As a teen (many years ago) I bought the APP albums “I, Robot” “Ammonia Avenue” and “Eye In The Sky” and listened to them with headphones on a Sony Walkman. I thought the music on them was amazing. Of course, I owned a copy of “Dark Side” by Pink Floyd but it wasn’t until years later that I discovered Parson’s involvement with that album and realized why that album was so great as well. I never knew he worked with The Hollies and Al Stewart but it may explain why I love those albums too. The man is a true master.
"Don't Answer Me" Ammonia Avenue, one of my favorites. Lol learned to ballroom dance at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Tucson to this song back in 1981 lol
@@jamesedwards2237 Absolutely agree, I have 5 or 6 Parsons albums and I've listened to "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" more than the others put together. I also really like I Robot and Pyramids.
I ROBOT. Fell in love with it when I was babysitting as a teenager; the parents of the little ones had quite an album collection, and I'd play them, while the littles were in bed, and do my homework. 😄
Got to meet Alan one time and shared with him my favorite of Ambrosia's "Somewhere I never traveled" He seemed so relieved that I didn't want to talk about "Dark side of the moon". He said that was one of his favorites as well. Nice guy and wonderful talent.
Alan Parsons made a huge contribution to rock music. I love all of the albums his band put out. Turn Of A Friendly Card is brilliant and one of my go to albums to this day. I am grateful that I lived in the time of his music and the music of others he helped shape.
I love these Alan Parsons interviews! He's so down to earth and it's always like watching two friends catching up! I always knew about the Pink Floyd work and of course the Project but didn't know he worked with the Beatles as well! 🙏
Probably my favorite Alan Parsons work, besides the obvious "Dark Side of the Moon', would be The Hollies, "He Ain't Heavy (He's My Brother)". The man is such a musical genius. There are probably a great number of songs he has been involved with, that were not mentioned.
Alan Parson worked with Tim Renwick, David Gilmour, and George Harrison... what an assortment of eclectic talent. I know there are plenty more guitarist he worked with but these 3 were before 1975.
Certain songs hold magic. A unique sound that evokes a feeling that almost nothing else can. Eye In The Sky is one of those songs that transports me back to a better time whenever I hear it.
Love the writing credit here - "Need You Now" is a song performed by American country music trio Lady Antebellum. The band co-wrote the song with Josh Kear, and produced it with Paul Worley. Critics in Europe and North America have pointed to similarities between "Need You Now" and "Eye in the Sky" by The Alan Parsons Project. Hillary Scott responded saying that she "had never even heard of him"
Thanks to seeing Alan Parsons show up (briefly) in “Get Back” reminded me of the song “Don’t Answer Me”. An incredibly underrated pop masterpiece from the early 80s.
After watching Peter Jackson’s “Get Back” and video’s by the Prof.and Rick Beato among others, I’ve discovered that the music we were exposed to initially has so much to do with the context in which we were exposed to it. Once we hear the behind the scenes stories we find out how organic it all was but at the time it was magical for us. An example is Prof’s comment about experiencing an album instead of just a song like we do now. The saxophone on “Year of the Cat” to me is such a vital element if you’ve been listening to the story that Al is telling that I even imaging the song without it. In fact, I think it pushed the album into another genre, of sorts, and may have been what made it successful. Thank you, AP, for being a part of our lives in music even though we weren’t aware of it at the time. It would be hard to pick a favorite song of his own. An album to experience, in its entirety, is “Tales of Mystery and Imagination.”
Thank God for Alan Parsons for his insight into this music and his that shape music for decades to come. He was involved or made some of the most fantastic music of this era. What a laid back humble guy. Love every segment with Alan.
@Anna Trail good morning, just before noon here, I was the same way in never realizing how much Alan was involved in so much of the music i love. Take care and i hope you health is getting better for you my friend
So glad you did this interview! Alan Parsons Project has been my favorite band since they released their I Robot album (I passed the physical album on to my son. It was given to me in 1977)! I used to play their entire Tales of Mystery and Imagination album (cassette) repeatedly! I got to attend their concerts here in Kansas City...my first one was in 1997 and my 2nd one I took my son to for his 21st birthday in 2009 (my son and niece are huge fans).
I appreciate the time you devote to Alan Parsons. While he is very well known and loved, I still think he gets overlooked by some as one of the most important figures in music. Now granted a lot of credit goes to Eric Woolfson (R.I.P) for his ideas and his writing for APP, but that being said, I don't think the brilliance shines through without Alan. That combined with his work on two of the most iconic and favorite albums of all time, and also his work with The Hollies, Al Stewart, and Ambrosia (and others?). A true legend.
Great interview. I could listen to AP tell music stories for hours... truly amazing. Probably mentioned by others... the young man is 73! Hope to be that well and chill at that age!
Alan's really done it all in the music industry over the decades and done it well. Love his story about how he meticulously set up all the clocks to chime together on Dark Side of The Moon. Good buddies with David Pack too, as well-they posted some nice duets in recent months. Alan's band even got a shout-out from Dr. Evil! :-)
Always loved Alan Parsons. His band is one of my five favorite bands of all time, and has ties to two of the other five, the Beatles, and Bruce Hornsby and the Range.
Alan Parsons is one of rock and prog rocks pioneers what made his albums fascinating was the concepts he would use technology and humanity on I robot to men and women on eve to name a few but my favorite is his 1993 solo effort try anything once this album is fantastic
Another record Alan had a hand in producing before APP kicked into gear was "Music", the single by the recently-departed John Miles who himself would subsequently participate not only in APP but also as a touring accompanist for Tina Turner.
