It was the second half of the 1970's and me in my early teenage years. My dad had the car of a coworker in for repair at our backyard. On it's dashboard there was a cassette tape called Tales of Mystery and Imagination by a band called The Alan Parsons Project. At that time I had no idea what kind of music this was, so I asked my dad if I can borrow this tape to give it a listen, and he allowed. I was blown away from what I heard, and the rest is history. APP is still one of my alltime favourite bands.
This piece feels like it belongs in a 1950's horror, or Suspence! radio play. Andrew Powell was the man chiefly responsible for arranging and conducting the orchestra in all APP albums and his contributions should be noted. The thunderstorm was recorded outside of the studio and balanced through what Parsons refers to as a dummy head - whether an actual dummy head was used I cannot say! Whatever the contraption was it provided that amazing surround sound experience all the way back in 1976! I enjoy this album greatly, but this was the piece that got me to investigate Edgar Allan Poe. The music does such a great job telling the story.
If anyone wants to know more about Alan Parsons, the TH-cam channel " Professor Of Rock " has a series of interviews with Alan Parsons that are excellent, talking about his works, both as performer and producer/engineer This piece has a movie soundtrack feel...it does set a mood Hadn't heard this in a while, thanks.
Tales of mystery and Imagination... Such a great album...Parsons work with pink floyd ( dark side and Wish you were here and ABBEY ROAD) shows his genius. I Robot is his masterpiece IMO, The Turn of a friendly card is amazing too... Been a fan since the 70's and love his works even more now...I hope you get to enjoy as many decades with his works as I have!
Oh yes! This is one of the best (yet underrated) debut albums of all time IMHO. So different, so engaging, such a journey, and all with the POE theme. WOW, just wow. Thanks you Brandon!
Brandon - have you ever read the story (or seen the movie) “Fall of the House of Usher”? The music changes and moods might make more sense knowing the story. The movie version with Vincent Price is my favorite.
Hi, I have not, but I did read the story synopsis online before the reaction, so I knew a little what I was dealing with....creepy as heck! That's why I chose the house and moon as background.... 🙂
Many years ago I had a work schedule that allowed me to take a 1-2 hour mid-afternoon nap in my own bed. I would plug this cassette into my boom box & set it on a low volume. Sometimes I would wake up to the thunder-clapping or the door-knocking, but overall it was extremely peaceful unconsciousness LOL.
BRIAN BENNETT - VOYAGE 1978 Full Album / I Highly Recommend this album too. Very Creative Electronic Music from Composer Brian Bennett. T. A P. Project I discovered the band in 2000 by pure chance , there used to be a Music store called Warehouse Music and when browsing through the CDs section I was intrigued by the album Cover of TAPP I,Robot so I bought it and so happened that Takes of Mystery was there too so I brought them both and WOW very incredible music. so ever since I've searched on TH-cam for 70s and 80s Electronic and Ethereal Instrumental Music With Drum & Bass Synthesizers and other Instruments added and came across this Fantastic album by Brian Bennett. What Intrigued me again is the Album cover kinda reminded me of Star Wars 1977 Every Song From The very first song is Masterful Highly recommend this one too.
Great one buddy! I wasn’t sure what to expect from your Halloween reference. Isn’t this one great? To think this was APs debut album. I’ve had this album for over 40 years! I can’t wait for you to hear the rest of the album. The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, (The System Of) Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether and the final track To One in Paradise are all great songs. I knew today’s would blow you away with the wind, rain and thunder…. all of your favorites. Lol
For sure! Haha wait till the real Halloween comes... I went all out last year on my other channel and I sure hope I can find some great retro Halloween songs, even if I've heard them I guess (I'm looking at you Monster Mash). You know my musical taste well ha!
@@retroreactions.... Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo. Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield. Bela Lugosi's Dead by Bauhaus, Bloodletting by Concrete Blond. That's just off the top of my head, I'm sure I know other that work great for a Halloween listen (or anytime really).
