May Be A Price To Pay shows that the more mainstream tracks are more easily replicable outside of the studio and with new band members and vocalists.

An interesting feature of Project works is that there is no “lead vocalist” in the band. May Be a Price To Pay is sung by “Elmer Gantry” (Dave Terry of Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera), one of four lead vocalists on this album alone, with at least a dozen over their entire catalogue. The key protagonists, Parsons and Woolfson, preferred to choose the right vocalist for the track. While Woolfson did sing on many of their songs (including some of their most successful), Parsons only sang lead once, on their debut album Tales of Mystery and Imagination, and even that was through a vocoder. (After dissolution of the Project and with live touring, Parsons has taken on a much greater role with vocals.)

While May Be a Price To Pay is very much a “standard” song with a distinctive Project feel to it, Games People Play is overtly more of a Project sound. Sung by frequent lead Lenny Zakatek, the song may sound almost normal in places, but slips into very electronic breaks and in fact has a consistent 4-note keyboard phrase from start to finish, clearly marking it as a work of the Project. It was released as a single and made number 16 on the Billboard Top 40, making it their 4th most successful.

Next is one of two tracks on the album sung by Woolfson. Time was his first for the Project and also features Parsons on backing vocals. It was their second most successful single, making it to number 15 on the Billboard Top 40, and it only takes a few moments of listening to understand why. A very simple, slow ballad, it is sung with soft, almost dreamy vocals and yet at times they soar to neck-hair tingling heights. It is one of my favourite Parsons tracks of all. It has been said of Woolfson (and ratified by himself) that he was not the most technically adept singer, but this track must surely be one he was proud of.

Alan Parsons Project – Time (Live 2014 Mainz). Because the band did no live performances until after Woolfson split from them in 1990, live performance videos authentic to the albums are very hard to come by. This Alan Parsons Live Project performance of Time from 2014 is a reasonable facsimile of the original.

Just when you were relaxed and chilled out by Time, along comes Lenny Zakatek again and, despite a soft start, I Don’t Wanna Go Home ramps up quickly to moderate pace with punchy vocals and equally punchy instrumentation, once again with that clear Project sound.

In the days of my cassette tape, this was the time to turn the tape over or, on more modern equipment, wait for the auto reverse to kick in.

This next track holds the honour of being the first one I absolutely fell in love with. For a time it was by far and away my favourite track, though it was not to last in that slot for long once I discovered Jarre’s works. (One day I will write about what Oxygene (Part II) does for me.)

The Gold Bug is an instrumental number that begins with Parsons whistling, rather well. He also contributes finger clicking to the percussion track. The basic makeup of this track is the unadulterated Project sound including electronic keyboards. It is lead for a time by an alto-saxophone that, like many great saxophone parts, soars to impressive heights. There are also a lot of backing vocals as instruments, to great effect. As I listen again while writing this, I can understand why this clicked with me so much in those early days. It is a stirring track.

The remainder of side 2 is taken up with the five parts of the title work, The Turn of a Friendly Card, wherein we hear the chorus line “the game never ends when your whole world depends on the turn of a friendly card,” with the title phrase spun out into far more than just a sung lyric.

The Turn of a Friendly Card, Part 1 opens with a flute which then leads to the beautiful vocals of Chris Rainbow. It’s a pretty laid back track opening with piano backing and closing with acoustic guitar. It is the shortest on the album, at a mere 2:43, but sets the tone, especially with the final line, “as he enters inside the cathedral,” punctuated by a loud gong. The cathedral, I assume, being a reference to the casino.

Rainbow then brings us the most overtly themed song of the album. After an instrumental opening to the basic melody, we get the opening line. “Snake eyes. Seven, Eleven. Don’t let me down boys.” Snake Eyes fits much the same musical model as I Don’t Wanna Go Home but briefly adds some background soundscape of a casino to support its message.

The Ace of Swords adds a harpsichord to the instrumentation before taking on a strong beat with another Project-identifiable instrumental. Once again, this track does not reinforce the album theme for me excepting, of course, the title, but is nevertheless an enjoyable listen and leads nicely into the lovely, balladic Nothing Left to Lose.

In this track, Woolfson reprises the same vocal style as Time making this another beautiful track, though this time backed with additional, layered vocals. I recently purchased my third copy of ToaFC – another CD – in order to get the Digital Remaster version of the album. This version contains bonus tracks including a raw version of the over-dubbed vocals for this track by Chris Rainbow. It really is magical to listen to without the strong presence of instruments.

The sadder tone of the song neatly fits the theme and begins to close the story with “nothing left to lose” and including the final line that just leaves off one word. “‘Cause you’ve got nothing left.”

Finally, Chris Rainbow returns for The Turn of a Friendly Card, Part 2 which is very much a continuation to Part 1 but with far more emotion pumped into it and ending on a long instrumental. The level of “the game is over” I get from this track is typical of final tracks on Project albums. I’m no audio engineer, but I’m sure there’s something that goes into this work that marks it as a final track. Disappointingly, the song completes with a fade out.

I couldn’t tell you which is my favourite Project album of all, but ToaFC would surely be a contender. It holds a special place in my collection, having been one of my first. There is no track out of place, no track which I feel lets the album down, and I never tire of listening from end to end, while also enjoying the singles in their own right.

I think my favourite Project tracks are from the earlier Pyramid and the later Eye in the Sky, but neither of those albums achieve the overall coherence of ToaFC.

Allister Jenks is a freelance music reviewer and podcaster. You can find him on Twitter at @zkarj

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