The Year of the Cat is magic to me. When I was about ten years old, I got a little transistor radio for Christmas. I remember laying in bed listening to that song. One of my favorite childhood memories. Rock on folks.
Totally... I get it about All Stewart on the song and album The Year of the Cat... AWESOME. YOTC and Time Passages for me go hand in hand. Both albums once started must be heard in their entirety!!
One of my favorite "heartbreak" songs is a hidden gem by the Alan Parsons Project, "If I Could Change Your Mind." Vocals by Lesley Duncan. Absolutely breathtaking. The man is truly a legend.
Alan Parsons has always been my musical hero. As a kid, I found myself drawn not only to his own band's work, but bands he had worked with. At the time, I didn't even know about the connections! I only knew music that touched my soul, that moved me, that seemed to be so much more than notes streaming from my radio. Over time, I learned about how Parsons was involved in acts like Pink Floyd, The Hollies, The Beatles, Pilot, and more, who I loved and listened to obsessively. He is a treasure. I was lucky enough to see his touring show in Clearwater, Florida back a few years ago. He performed with a sixty-piece orchestra. I sat there completely mesmerized for the entire show. I knew every note, every word, every drumbeat before it reached my ears. It was the best show I have ever seen, and I've seen a bunch. Thank you for bringing this interview to TH-cam for all to see. The whole time while watching it, I was thinking, "How can he sit there so calmly in the presence of such overpowering genius?" I would have been completely tongue-tied the whole time, grinning like an idiot and unable to say anything coherent. You rock, Professor!
Mr. Parsons along with his collaborators Eric Wolfson and Andrew Powell quite literally changed my life. The poetry, the arrangement, the orchestration, the themes of each album...they truly meant the world to me when new and still to this day as my hair has gone gray. The two Al Stewart records Alan and Mr. Powell did remain in my collection. There is a smoothness in the melodies, like an old familiar friend...just a feeling that comes over me whenever I put on the headphones and retreat from my day. Even though we may never meet, thank you, Alan, for being in my life all these years.
@@ProfessorofRock It had to be Tales. One of the first CDs I ever bought. I was away at college and I used to tape classical music from the library and mail it to him. Whenever there was space left on the tape I would record something of mine I thought he would like. He was a bookworm like me so a concept album based on Edgar Alan Poe's works was like catnip. Got him to check out other rock based on that. He wasn't a fan of my teenage 8 track collection :)
If you guys havent seen it yet the Beatles Get Back is fantastic. The looks on their faces when the cops show up on the roof is the very definition of ZFG.
Quick shout out to The Hollies - Bus Stop. One of my all-time favorites from childhood right to present day. Superb lyrics... smart, sharp and playful. Brilliant. EDIT (& this is why I love POR) quick search and just discovered Bus Stop was written by Graham Gouldman (of 10cc fame, at age 16 no less!!). POR episodes send one off to some great places! 3 chords and I happened upon the truth! haha Cheers
Outside of the APP catalog, my favorite album Alan Parsons worked on was Ambrosia's "Somewhere I've Never Travelled." It's such a great album and it would be nice to hear more about the making of that LP since it was done right around the same time as the APP debut "Tales of Mystery and Imagination." I'm not sure that the Ambrosia album has really gotten its due. Seems to still be more of a "cult" album. It should have been much more successful. I urge anyone who loves APP to seek it out immediately!
Another great interview with the legend that is Alan Parsons, Professor! My top two favorite albums that Alan Parsons worked on are: Abbey Road and Dark Side of the Moon.
First time heard Alan Parsons was 1977. Wouldn't Want to be without you. Never realized he was connected to these other artists until later. Al Stewart great. Year of the cat, time passages, song on the radio, on the border. Many memories
Peter Jackson's _Get Back_ is a seven hour masterpiece. Fascinating & exhilarating, the film deserves an Oscar. Cool moments: Yoko asks George Martin where she can buy sheet music - interesting because she met John searching for sheet music for John Cage's birthday. Later, John wrote "Because" after hearing Yoko play "Moonlight Sonata" on the piano. Ringo plinks at the piano, plays the first verse of "Octopus's Garden", stops, and says "That's all I've got". Then George steps in to help his friend write it.
I finally got to see APP this year in Nashville. What a catalog of great music that has meant so much to me. I bought Tales and Imaginations on vinyl at a music store at a mall the day it came out. Been a fan ever since.
@Professor of Rock - I remember I was at a night club in El Paso Texas heard a new song the DJ was playing and literally crawled over the crowd to ask what it was. It was “Day After Day (The Show Must Go On) by Alan Parsons. Brilliant music. Just brilliant.
I’ve been so honored to have gotten to meet and visit with Mr Parsons a few times! He and his family are great people! I’m curious if you’ve ever spoken with him about passing is knowledge along? I know he and PJ Olsson won a Grammy together, and PJ is also a fantastic and interesting talented musician!
Guys like Alan, Geoff Lynne, and Butch Vig who have been on both sides of the board are unsung heroes of some of the best music ever created. I love these interviews Professor!
I first came to know of Mr. Parsons (shouldn't that be "SIR" Alan Parsons by now?) via the Project. I own their compilation compact disc but it lacks a few of their finest songs. My favourite song of theirs is DEFINITELY "Old and Wise" - the saxophone on that track is SPLENDOROUS.
