Album Information:

About The Alan Parsons Project:

The Alan Parsons Project was a British progressive rock band formed by music producer Alan Parsons and songwriter Eric Woolfson in London in 1975. The group was known for its lushly produced albums that blended rock, pop, and classical music, and for its use of intricate arrangements, layered vocals, and sophisticated studio techniques.

Parsons had already established himself as a highly sought-after producer, having worked on classic albums such as The Beatles' Abbey Road and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. Woolfson was a songwriter and composer who had worked in the advertising industry and had written music for stage productions.

The two began working together in early 1975, with Parsons handling the production and engineering duties and Woolfson contributing the songwriting and vocals. They assembled a core group of musicians to play on the albums, including guitarist Ian Bairnson, bassist David Paton, and drummer Stuart Elliott.

Their debut album, Tales of Mystery and Imagination, was released in 1976 and was based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The album featured guest appearances by members of the bands Pilot and Ambrosia, and included the hit singles 'The Raven' and 'To One in Paradise.'

Over the next decade, the Alan Parsons Project released a series of now-classic albums, including I Robot (1977), Pyramid (1978), The Turn of a Friendly Card (1980), Eye in the Sky (1982), and Ammonia Avenue (1984). These albums featured hits such as 'Games People Play,' 'Time,' and 'Eye in the Sky,' and sold millions of copies worldwide.

In addition to their commercial success, the Alan Parsons Project was highly respected in the music industry for its innovative sound and production techniques. Parsons was known for his meticulous attention to detail in the studio, drawing from his experience as a producer to create a sound that was both polished and individualistic.

The band disbanded in the mid-1980s, with Parsons continuing to work as a producer and occasional solo artist. Woolfson went on to write and produce stage musicals, including the acclaimed 'Edgar Allan Poe' musical, and passed away in 2009.

The Alan Parsons Project's legacy can be heard in the lush production styles of later bands such as Radiohead and Coldplay, as well as in numerous film and television soundtracks. Their innovative approach to blending rock and classical music, coupled with their adventurous approach to studio experimentation, continues to inspire musicians and producers today.

About the album Stereotomy:

'Stereotomy' is one of the studio albums released by The Alan Parsons Project, which came out in 1985. The album was a collaborative effort between Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson, and features some of the most iconic songs from the band's discography.

The album is an ambitious effort that sees the band pushing the boundaries of their sound, incorporating new wave influences, electronic music, and complex arrangements into their already established progressive rock framework. This album marked a departure from the more radio-friendly sound of their previous album and instead embraced a more experimental approach.

The title track 'Stereotomy' opens the album with a sweeping, epic intro that highlights the band's penchant for intricate and layered arrangements. The song showcases the use of electronic rhythms and synthesizers, which give it an otherworldly feel. 'Beaujolais' and 'Urbania' are both instrumentals that showcase Parsons' masterful production and orchestration skills.

'Limelight' is an upbeat, catchy song with a driving rhythm section that makes it one of the most memorable songs on the album. The airy vocals and the infectious chorus make it a track that is bound to stick in your head. 'In The Real World' is a slower, more atmospheric track that features an emotive vocal performance over a bed of lush strings.

'Let's Talk About Me' is one of the highlights of the album, featuring an ironic take on self-obsessed pop stars, set against an infectiously catchy synth riff. The song is a standout track and showcases the band's sense of humor and willingness to experiment with genre.

'Closer to Heaven' is another standout track on the album, featuring a haunting melody and moving lyrics that speak of the fleeting nature of life and the search for meaning in the face of mortality. The chorus is powerful and emotive, making this one of the album's most poignant moments.

Overall, 'Stereotomy' is a daring and ambitious effort that successfully blends electronic and rock music in a way that is both exciting and engaging. The album is a testament to the band's musical vision and their willingness to take risks with their sound. It remains a beloved album among fans of the band and a classic of the progressive rock genre.

Members:

The Alan Parsons Project was a British progressive rock band renowned for their hits such as 'Eye in the Sky,' 'Games People Play,' and 'Don't Let It Show.' The band did not have a stable lineup, and its cast of members varied from album to album. Here are some of the key members of the band:

1. Alan Parsons - Parsons was the original founder of the band and its chief engineer. He started his career as an assistant engineer at Abbey Road Studios and worked on the Beatles' 'Abbey Road' and Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon.' Parsons was responsible for designing the band's signature high-tech sound and playing guitar, keyboards, and percussion.

2. Eric Woolfson - Woolfson was the songwriter and vocalist of the band, and co-founder with Parsons. Before joining the band, he was a session pianist and studio manager. Woolfson wrote many of the band's hits and sang on most of their albums. His singing style was unique and instantly recognizable.