When this was first released it did't have the narration by Orson Welles. When I got the CD, it was the new mix, and I really didn't like it. It's definitely grown on me. Been listening since it first came out. I made a tape of it for my English teacher (senior year) because we were doing Poe in Am Lit. She loved this song. (didn't care for the R&R for some reason) Mrs. Woldseth, wherever you are, I hope you are well.
huh. I definitely noticed differences in the remaster (but I've gotten used to them now). but I remember the old version (I had on cassette tape!) has having Welles both on this and the other track
IT WAS MY FIRST ALBUM BY APP I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!MY MOM SENT ME TO A CONCERT FOR KIDS AND I LOVED IT TOO THE MUSIC THEY PLAYED SOMEWHAT SOUNDED LIKE THIS LOL!!!!IM SO OLD NOW LOL
@@retroreactions.... It's still going through my head. All those different strings. I once played mandolin. Speaking of which..."Be Free" by Loggins and Messina, live in 76 is one to watch. Messina burns up the mandolin on it, and it is beautiful, like this one today.
The storm was recorded outside Abbey Road Studios using a "dummy head" which is... wel... the head of a dummy with microphones in its ears, to give 3D-feel to a stereo recording. Songwritter Eric Woolfson and bassist David Paton were outside holding the dummy head to record the storm, waiting for a great thunder take, when all of the sudden, this majestic, glorious and perfect thunder hits nearby the studio. Said thunder was so perfect that Eric and David bursted out in laughter when they heard Alan from the control room yelling "You bloody idiots!! You ruined that take!!" 😂 What you hear in the album is probably the second best thunder from that night...
Loving your channel! If I may make a suggestion that is very good but quite rare from one of my favorite albums: Song: Stranded in Iowa (others on this album - I came for you, Lies (all through the '80s), Heart on the street). Artist: Manfred Mann's Earth Band Album: Chance (1980)
About seeing this Live: I gotta say that I doubt very much that this was ever done... I hope I'm wrong. At the time, The Alan Parsons Project was just Alan, his buddy Eric Wolfson, and whatever session musicians were right for each tune. There was no touring band, per se. Later, in the '90s, Parsons did go on the road, presumably to make some money... I saw them as an opening act for a free, outdoor concert of YES! It was phenomenal! But sadly, there was no symphony orchestra to accompany them, so they didn't even attempt this tune. They only covered the commercial hits.
Just heard a song by Marillion called Brave. Gorgeous! I know you have a ton of requests., but still pulling for Sugar Mice in the Rain. How can you not do a song with that title? 😉
As I told you before, this record made me get interested in Poe and read his works --- and I was in love (and mind you, I'm not the kind of guy who likes horror genres, I hate horror movies and such, but Poe's writing is entirely something else, what Stephen King wants to be when he grows up!). Later I read the original "Usher" story (one of Poe's masterpieces, the level of psychological terror and anguish he achieved there was amazing!), and I was impressed at how Alan Parsons so successfully recreated the storyline and the atmosphere. Of all tracks in the album, this is the most faithful to the original spirit of the work. The "Pavane" is my favorite part. I just got used to moving on to "To One in Paradise", which follows "Usher", ending the record. It's a total contrast, as sweet as can be, and it's a welcome respite from all the darkness and gloom of the preceding suite and its dramatic "Fall". I'm sure you'll love it, too. I learned that "The Fall of the House of Usher" also inspired works by two other artists that I love: *Philip Glass* (he wrote a whole opera of it!) and *Peter Hammill* (no relation to Jedi actor Mark), the frontman of *Van der Graaf Generator* (another band that must be on your list, especially the albums "Pawn Hearts" and "H to He Who Am the Only One", a pun on nuclear fusion, pronouns, and self-identity, typical of Hammill's brilliant but dark intelligence, if this oxymoron makes any sense...). I've never heard either piece, though. Since I'm totally convinced that Hammill is the reincarnation of Poe one century later, only in a different medium (no pun intended), I'd love to listen to it, but it seems that his piece was composed but never recorded. Shame!
Yes, Peter Hammill's version is absolutely fantastic. One of his best solo works IMHO, maybe one of his best in general (and I'm a big Vn-an der Graaf Generator fan). Try this song, to have an idea : th-cam.com/video/shRRHK4mxRY/w-d-xo.html
The spoken word intro by Orson wells is not part of the original work from 1976. It was added later in the re-release and in my opinion, detracts from the originality of the original work by The Alan Parsons Project.