It's funny that the Get Back rooftop concert was stopped due to noise complaints. Because the reason I love the Alan Parsons' Project is because I was forced to listen to it at noise complaint levels. Before this, I wasn't really a fan of the music. However, my German friend had a father who was a mason. So, they had a huge basement and it was basically sound proof due to the overdone construction by a German bricklayer. My friend was obsessed with music and even back in the 1980's he and his brothers had a stereo system that costs thousands of dollars. Quadraphonic and everything with six foot tall speakers. Me and Dave (my friend) were arguing about what album to play next. He kept saying, "Alan Parsons, Alan Parsons." I didn't get it and told him so. He said, "But you have to hear it on my stereo and in quadrophonic sound." It was his house, so I gave up and let him put it on. He played it very loudly and it was marvelous. Even at this intense sound level, it sounded amazing and clear, and the effects that bounced around the room had me enthralled. Lovely music, lovely man. underrated, most definitely.
First heard of Alan Parsons while working in a record store when his Project was released. Hearing all the stories about his career working with other stars certainly explains how he was able to create such a great album.
Ambrosia, too. So many he has been involved with and look at who he gets to sing lead: P.J. Olson. I saw them the end of Jan. in concert. Awesome. I was in another world. I have every album including The Secret. CD, vinyl.... Love him.
Excellent as love anything you do on Alan Parsons. Favorite APP albums are Tales of Mystery and Imagination, I Robot, and Ammonia Avenue. Have tickets to see Al Stewart with the Empty Pockets in April 2022 (as long as doesn't get rescheduled again). Alan's production on the Al Stewart album Year of the Cat is flawless. Alan also did some good work on early Ambrosia's first album.
Great interview with Grandmaster Alan Parsons, I'm truly delighted! He had a lot of background impact on my musical taste for sure which I never was aware of before watching your vids. As for Al Stewart and the saxophone story: really funny to hear that he didn't like the sax with the song at first. I vividly remember "The year of the cat", and I always found that the sax perfectly complemented his cool and suave sounding voice. Thanks for enlightening the music that shaped my (now long gone) younger years, Professor, and merry greetings from Germany :-).
Another great Alan Parsons segment! It looks to me like there was one long interview, and it's being released on this channel bit by bit. Hopefully there is more of this content to come. I'm a big Alan Parsons fan and have nearly every album by the Project -- not to mention works by other artists he's produced or engineered. My favorites are "Tales of Mystery and Imagination and I Robot (the first 2 APP records). As someone mentioned, there are 2 versions of "Tales": the original 1976 release and the 1987 "revamped " version remixed by Alan (which adds narration recorded by Orson Welles that was cut from the original release and a couple new guitar passages). "The Air That I Breathe" is a fantastically-well-crafted song that was co-written by Albert Hammond. Albert was very prolific in the 70's; his compositions were mainly performed by other artists. He also had a successful career as a singer, being largely remembered for "It Never Rains in Southern California" (peaked at #5 in 1972) although he recorded several other gems that didn't sell as well between 1972 and 1975. His son, Albert Jr., was the guitarist for The Strokes. I believe the talents of Albert Sr. are worthy of a standalone POR episode. He tends to be overlooked in most music-related YT content .
I can't get over how young AP was when all these great contributions to music happened. I was having trouble remembering where I took my shoes off at that age.
Love Alan Parsons, he sure hit it big with the Bulls ls in the 90's - was just legendary watching the start of the games when the lights would go out,, that music would play and the team came out with wJordan at the end - that was so amazing and it wouldn't have been the same without Alan's music - what a genius!
Professor: You, ( your show ) is the ultimate way-back machine. I just smile and dream of younger years. Your knowledge of music is incredible. Best thing on TH-cam in my mind. Thank-you.
Much respect to the man,loved all his work. Him speaking of songsmiths makes me wish I had gone that route . Back when, I could call a tune to within 10 bullets of where it finished. Now not so much. Time passages you know . Enjoyed it Mr. Reader.
I've been an Alan Parsons fan ever since I heard I Robot played in full on the F.M. one "foggy" night...I never knew about his Hollies work b4...so he is involved in some of my all-time favorite music.
Great interview! I’m a fan….brilliant call for the sax on Year of the Cat! I was hooked the first time I heard it! Ran right out and bought the album and I still get cold chills every time I hear it!
@@ProfessorofRock Probably should have met him, but to be honest, I didn't know all that much about him then. Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson, and John Entwistle were there too. They were touring Japan, doing some kind of Beatles tribute. John passed away about six months later.
I'm cheered to see someone besides me remembers the album "Eve". Not a skippable track on either side (bought the vinyl), "Damned If I Do" & "Secret Garden" are both repeat worthy. ;-)
I always found the relationship between Alan Parsons and the guys in Ambrosia (particularly David Pack) to be rather fascinating. His mixing touch on their debut and this his actual production and arrangement work on Somewhere I Never Traveled is pretty awesome.
***PROF. KEEPS HIS 'EYE IN THE SKY'...AND, ON ALAN...*** : ...Man, does the Prof. really EDUCATE us...I had no idea Alan P. worked on those CLASSIC Beatles Records! ...that ALONE, makes him a Rock LEGEND! ...now, I'm CONVINCED that Episode of "Absolutely Fabulous" where Edina & Patsy erase the masters of lost Beatles tracks, found by Edina's boyfriend...who was a 'gofer' for The Beatles in the 60's...was based on Alan!! ..ha-HAAA!! (CONT.) ...But! ...I will say this....although I was a passing APP fan, I love - I worship - I ADORE the track, "Don't Answer Me"!! (#15 Pop, May 1984) ....LOOOOOOOVE that tune! ...and The VIDEO, Man! ...OUCH! ..ha- HAAA!! ...This was GOOD post, Prof., you're SWINGIN' in 2022! ...ha-HAAA!! ..THANKS!