3. Stuart Elliott - Elliott was the band's drummer and percussionist. He joined The Alan Parsons Project in 1979 and played on many of the band's albums. Elliott was famous for his skill on the drums and his ability to play many different styles of percussion instruments.

4. Ian Bairnson - Bairnson was the band's lead guitarist. He joined The Alan Parsons Project in 1975 and played on many of their albums. Bairnson was famous for his smooth, melodic playing style and his ability to create memorable guitar solos.

5. David Paton - Paton was the bassist and vocalist in the band. He joined The Alan Parsons Project in 1976 and played on many of their albums. Paton was famous for his excellent singing voice and his ability to play both bass and guitar.

6. Andrew Powell - Powell was the band's orchestral arranger and conductor. He joined The Alan Parsons Project in 1975 and played a significant role in the band's signature sound. Powell was responsible for creating the lush and complex orchestral arrangements that featured on many of the band's hits.

7. Lenny Zakatek - Zakatek was a vocalist in the band. He joined The Alan Parsons Project in 1978 and sang on many of their albums. Zakatek was famous for his soulful voice and his ability to inject emotion into the band's songs.

These are just some of the key members of The Alan Parsons Project. Over the years, the band had many other talented musicians and vocalists who contributed to their success.

Track List for Stereotomy:

1. 'Stereotomy' (7:16) - The title track of the album, 'Stereotomy' begins with atmospheric synths and a driving drum beat, leading into a guitar-heavy section with a catchy melody. The song features intricate instrumental sections with impressive guitar and keyboard solos.

2. 'Beaujolais' (4:29) - A more laid-back track, 'Beaujolais' features smooth vocals and a prominent saxophone melody. The instrumentation is delicate and jazzy, with subtle keyboard and guitar embellishments.

3. 'Urbania' (4:58) - 'Urbania' opens with a funky bassline and synth stabs, before transitioning into a section with soaring guitar and keyboard leads. The song features a lively rhythm section and complex instrumental passages.

4. 'Limelight' (4:38) - With its driving beat and repetitive guitar riff, 'Limelight' is a catchy and energetic track. The song features layered vocal harmonies and a catchy chorus, as well as a soulful keyboard solo.

5. 'In the Real World' (4:22) - A slower and more introspective song, 'In the Real World' features heartfelt vocals and somber instrumentation. The track builds to a stirring guitar solo before tapering off into a melancholy outro.

6. 'Where's the Walrus?' (7:31) - A playful instrumental track, 'Where's the Walrus?' features a bright and lively melody carried by synthesizers, guitars, and horns. The song features an impressive section with multiple instrument solos building upon each other.

7. 'Light of the World' (6:19) - A heavily orchestrated track, 'Light of the World' features soaring strings and choral vocals. The song builds to a powerful climax before transitioning into a meditative section with delicate piano and ethereal vocals.

8. 'Chinese Whispers' (1:02) - A short interlude with intricate vocal harmonies and distant synths, 'Chinese Whispers' serves as a brief break from the album's more complex arrangements.

9. 'Stereotomy Two' (1:23) - A brief snippet of the album's opening track, 'Stereotomy Two' features atmospheric synths and reversed vocal samples.

Overall, Stereotomy is a diverse album that showcases the musicianship and songwriting skill of The Alan Parsons Project. From catchy rock tracks to intricate instrumentals and dramatic ballads, the album features a wide range of musical styles and emotions.

Discography for The Alan Parsons Project:

Here is a complete discography for The Alan Parsons Project in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Tales of Mystery and Imagination (1976)
2. I Robot (1977)
3. Pyramid (1978)
4. Eve (1979)
5. The Turn of a Friendly Card (1980)
6. Eye in the Sky (1982)
7. Ammonia Avenue (1984)
8. Vulture Culture (1985)
9. Stereotomy (1986)
10. Gaudi (1987)

Singles:
1. 'What Goes Up' / 'In the Lap of the Gods' (1978)
2. 'Pyramania' / 'Can't Take it with You' (1978)
3. 'Games People Play' / 'I Robot' (1980)
4. 'Time' / 'Games People Play' (1981)
5. 'Eye in the Sky' / 'Sirius' (1982)
6. 'Psychobabble' / 'Mammagamma' (1982)
7. 'You Don't Believe' / 'Vulture Culture' (1985)
8. 'Let's Talk About Me' / 'Hawkeye' (1985)
9. 'Days Are Numbers (The Traveller)' / 'The Same Old Sun' (1985)
10. 'Stereotomy' / 'Urbania' (1986)

Other releases:
1. Eric Woolfson – Freudiana (1990)
2. Eric Woolfson – Poe: More Tales of Mystery and Imagination (2003)
3. Eric Woolfson – Eric Woolfson sings The Alan Parsons Project that Never Was (2009)

Note: These are the main releases and may not include all compilation albums, reissues and other variations.