Your Music Mirrors Your Mind Song suggestion: Tubular Bells Band/Artist: Mike Oldfield Album: Tubular Bells Similar feel as this Exceptional in its complexity
If you want a dark version from the Fallof The Usher House try Peter Hammill's opera of the same name. A good way to discover the possibilities of Hammill's voice, in the third song of the opera : th-cam.com/video/shRRHK4mxRY/w-d-xo.html I must add that Hammill's version is more story telling that this one (great instrumental). Hammill's has lots of lyrics following Poe's original story. Incredible. I hope you'll try it…
@@retroreactions.... Hello Brandon. Peter Hammill is the leader of the band Van Der Graaf Generator, one of the 5 or 6 big prog bands from the 70'. His Usher Opera is from 1991. Hammill, IMHO, has one of the most powerful voice in prog. Just incredible, sometimes very agressive. He song on Peter Gabriel records and also with Robert Fripp (from King Crimson). If you want profound lyrics go to Van Der Graaf. Try Arrow or Childlike Faith in Childhood's End. I love this guy and saw him 5 times in concert, alone or with a band he is amazing.
Hmmmmm. What would Clare Torry have made of this endevour (same timeframe, same studio, many of same people)? Think it would have better, more memorable. As is - it's OK. A 6/10 from me; I'd like things darker + more pizzaz. I find this one somewhat underwhelming :/ Thanks for introducing me to this Brandon, I'd failed to make it through Side 1 (and this is Side 2) of _Tales of Mystery and Imagination_
I've played double bass in a symphony orchestra for 35 years. I also play an instrument called the "cimbalom" BOTH are lushly featured in "Pavane" in this suite, which is one reason why I love it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimbalom ⚡ Yes, your research is correct on the strings.
Hello! That is so awesome, what a dream come true it must be to play in an orchestra! There's nothing else like that deep rich vibrating tone when the double bass is played with a bow! I will have to look up demo videos on TH-cam showing the cimbalom...thanks for watching!!
A dark and frightful orchestral, synth and string nightmare...fitting tribute to Poe... Thanks for watching!! 🥰
love the fade out fake at the end that does a beautiful crescendo instead, and then going on to To One in Paradise works really well
Orson Wells makes this Timeless
From Alan Parson's first, and in my opinion, best album. Great from start to finish.😊
"Pavane" is one of my favorite prog pieces. I discovered it from a NY TV station sign off from 1979.
Nice, thanks Rob
To One In Paradise, is the closure and the golden brooch to this incredible album, really after this gloomy ending it is like feeling in heaven.
Nice! Can't wait to hear it!
It was the second half of the 1970's and me in my early teenage years. My dad had the car of a coworker in for repair at our backyard. On it's dashboard there was a cassette tape called Tales of Mystery and Imagination by a band called The Alan Parsons Project. At that time I had no idea what kind of music this was, so I asked my dad if I can borrow this tape to give it a listen, and he allowed. I was blown away from what I heard, and the rest is history. APP is still one of my alltime favourite bands.
Sweet, thanks for sharing! Wise father....I fall deeper in love with APP with each new song I hear 🙂
This piece feels like it belongs in a 1950's horror, or Suspence! radio play. Andrew Powell was the man chiefly responsible for arranging and conducting the orchestra in all APP albums and his contributions should be noted.
The thunderstorm was recorded outside of the studio and balanced through what Parsons refers to as a dummy head - whether an actual dummy head was used I cannot say! Whatever the contraption was it provided that amazing surround sound experience all the way back in 1976!
I enjoy this album greatly, but this was the piece that got me to investigate Edgar Allan Poe. The music does such a great job telling the story.
Love this piece and the album overall. Definitely one to listen to with the lights out. Oh and your background was spot on.
Amazing album for sure!! Right up my alley! Thanks, the backgrounds usually call out to me quickly if it's the right one!
16:14 This part sounds very Alan Parson-esque!!! June Just imagine The Alan Parson's Project collaborating with ELO!!!
OMG- mind would definitely be blown!
Awesome, Brandon - I knew you’d like it!
Dark, dramatic, gentle, spooky, orchestra, strings, storm sounds....what gave it away LOL.....