Imagine the tell all book this guy could write. I'm sure he's heard it all. Seems like a cool cat. I only knew him from Austin Powers movie when i was younger and then maybe in the past few years found out all things he was connected to and has done/
Alan Parsons is a genius! He also was involved in the successful albums / songs of Pilot and Ambrosia. Then with Eric Wolfson, they created The Alan Parsons Project and all the series of its amazing albums.
Thanks for another great interview with Alan Parsons. I could listen to that guy all day long. Do you have another interview with him where he talks about ‘Dark Side of the Moon’? Just sitting here getting rid of Covid out of my system in your neck of the woods, S Jordan. Keep up the great work you do.
@Anna Trail HI Anna. I looked up the artists on line of those 45s records. Most of the records were country and rockabilly music from 1957-1961. Wikipedia had long biographies on these artists. I went to the record store and gave him the 45s to sell in his store. He gave me Paul's Simon's Graceland album from 1986. I kept the Beach Boys Pet Sounds. He told me this album was a second pressing from the 70s and not the first release in 1966. No big deal. I can listen to it and enjoy it. I don't have to have the most expensive collectible albums out there. The snow has mostly melted and it has been in the 40s here. It's true. There is so much to know about music 🎶 and I mostly know the music from the late 60s through the 80s. It is so much fun to read the comments from others on Professor's channel. It always nice to hear from you ♥
I know Eye in the Sky and prelude Sirius is probably the most iconic APP offering, but my personal favorite is Time from The Turn of a Friendly Card album. Spoke to me of a relationship that drifted away.
This episode inspires! Please do an episode on the hollies, one of the greatest of the British invasion groups. I got to meet Terry Sylvester a few years ago.
When Ringo comes out on the roof and jumps up and down on the the plywood and says "They nailed me drums down in the wrong spot".....it's hilarious to know Al Parsons did it! 🤣
Poll: What is the greatest rock documentary of all time?
This is Spinal Tap
Woodstock
The Professor Of Rock TH-cam channel!!!
....GIMME SHELTER, man! ...c'mon!! ...ha-HAA!
@@surlechapeau I agree also, the motion is passed!
There absolutely needs to be an Alan Parsons documentary. Sooner than later.
No doubt. Just a magnificent composer, engineer, and bandleader.
Alan's songwriting partner Eric Woolfson was a genius when it came to writing. Songs like _Old and Wise_ blow me away.
As a teen (many years ago) I bought the APP albums “I, Robot” “Ammonia Avenue” and “Eye In The Sky” and listened to them with headphones on a Sony Walkman. I thought the music on them was amazing. Of course, I owned a copy of “Dark Side” by Pink Floyd but it wasn’t until years later that I discovered Parson’s involvement with that album and realized why that album was so great as well. I never knew he worked with The Hollies and Al Stewart but it may explain why I love those albums too. The man is a true master.
"Don't Answer Me" Ammonia Avenue, one of my favorites. Lol learned to ballroom dance at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Tucson to this song back in 1981 lol
My first and favorite Alan Parsons album was Tales of Mystery and Imagination, a Deutsche grammophon pressing. Amazing sound
@@jamesedwards2237 Absolutely agree, I have 5 or 6 Parsons albums and I've listened to "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" more than the others put together. I also really like I Robot and Pyramids.
I drilled a hole in the dash of my car, wired up a headphone jack in '78 for APP, Pink Floyd. Great interview.
@@aethellstan I also liked Pyramania
I ROBOT. Fell in love with it when I was babysitting as a teenager; the parents of the little ones had quite an album collection, and I'd play them, while the littles were in bed, and do my homework. 😄
Got to meet Alan one time and shared with him my favorite of Ambrosia's "Somewhere I never traveled" He seemed so relieved that I didn't want to talk about "Dark side of the moon". He said that was one of his favorites as well. Nice guy and wonderful talent.
Unique life he lived!! Parson is a master.. Guys like him that did the things he done no one.. Maybe Jeff Lyne..
For sure.
Yes, he and Jeff Lynne are the masters. Nobody better than Alan and Jeff IMO.
Alan Parson is a legend of his own right, being one of the best songwriter, composer and producer. Yet, we haven't seen any best documentary about him
The first APP album that I heard in its entirety was Turn of a Friendly Card, and it’s still my favorite.
Alan Parsons also helped Al Stewart make his best two albums, " Year of the Cat ", and " Time Passages "...thanks for mentioning " Year of the Cat "
Alan Parsons' contribution to music history cannot be overstated.
I Robot will forever more, be one of my most favorite albums ever! Alan is a phenomenal engineer!
Absolutely loved this interview. Alan Parsons is a gifted artist and I’m privileged to have been a part of his golden age of music.
Yer privileged in probably more ways than you realize cowboy! And likely have no idea why.
@@gaywizard2000 Please don't troll for us liberals. You're not helping. We don't need that energy. Redirect it toward better things please.
And so humble
Alan Parsons made a huge contribution to rock music. I love all of the albums his band put out. Turn Of A Friendly Card is brilliant and one of my go to albums to this day. I am grateful that I lived in the time of his music and the music of others he helped shape.
