[.ca] Ultimate Alan Parsons

not the ultimate:
inexcussably leaves off "breakdown" and overemphasizes the "eye in the sky" tracks as well as later day elevator music selections

Love Parsons:
I can't get enough of Parson and will do anything to support his music: Even buy another "Best Of." Very Good tracks on this album and a fair representation. Few obscure tunes, although some of his obscure are his best. For instance, 'Turn of a Friendly Card,' in my humble opinion, Parson's best and representative of the acme of his career, could've included both versions of the title track from that album. Raven and Lucifer are both very good tracks too, but were included on his live album. "Voyager" from "Pyramid" would have been a better selection for an instrumental at this stage. "Days are Numbers" was an excellent choice. So, is I Robot(instrumental) which is very representative of Parson's work and a particularly good choice for that album, although I agree with one of the other reviews who wanted another cut from that album. Yes, "Ammonia Avenue" is associated with 'elevator music' nowdays, but it's music is still much beloved and I'm happy some cuts were included from it. Sirus and Eye in the Sky, have to be included with any sample from "Eye in the Sky", but "Psycho-babble" a concert staple of Parson's wouldn't have been one of my choices. I would've liked "Standing on Higher Ground" from Gaudi. One of my favorite tunes. Other than some of the above comments, I find this a favorable addition to any Parson Project collection and a fine overall sample of his music for those unfamiliar with the Project's work. Being released now, considering some of the Projects work is almost 30 years old is quite an accomplishment for any band. It puts Parson's and his bandmate among some of the greats. I recommend.

Another "Best of" album for Parsons?:
The record companies just can't put enough Best of albums out there for Alan Parsons. While the music on the disc is certainly great Parsons material, it is getting very old, very quickly with all these Best of albums for Parsons. I wish they'd emphasize his new album that will be coming out in August of '04.

• Dream Within a Dream \oInstrumental\c
• Raven
• What Goes Up
• I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You
• I Robot \oInstrumental\c
• (The System Of) Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether
• Lucifer \oInstrumental\c
• Damned if I Do
• Games People Play
• Time
• Sirius \oInstrumental\c
• Eye in the Sky
• Prime Time
• Don't Answer Me
• Psychobabble
• You Don't Believe
• Days Are Numbers (The Traveller)
• Old and Wise