If anyone wants to know more about Alan Parsons, the TH-cam channel " Professor Of Rock " has a series of interviews with Alan Parsons that are excellent, talking about his works, both as performer and producer/engineer
This piece has a movie soundtrack feel...it does set a mood
Hadn't heard this in a while, thanks.
Hi Michael...Wow I need to watch those interviews....those kind of things fascinate me beyond the moon!
@@retroreactions.... Professor Of Rock is a superb channel for rock trivia and history, can't recommend it highly enough
@@retroreactions.... another TH-cam channel with interviews of rock artists, including Alan Parsons:
"Rock History Music"
Classic APP. This has all the elements of what they are and how tgey would develop. I think its amazing they pull this off with their first record.
So true! He's a genius, would love to meet him...
Tales of mystery and Imagination... Such a great album...Parsons work with pink floyd ( dark side and Wish you were here and ABBEY ROAD) shows his genius. I Robot is his masterpiece IMO, The Turn of a friendly card is amazing too... Been a fan since the 70's and love his works even more now...I hope you get to enjoy as many decades with his works as I have!
Hi there! Thanks for being first today! 🥇 I love Alan more with every new song I discover!! Thanks for watching
I don't think Alan is on Wish You Were Here
I remember listening to this tape in my boosted car stereo, driving across Canada... aah the memories!
Wow, must have sounded amazing, volume way up I hope!
Oh yes! This is one of the best (yet underrated) debut albums of all time IMHO. So different, so engaging, such a journey, and all with the POE theme. WOW, just wow. Thanks you Brandon!
You're welcome robot9991....can't wait to hear the remaining few songs!
Brandon - have you ever read the story (or seen the movie) “Fall of the House of Usher”? The music changes and moods might make more sense knowing the story. The movie version with Vincent Price is my favorite.
Hi, I have not, but I did read the story synopsis online before the reaction, so I knew a little what I was dealing with....creepy as heck! That's why I chose the house and moon as background.... 🙂
Thanks a lot for this particular one ! This piece always impressed me a lot. Putting together Poe, Debussy and Parsons gives this high flying magic.
You're welcome Alex! High flying magic, love that descrip!
Many years ago I had a work schedule that allowed me to take a 1-2 hour mid-afternoon nap in my own bed. I would plug this cassette into my boom box & set it on a low volume. Sometimes I would wake up to the thunder-clapping or the door-knocking, but overall it was extremely peaceful unconsciousness LOL.
Nice, thanks for sharing that
Love the whole album! Just saw AP in concert in February, after the concert was postponed twice , waited almost a year but worth it,
Nice!!
BRIAN BENNETT - VOYAGE 1978 Full Album / I Highly Recommend this album too. Very Creative Electronic Music from Composer Brian Bennett. T. A P. Project I discovered the band in 2000 by pure chance , there used to be a Music store called Warehouse Music and when browsing through the CDs section I was intrigued by the album Cover of TAPP I,Robot so I bought it and so happened that Takes of Mystery was there too so I brought them both and WOW very incredible music. so ever since I've searched on TH-cam for 70s and 80s Electronic and Ethereal Instrumental Music With Drum & Bass Synthesizers and other Instruments added and came across this Fantastic album by Brian Bennett. What Intrigued me again is the Album cover kinda reminded me of Star Wars 1977 Every Song From The very first song is Masterful Highly recommend this one too.
Great one buddy! I wasn’t sure what to expect from your Halloween reference. Isn’t this one great? To think this was APs debut album. I’ve had this album for over 40 years! I can’t wait for you to hear the rest of the album. The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, (The System Of) Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether and the final track To One in Paradise are all great songs. I knew today’s would blow you away with the wind, rain and thunder…. all of your favorites. Lol
For sure! Haha wait till the real Halloween comes... I went all out last year on my other channel and I sure hope I can find some great retro Halloween songs, even if I've heard them I guess (I'm looking at you Monster Mash). You know my musical taste well ha!
@@retroreactions.... Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo. Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield. Bela Lugosi's Dead by Bauhaus, Bloodletting by Concrete Blond. That's just off the top of my head, I'm sure I know other that work great for a Halloween listen (or anytime really).
Better start planning...LOVE Dead Man's Party since it first was released!
Nice, my friend!!!! You already know. Tomy Shaw had this album on his top 5 albums, on "What's in My Bag".