I love these Alan Parsons interviews! He's so down to earth and it's always like watching two friends catching up! I always knew about the Pink Floyd work and of course the Project but didn't know he worked with the Beatles as well! 🙏
Isn't it amazing? He's one of a kind
Probably my favorite Alan Parsons work, besides the obvious "Dark Side of the Moon', would be The Hollies, "He Ain't Heavy (He's My Brother)". The man is such a musical genius. There are probably a great number of songs he has been involved with, that were not mentioned.
I first heard of Alan Parsons from his Project. I love hearing about how being behind the scenes helped him grow as a musician.
Likewise!
Thanks my friend. More to come.
Alan Parson worked with Tim Renwick, David Gilmour, and George Harrison... what an assortment of eclectic talent. I know there are plenty more guitarist he worked with but these 3 were before 1975.
Tim Renwick played with Pink Floyd during the Delicate Sound of Thunder, Pulse, and G8 tours
Certain songs hold magic. A unique sound that evokes a feeling that almost nothing else can. Eye In The Sky is one of those songs that transports me back to a better time whenever I hear it.
Love the writing credit here - "Need You Now" is a song performed by American country music trio Lady Antebellum. The band co-wrote the song with Josh Kear, and produced it with Paul Worley.
Critics in Europe and North America have pointed to similarities between "Need You Now" and "Eye in the Sky" by The Alan Parsons Project. Hillary Scott responded saying that she "had never even heard of him"
I remember first time heard,was prob 6 \7 years old...wow.
Thanks to seeing Alan Parsons show up (briefly) in “Get Back” reminded me of the song “Don’t Answer Me”. An incredibly underrated pop masterpiece from the early 80s.
After watching Peter Jackson’s “Get Back” and video’s by the Prof.and Rick Beato among others, I’ve discovered that the music we were exposed to initially has so much to do with the context in which we were exposed to it. Once we hear the behind the scenes stories we find out how organic it all was but at the time it was magical for us. An example is Prof’s comment about experiencing an album instead of just a song like we do now.
The saxophone on “Year of the Cat” to me is such a vital element if you’ve been listening to the story that Al is telling that I even imaging the song without it. In fact, I think it pushed the album into another genre, of sorts, and may have been what made it successful.
Thank you, AP, for being a part of our lives in music even though we weren’t aware of it at the time.
It would be hard to pick a favorite song of his own. An album to experience, in its entirety, is “Tales of Mystery and Imagination.”
Thank God for Alan Parsons for his insight into this music and his that shape music for decades to come. He was involved or made some of the most fantastic music of this era. What a laid back humble guy. Love every segment with Alan.
Very cool. HE's done so much, it's hard to remember it all.
@@ProfessorofRock that's a fact, thanks for all your hard work professor
@Anna Trail good morning, just before noon here, I was the same way in never realizing how much Alan was involved in so much of the music i love. Take care and i hope you health is getting better for you my friend
One of my all time favorites, such a master of song and sound production.
Loved both Breakdown ( With Allen Clarke From The Hollies On vocals ) & I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You from I Robot ! Classic Rock staples 📻
So glad you did this interview! Alan Parsons Project has been my favorite band since they released their I Robot album (I passed the physical album on to my son. It was given to me in 1977)! I used to play their entire Tales of Mystery and Imagination album (cassette) repeatedly! I got to attend their concerts here in Kansas City...my first one was in 1997 and my 2nd one I took my son to for his 21st birthday in 2009 (my son and niece are huge fans).
I appreciate the time you devote to Alan Parsons. While he is very well known and loved, I still think he gets overlooked by some as one of the most important figures in music. Now granted a lot of credit goes to Eric Woolfson (R.I.P) for his ideas and his writing for APP, but that being said, I don't think the brilliance shines through without Alan. That combined with his work on two of the most iconic and favorite albums of all time, and also his work with The Hollies, Al Stewart, and Ambrosia (and others?). A true legend.
Oh, that's too bad...I didn't know Eric Woolfson was dead. That's a loss.
Great interview. I could listen to AP tell music stories for hours... truly amazing. Probably mentioned by others... the young man is 73! Hope to be that well and chill at that age!
Alan's really done it all in the music industry over the decades and done it well. Love his story about how he meticulously set up all the clocks to chime together on Dark Side of The Moon. Good buddies with David Pack too, as well-they posted some nice duets in recent months. Alan's band even got a shout-out from Dr. Evil! :-)
Good call. When Dr. Evil name checks you, you know you've made it!
Always loved Alan Parsons. His band is one of my five favorite bands of all time, and has ties to two of the other five, the Beatles, and Bruce Hornsby and the Range.
Alan Parsons is one of rock and prog rocks pioneers what made his albums fascinating was the concepts he would use technology and humanity on I robot to men and women on eve to name a few but my favorite is his 1993 solo effort try anything once this album is fantastic
His 1st album, "Tales Of Mystery and Imagination" is still in heavy rotation on my playlist. That whole album is timeless.
Great album! To take Poe's writings and turn them into songs?? That is Mark Knopfler level lyricism. I agree, it is a timeless album!
It's what you need to make you feel better... it's what you need to make you feel.
Another record Alan had a hand in producing before APP kicked into gear was "Music", the single by the recently-departed John Miles who himself would subsequently participate not only in APP but also as a touring accompanist for Tina Turner.
