NEW ALBUM: ALAN PARSONS ~ From The New World

[Ruby]

ALAN PARSONS ~ From The New World



Line-Up:

Lead Vocals - Alan Parsons, Tommy Shaw, David Pack, James Durbin, P.J. Olsson, Todd Cooper, Dan Tracey, Mark Mikel, Tabitha Fair
Backing Vocals - Alan Parsons, Tommy Shaw, P.J. Olsson, Todd Cooper, Dan Tracey, Doug Powell, Mark Mikel, Chris Shutters, Scott Hunt
Guitars - Alan Parsons, Jeff Kollman, Dan Tracey, Doug Powell, Jeff Marshall, James Durbin, Tim Pierce
Bass - Guy Erez
Drums - Danny Thompson
Keyboards - Tom Brooks, Doug Powell, Matt McCarrin, Kim Bullard
Sax - Todd Cooper
Cello on “I Won’t Be Led Astray” - Mika Larson
Guitar Solos on “Give ‘Em My Love” and “I Won’t Be Led Astray” - Joe Bonamassa

Tracklisting:

1. “Fare Thee Well” - Harks back to the days of Tales of Mystery and Imagination and there are references to eyes in the sky, etc – nice guitar solos and well rounded sounds while a little subdued. I felt a certain sense of anticipation listening to this track probably thanks to several of the APP benchmarks. Lead vocal and sax by Todd Cooper whose voice is well suited methinks. (Having got to the end of the album, this now makes more sense too - full circle/ouroboros - Mr P loves his symbols.)
   
   
2. “The Secret” – meh. Didn’t live up to the promise of the above. Then again, I have been known to change my mind on one or two occasions - might find something in it the second time around - who knows?!
   
   
3. “Uroboros” - Featuring Tommy Shaw of STYX – this one I do like. It’s ‘complete’ – engaging, love the unhurried pace and Shaw was a good choice of vocalist.
   
   
4. “Don't Fade Now"– your common or garden soft rock - unremarkable. Fading despite the exhortation to the contrary! 
   
   
5. “Give 'Em My Love” (featuring James Durbin, Joe Bonamassa) – oh dear, angels and things. Ditto the above. Sounds a bit like Robbie Williams for goodness’ sake, and not just because of the angels although they were a trigger, I must admit.
   
   
6. “Obstacles” – another gentle song with something reminiscent of the Beatles. I don’t mind the structure of this one – there’s some air in it.
   
   
7. “I Won't Be Led Astray” - with David Pack and Joe Bonamassa – still on the same path but with a little more of the APP vibe. It evokes something of the old feeling, for me.
   
   
8. “You Are The Light” – nicely executed – sung by the chief himself and one Dan Tracey. Very much of the ilk of I Robot. Same formula as always.
   
   
9. “Halo” – hmmm – a more spacey sounding offering. A kinda new wave thing happening here which is not entirely unpleasant. Trots along at a an earwormy pace. P J Olsson is the singer – he performs regularly with AP live.
   
   
10. “Goin' Home” – well this is heart wrenching – gosh! He borrows from Dvorak’s 9th Symphony From the New World, which stands to reason. He’s obviously facing his mortality here, head on. Emotional.
    
    
11. “Be My Baby” – talk about an unexpected choice of final track – maybe it has a special significance for him?? A switch of mood from the aforegoing which is not a bad ending strategy or one might have felt a tad bleak! Mystified instead. Lol!
    

The cover artwork suggests a good meaty exploration – some flesh on the bones, however, once revealed, it’s safe to say than any pretentions to prog rock by Mr Parsons have been left well and truly in the in the distant past. So … it is what it is – take it or leave it. Little to no bombast, which isn't necessarily a bad thing - it can be both a blessing and a curse IMHO - a fine line. I do so wish there would be a new album to challenge, amaze and enchant.

The lead track - "Fare Thee Well" ...

[CRAZY-HORSE]

another well crafted/thought out album review Ruby, great stuff