Thanks! I didn't know, or if I did I forgot!!
When this was first released it did't have the narration by Orson Welles. When I got the CD, it was the new mix, and I really didn't like it. It's definitely grown on me. Been listening since it first came out. I made a tape of it for my English teacher (senior year) because we were doing Poe in Am Lit. She loved this song. (didn't care for the R&R for some reason) Mrs. Woldseth, wherever you are, I hope you are well.
Thanks for sharing the story!
huh. I definitely noticed differences in the remaster (but I've gotten used to them now). but I remember the old version (I had on cassette tape!) has having Welles both on this and the other track
Hi Brandon, it's been a long time since I last listened to this title and it's nice to dive back into this grandiose work. APP is amazing
Howdy! Glad you could revisit it with me! Love APP soooo much
IT WAS MY FIRST ALBUM BY APP I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!MY MOM SENT ME TO A CONCERT FOR KIDS AND I LOVED IT TOO THE MUSIC THEY PLAYED SOMEWHAT SOUNDED LIKE THIS LOL!!!!IM SO OLD NOW LOL
Young at heart though like me! Glad you love them!!
Really does sound like a soundtrack. Familiar themes in the opening, A great album, love the finish.
Oh, my favorite of all the story songs. Let's see what ye think...
Guess you saw what methunk by now! 🖤
@@retroreactions.... Brilliant reflection. And what a treat to relive it with headphones.
Thanks for being here today!! ☺
@@retroreactions.... It's still going through my head. All those different strings. I once played mandolin. Speaking of which..."Be Free" by Loggins and Messina, live in 76 is one to watch. Messina burns up the mandolin on it, and it is beautiful, like this one today.
The storm was recorded outside Abbey Road Studios using a "dummy head" which is... wel... the head of a dummy with microphones in its ears, to give 3D-feel to a stereo recording.
Songwritter Eric Woolfson and bassist David Paton were outside holding the dummy head to record the storm, waiting for a great thunder take, when all of the sudden, this majestic, glorious and perfect thunder hits nearby the studio. Said thunder was so perfect that Eric and David bursted out in laughter when they heard Alan from the control room yelling "You bloody idiots!! You ruined that take!!" 😂
What you hear in the album is probably the second best thunder from that night...
Haha funny story, thanks!
🤘🤘😝
FYI: This is even better if you let it play on into "To One In Paradise" as it's intended.
It’s been a long time since I’ve heard this ! Great stuff love APP !? Soo many great songs to hear you might try Ammonia Avenue one of my favorites
Thanks for watching! I will add your vote for AA!
Loving your channel! If I may make a suggestion that is very good but quite rare from one of my favorite albums: Song: Stranded in Iowa (others on this album - I came for you, Lies (all through the '80s), Heart on the street). Artist: Manfred Mann's Earth Band Album: Chance (1980)
Thanks for the suggestions, will add them to my list. I think I know 1 of their big songs...
About seeing this Live: I gotta say that I doubt very much that this was ever done... I hope I'm wrong. At the time, The Alan Parsons Project was just Alan, his buddy Eric Wolfson, and whatever session musicians were right for each tune. There was no touring band, per se. Later, in the '90s, Parsons did go on the road, presumably to make some money... I saw them as an opening act for a free, outdoor concert of YES! It was phenomenal! But sadly, there was no symphony orchestra to accompany them, so they didn't even attempt this tune. They only covered the commercial hits.
Just heard a song by Marillion called Brave. Gorgeous! I know you have a ton of requests., but still pulling for Sugar Mice in the Rain. How can you not do a song with that title? 😉
Added another vote! ☺We will be getting some mice action in tomorrow's reaction haha......
I did get this album in 77
GREAT choice!
Good tune for holloween!
The whole album is great, of course, but my favorite is "A Cask of Amontillado".
I found this one interesting, but not something I plan on adding to my collection. Keep Reacting!
Tommy Shaw
As I told you before, this record made me get interested in Poe and read his works --- and I was in love (and mind you, I'm not the kind of guy who likes horror genres, I hate horror movies and such, but Poe's writing is entirely something else, what Stephen King wants to be when he grows up!). Later I read the original "Usher" story (one of Poe's masterpieces, the level of psychological terror and anguish he achieved there was amazing!), and I was impressed at how Alan Parsons so successfully recreated the storyline and the atmosphere. Of all tracks in the album, this is the most faithful to the original spirit of the work. The "Pavane" is my favorite part.