The Year of the Cat is magic to me. When I was about ten years old, I got a little transistor radio for Christmas. I remember laying in bed listening to that song. One of my favorite childhood memories. Rock on folks.
Totally... I get it about All Stewart on the song and album The Year of the Cat... AWESOME. YOTC and Time Passages for me go hand in hand. Both albums once started must be heard in their entirety!!
Love learning about all these behind the scenes stories. Keep up the good work Professor!
Thanks for watching!
Time passages is one of my favorite songs.
One of my favorite "heartbreak" songs is a hidden gem by the Alan Parsons Project, "If I Could Change Your Mind." Vocals by Lesley Duncan. Absolutely breathtaking. The man is truly a legend.
Alan Parsons has always been my musical hero. As a kid, I found myself drawn not only to his own band's work, but bands he had worked with. At the time, I didn't even know about the connections! I only knew music that touched my soul, that moved me, that seemed to be so much more than notes streaming from my radio. Over time, I learned about how Parsons was involved in acts like Pink Floyd, The Hollies, The Beatles, Pilot, and more, who I loved and listened to obsessively. He is a treasure. I was lucky enough to see his touring show in Clearwater, Florida back a few years ago. He performed with a sixty-piece orchestra. I sat there completely mesmerized for the entire show. I knew every note, every word, every drumbeat before it reached my ears. It was the best show I have ever seen, and I've seen a bunch. Thank you for bringing this interview to TH-cam for all to see. The whole time while watching it, I was thinking, "How can he sit there so calmly in the presence of such overpowering genius?" I would have been completely tongue-tied the whole time, grinning like an idiot and unable to say anything coherent. You rock, Professor!
Favorite Alan Parsons album: Tales Of Mystery And Imagination, Edgar Alan Poe. Brilliant album.
Mr. Parsons along with his collaborators Eric Wolfson and Andrew Powell quite literally changed my life. The poetry, the arrangement, the orchestration, the themes of each album...they truly meant the world to me when new and still to this day as my hair has gone gray. The two Al Stewart records Alan and Mr. Powell did remain in my collection. There is a smoothness in the melodies, like an old familiar friend...just a feeling that comes over me whenever I put on the headphones and retreat from my day. Even though we may never meet, thank you, Alan, for being in my life all these years.
what a interview! what a genius guy...
I'll always love Alan Parsons Project. I turned my Dad onto their music and it was a great bonding experience.
What was the first album or song you gave to him?
@@ProfessorofRock It had to be Tales. One of the first CDs I ever bought. I was away at college and I used to tape classical music from the library and mail it to him. Whenever there was space left on the tape I would record something of mine I thought he would like. He was a bookworm like me so a concept album based on Edgar Alan Poe's works was like catnip. Got him to check out other rock based on that. He wasn't a fan of my teenage 8 track collection :)
@@MusicMissionary I think that's the beauty of music to bring us all together😉
If you guys havent seen it yet the Beatles Get Back is fantastic. The looks on their faces when the cops show up on the roof is the very definition of ZFG.
It's a great doc.
Quick shout out to The Hollies - Bus Stop. One of my all-time favorites from childhood right to present day. Superb lyrics... smart, sharp and playful. Brilliant.
EDIT (& this is why I love POR) quick search and just discovered Bus Stop was written by Graham Gouldman (of 10cc fame, at age 16 no less!!). POR episodes send one off to some great places! 3 chords and I happened upon the truth! haha Cheers
Outside of the APP catalog, my favorite album Alan Parsons worked on was Ambrosia's "Somewhere I've Never Travelled." It's such a great album and it would be nice to hear more about the making of that LP since it was done right around the same time as the APP debut "Tales of Mystery and Imagination." I'm not sure that the Ambrosia album has really gotten its due. Seems to still be more of a "cult" album. It should have been much more successful. I urge anyone who loves APP to seek it out immediately!
Tales of Mystery and Imagination is one of the most underrated albums. It’s one of my prized vinyls that I love to listen to and get lost in.
Would love to hear how he got Allan Clarke to sing the lead vocal on “Breakdown “… one of the APP great songs!
Another great interview with the legend that is Alan Parsons, Professor! My top two favorite albums that Alan Parsons worked on are: Abbey Road and Dark Side of the Moon.
Great albums to be sure. I'm going to listen to Abbey Road today in fact...
First time heard Alan Parsons was 1977. Wouldn't Want to be without you. Never realized he was connected to these other artists until later.
Al Stewart great. Year of the cat, time passages, song on the radio, on the border. Many memories
Peter Jackson's _Get Back_ is a seven hour masterpiece. Fascinating & exhilarating, the film deserves an Oscar.
Cool moments: Yoko asks George Martin where she can buy sheet music - interesting because she met John searching for sheet music for John Cage's birthday. Later, John wrote "Because" after hearing Yoko play "Moonlight Sonata" on the piano.
Ringo plinks at the piano, plays the first verse of "Octopus's Garden", stops, and says "That's all I've got". Then George steps in to help his friend write it.
I love it.
Good morning & Happy New Year Professor!! Thank you for this video. So cool.
Thanks for watching Sheri!
Loved his work with Ambrosia 😍
I finally got to see APP this year in Nashville. What a catalog of great music that has meant so much to me. I bought Tales and Imaginations on vinyl at a music store at a mall the day it came out. Been a fan ever since.
How is bro 73?!? Wow again music is the fountain of youth 💪🏻🎶❤️⚡️💯
Very difficult to pick out a favorite, when they're all masterpieces! You pulled off a masterful interview... AGAIN........... Wordsmith!
