The Alan Parsons Project Pyramid (180 Gram Vinyl) [Import]

The Alan Parsons Project: Alan Parsons (guitar); David Paton (vocals, acoustic guitar, bass); Colin Blunstone, Dean Ford, Lenny Zakatek, Jack Harris, John Miles (vocals); Ian Bairnson (guitar); Eric Woolfson, Duncan McKay (keyboards); Stuart Elliott (drums, percussion). Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, England. Even with six different vocalists lending their talents to the album, Pyramid still remains an average bit of material from the Alan Parsons Project. Not only does the album's theme evolve around the mystique of the pyramid, but it also touches on man's fascination with superstition and its powers. The instrumental "Voyager" opens things up, and its provocative style sets the tone for the album's supernatural mood. The bright-sounding "What Goes Up" is one of the highlights here, as is "The Eagle Will Rise Again," sung by Colin Blunstone. The anxiety-ridden "Pyramania" enhances the album's concept the best, accompanied by some excitable keyboard playing and a friendly middle. The lesson-learning "Can't Take It with You" teaches that our souls are our most important asset, in typical Parsons-type charm. While not a stellar album, Pyramid completes the task of musically explaining its concept. Its short but slightly compelling nature grows after a few listens, but the album itself isn't a necessity. ~ Mike DeGagne

• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Pop
• Released: 07/12/2011