I just got used to moving on to "To One in Paradise", which follows "Usher", ending the record. It's a total contrast, as sweet as can be, and it's a welcome respite from all the darkness and gloom of the preceding suite and its dramatic "Fall". I'm sure you'll love it, too.
I learned that "The Fall of the House of Usher" also inspired works by two other artists that I love: *Philip Glass* (he wrote a whole opera of it!) and *Peter Hammill* (no relation to Jedi actor Mark), the frontman of *Van der Graaf Generator* (another band that must be on your list, especially the albums "Pawn Hearts" and "H to He Who Am the Only One", a pun on nuclear fusion, pronouns, and self-identity, typical of Hammill's brilliant but dark intelligence, if this oxymoron makes any sense...). I've never heard either piece, though. Since I'm totally convinced that Hammill is the reincarnation of Poe one century later, only in a different medium (no pun intended), I'd love to listen to it, but it seems that his piece was composed but never recorded. Shame!
Can't wait for the rest, I only have 4 left on this album! Thanks as always for the great info!
Glad you caught this one....you were one of the few that I was aware that liked it..
Yes, Peter Hammill's version is absolutely fantastic. One of his best solo works IMHO, maybe one of his best in general (and I'm a big Vn-an der Graaf Generator fan). Try this song, to have an idea : th-cam.com/video/shRRHK4mxRY/w-d-xo.html
...and this is why studying classical music is important. I wonder: how much of this did AP adapt from Debussy?
The spoken word intro by Orson wells is not part of the original work from 1976. It was added later in the re-release and in my opinion, detracts from the originality of the original work by The Alan Parsons Project.
I would disagree, as the 1976 version was intended to have it, but simply got left off. I like both versions, but the narration truly sets the tone.
Your Music Mirrors Your Mind
Song suggestion: Tubular Bells
Band/Artist: Mike Oldfield
Album: Tubular Bells
Similar feel as this Exceptional in its complexity
If you want a dark version from the Fallof The Usher House try Peter Hammill's opera of the same name. A good way to discover the possibilities of Hammill's voice, in the third song of the opera : th-cam.com/video/shRRHK4mxRY/w-d-xo.html
I must add that Hammill's version is more story telling that this one (great instrumental). Hammill's has lots of lyrics following Poe's original story. Incredible. I hope you'll try it…
What year was that released? Don't think I've heard the name Peter Hammill....
@@retroreactions.... Hello Brandon. Peter Hammill is the leader of the band Van Der Graaf Generator, one of the 5 or 6 big prog bands from the 70'. His Usher Opera is from 1991. Hammill, IMHO, has one of the most powerful voice in prog. Just incredible, sometimes very agressive. He song on Peter Gabriel records and also with Robert Fripp (from King Crimson). If you want profound lyrics go to Van Der Graaf. Try Arrow or Childlike Faith in Childhood's End. I love this guy and saw him 5 times in concert, alone or with a band he is amazing.
Wrong version if you ask me. That 1987 narration part is not needed. 1976 is the right one
Hmmmmm. What would Clare Torry have made of this endevour (same timeframe, same studio, many of same people)? Think it would have better, more memorable.
As is - it's OK. A 6/10 from me; I'd like things darker + more pizzaz. I find this one somewhat underwhelming :/
Thanks for introducing me to this Brandon, I'd failed to make it through Side 1 (and this is Side 2) of _Tales of Mystery and Imagination_
Got ya...Clare with spooky singing would sound amazing on this.....thanks for the watch time anyways 🙂
I've played double bass in a symphony orchestra for 35 years. I also play an instrument called the "cimbalom" BOTH are lushly featured in "Pavane" in this suite, which is one reason why I love it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimbalom ⚡ Yes, your research is correct on the strings.
Hello! That is so awesome, what a dream come true it must be to play in an orchestra! There's nothing else like that deep rich vibrating tone when the double bass is played with a bow! I will have to look up demo videos on TH-cam showing the cimbalom...thanks for watching!!