Thanks Dennis! Appreciate your support!
@Professor of Rock - I remember I was at a night club in El Paso Texas heard a new song the DJ was playing and literally crawled over the crowd to ask what it was.
It was “Day After Day (The Show Must Go On) by Alan Parsons. Brilliant music. Just brilliant.
a master..absolutely a legend...thanks for the incredible music Alan
I’ve been so honored to have gotten to meet and visit with Mr Parsons a few times! He and his family are great people! I’m curious if you’ve ever spoken with him about passing is knowledge along? I know he and PJ Olsson won a Grammy together, and PJ is also a fantastic and interesting talented musician!
What a great artist, a musical legend. His body of work is incredible.
I have purchased every album Alan has made. I absolutely love his sound.
Alan Parsons is a legendary musician.
Guys like Alan, Geoff Lynne, and Butch Vig who have been on both sides of the board are unsung heroes of some of the best music ever created. I love these interviews Professor!
Very cool Billy. I agree!
I first came to know of Mr. Parsons (shouldn't that be "SIR" Alan Parsons by now?) via the Project.
I own their compilation compact disc but it lacks a few of their finest songs.
My favourite song of theirs is DEFINITELY "Old and Wise" - the saxophone on that track is SPLENDOROUS.
It really should Sir Alan Parsons. You're right.
So ... not Dr Parsons ... and he didn't invent a death ray.
It's funny that the Get Back rooftop concert was stopped due to noise complaints. Because the reason I love the Alan Parsons' Project is because I was forced to listen to it at noise complaint levels. Before this, I wasn't really a fan of the music. However, my German friend had a father who was a mason. So, they had a huge basement and it was basically sound proof due to the overdone construction by a German bricklayer. My friend was obsessed with music and even back in the 1980's he and his brothers had a stereo system that costs thousands of dollars. Quadraphonic and everything with six foot tall speakers. Me and Dave (my friend) were arguing about what album to play next. He kept saying, "Alan Parsons, Alan Parsons." I didn't get it and told him so. He said, "But you have to hear it on my stereo and in quadrophonic sound." It was his house, so I gave up and let him put it on. He played it very loudly and it was marvelous. Even at this intense sound level, it sounded amazing and clear, and the effects that bounced around the room had me enthralled. Lovely music, lovely man. underrated, most definitely.
Thanks for sharing your story!
First heard of Alan Parsons while working in a record store when his Project was released. Hearing all the stories about his career working with other stars certainly explains how he was able to create such a great album.
Ambrosia, too. So many he has been involved with and look at who he gets to sing lead: P.J. Olson. I saw them the end of Jan. in concert. Awesome. I was in another world. I have every album including The Secret. CD, vinyl.... Love him.
Excellent as love anything you do on Alan Parsons. Favorite APP albums are Tales of Mystery and Imagination, I Robot, and Ammonia Avenue. Have tickets to see Al Stewart with the Empty Pockets in April 2022 (as long as doesn't get rescheduled again). Alan's production on the Al Stewart album Year of the Cat is flawless. Alan also did some good work on early Ambrosia's first album.
Great interview with Grandmaster Alan Parsons, I'm truly delighted! He had a lot of background impact on my musical taste for sure which I never was aware of before watching your vids. As for Al Stewart and the saxophone story: really funny to hear that he didn't like the sax with the song at first. I vividly remember "The year of the cat", and I always found that the sax perfectly complemented his cool and suave sounding voice. Thanks for enlightening the music that shaped my (now long gone) younger years, Professor, and merry greetings from Germany :-).
Another great Alan Parsons segment! It looks to me like there was one long interview, and it's being released on this channel bit by bit. Hopefully there is more of this content to come.
I'm a big Alan Parsons fan and have nearly every album by the Project -- not to mention works by other artists he's produced or engineered. My favorites are "Tales of Mystery and Imagination and I Robot (the first 2 APP records). As someone mentioned, there are 2 versions of "Tales": the original 1976 release and the 1987 "revamped " version remixed by Alan (which adds narration recorded by Orson Welles that was cut from the original release and a couple new guitar passages).
"The Air That I Breathe" is a fantastically-well-crafted song that was co-written by Albert Hammond. Albert was very prolific in the 70's; his compositions were mainly performed by other artists. He also had a successful career as a singer, being largely remembered for "It Never Rains in Southern California" (peaked at #5 in 1972) although he recorded several other gems that didn't sell as well between 1972 and 1975. His son, Albert Jr., was the guitarist for The Strokes.
I believe the talents of Albert Sr. are worthy of a standalone POR episode. He tends to be overlooked in most music-related YT content .
I can't get over how young AP was when all these great contributions to music happened. I was having trouble remembering where I took my shoes off at that age.
Love Alan Parsons, he sure hit it big with the Bulls ls in the 90's - was just legendary watching the start of the games when the lights would go out,, that music would play and the team came out with wJordan at the end - that was so amazing and it wouldn't have been the same without Alan's music - what a genius!
Alan Parsons is a true professional through and through.
Professor: You, ( your show ) is the ultimate way-back machine. I just smile and dream of younger years. Your knowledge of music is incredible. Best thing on TH-cam in my mind. Thank-you.
Much respect to the man,loved all his work. Him speaking of songsmiths makes me wish I had gone that route . Back when, I could call a tune to within 10 bullets of where it finished. Now not so much. Time passages you know . Enjoyed it Mr. Reader.
Turn of a friendly card is one of the greatest albums imfao
I love that record!
Alan Parsons is one of those guys like Todd Rundgren or Frank Zappa...... he can simply do it ALL
I LOVE Alan Parsons!!! ♥️♥️♥️. Thank you for talking to him!!! He’s the one person in the universe I would love to meet. He is incredible!!!
Love not only The Alan Parsons Project, but every other act referenced in this video.
I've been an Alan Parsons fan ever since I heard I Robot played in full on the F.M. one "foggy" night...I never knew about his Hollies work b4...so he is involved in some of my all-time favorite music.
Great interview! I’m a fan….brilliant call for the sax on Year of the Cat! I was hooked the first time I heard it! Ran right out and bought the album and I still get cold chills every time I hear it!
Never met Alan, but I did sit next to him during breakfast at a hotel in Fukuoka, Japan in 2001.
You should've introduced yourself!
@@ProfessorofRock Probably should have met him, but to be honest, I didn't know all that much about him then. Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson, and John Entwistle were there too. They were touring Japan, doing some kind of Beatles tribute. John passed away about six months later.
Favorite Alan Parsons albums: Tales, I Robot, Eve. All of them have at least a handful of great songs.
Really fascinating albums. Alan Parons is quite a mastermind.
@@ProfessorofRock I'd love to know how he did that beat switch in the song I Robot. Dad was a musician and he couldn't figure it out.
I'm cheered to see someone besides me remembers the album "Eve". Not a skippable track on either side (bought the vinyl), "Damned If I Do" & "Secret Garden" are both repeat worthy. ;-)
@@PegsHouston I don't think they made a bad album. I got most of them.
I always found the relationship between Alan Parsons and the guys in Ambrosia (particularly David Pack) to be rather fascinating. His mixing touch on their debut and this his actual production and arrangement work on Somewhere I Never Traveled is pretty awesome.
***PROF. KEEPS HIS 'EYE IN THE SKY'...AND, ON ALAN...*** : ...Man, does the Prof. really EDUCATE us...I had no idea Alan P. worked on those CLASSIC Beatles Records! ...that ALONE, makes him a Rock LEGEND! ...now, I'm CONVINCED that Episode of "Absolutely Fabulous" where Edina & Patsy erase the masters of lost Beatles tracks, found by Edina's boyfriend...who was a 'gofer' for The Beatles in the 60's...was based on Alan!! ..ha-HAAA!! (CONT.)
...But! ...I will say this....although I was a passing APP fan, I love - I worship - I ADORE the track, "Don't Answer Me"!! (#15 Pop, May 1984) ....LOOOOOOOVE that tune! ...and The VIDEO, Man! ...OUCH! ..ha- HAAA!! ...This was GOOD post, Prof., you're SWINGIN' in 2022! ...ha-HAAA!! ..THANKS!
Don't Answer Me is a fabulous track!
Imagine the tell all book this guy could write. I'm sure he's heard it all. Seems like a cool cat. I only knew him from Austin Powers movie when i was younger and then maybe in the past few years found out all things he was connected to and has done/
Alan Parsons is a genius!
He also was involved in the successful albums / songs of Pilot and Ambrosia. Then with Eric Wolfson, they created The Alan Parsons Project and all the series of its amazing albums.
Alan Parsons is a bona fide genius-Thanks for this marvelous interview!
I simply can't imagine "year of the cat" without sax solo. Alan's idea was briliant.
Every time the Chicago Bulls took the floor, it was a tribute to Alan’s his funky groove! Greetings and much love from Illinois!
Love that bit with Al Stewart 'yeah not sure I like that' next thing the guy joins the band :)
Alan's great.
Thanks for another great interview with Alan Parsons. I could listen to that guy all day long. Do you have another interview with him where he talks about ‘Dark Side of the Moon’? Just sitting here getting rid of Covid out of my system in your neck of the woods, S Jordan. Keep up the great work you do.
Thank you 😊 So many interesting facts in this video. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
@Anna Trail HI Anna. I looked up the artists on line of those 45s records. Most of the records were country and rockabilly music from 1957-1961. Wikipedia had long biographies on these artists. I went to the record store and gave him the 45s to sell in his store. He gave me Paul's Simon's Graceland album from 1986. I kept the Beach Boys Pet Sounds. He told me this album was a second pressing from the 70s and not the first release in 1966. No big deal. I can listen to it and enjoy it. I don't have to have the most expensive collectible albums out there.
The snow has mostly melted and it has been in the 40s here. It's true. There is so much to know about music 🎶 and I mostly know the music from the late 60s through the 80s. It is so much fun to read the comments from others on Professor's channel. It always nice to hear from you ♥
I know Eye in the Sky and prelude Sirius is probably the most iconic APP offering, but my personal favorite is Time from The Turn of a Friendly Card album. Spoke to me of a relationship that drifted away.
Hey its Johnathan Frakes. Its been awhile since the Next Generation
This episode inspires! Please do an episode on the hollies, one of the greatest of the British invasion groups. I got to meet Terry Sylvester a few years ago.
I said it before and I'll say it again .There's no comparison to Alan Parsons 💕 the master of Art .
The whole 'Year of the Cat - Al Stewart album is my favourite work from Alan Parsons :)
Eye in the Sky a great Alan Parsons song and Time.
When Ringo comes out on the roof and jumps up and down on the the plywood and says "They nailed me drums down in the wrong spot".....it's hilarious to know Al Parsons did it! 🤣
Great interviews
Alan is a treasure.