"Ammonia Avenue" by the Alan Parsons Project, released in 1983, epitomizes the dynamic fusion of progressive rock and electronic experimentation during the era. Recorded at London's Abbey Road Studio, the album showcases meticulous production and thematic exploration of urban life and human relationships.
In the vibrant landscape of 1983, the English Progressive Rock band, Alan Parsons Project, unveiled their masterpiece, "Ammonia Avenue." This iconic album, etched in the annals of music history, showcases the band's musical prowess and creativity. Recorded at the prestigious Abbey Road Studio in London, the album not only captures the essence of its time but also stands as a testament to the production excellence of the era.
Time Period:
The early 1980s marked a dynamic period in the music industry. With the Progressive Rock genre evolving and incorporating new elements, "Ammonia Avenue" emerged as a significant contribution. The year 1983, in particular, witnessed a blend of electronic experimentation and traditional rock sensibilities. The socio-political climate of the time, with its own set of challenges and triumphs, served as a backdrop to the artistic endeavors of musicians like the Alan Parsons Project.
Production at Abbey Road Studio:
The choice of Abbey Road Studio for recording "Ammonia Avenue" adds an extra layer of significance to the album. Renowned for its association with The Beatles, the studio became a symbol of musical innovation. The meticulous production process at Abbey Road allowed the Alan Parsons Project to explore a rich sonic palette. The use of state-of-the-art recording technology of the time, coupled with the band's artistic vision, resulted in a sonically immersive experience for listeners.
Musical Exploration and Themes:
"Ammonia Avenue" is a musical journey that transcends boundaries, blending rock, progressive, and electronic elements seamlessly. The album's thematic exploration revolves around the complexities of urban life, human relationships, and the challenges of modern society. Each track unfolds like a chapter, weaving a narrative that resonates with the listener on both emotional and intellectual levels.
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Trivia This album was originally released by Arista Records in 1984. The title track was inspired in part by a Petro-Chemical plant in Middlesborough, England. |
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Music Genre: Rock, Pop |
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Producers:
Produced by Alan Parsons Alan Parsons a renowned sound engineer and music producer, has left an indelible mark on the music industry through his exceptional work in the studio and innovative contributions to the world of sound engineering. Born 1948, in London, United Kingdom, Parsons began his career in the late 1960s and quickly rose to prominence during the 1970s and 1980s. Parsons gained initial recognition for his work with the iconic rock band Pink Floyd. His involvement as the assistant engineer on their seminal album "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973) played a pivotal role in shaping the album's groundbreaking sound. This collaboration marked the beginning of a successful career that would see Parsons become a sought-after figure in the music production realm. In 1975, Alan Parsons, along with Eric Woolfson, formed The Alan Parsons Project, a progressive rock band that allowed Parsons to showcase not only his engineering prowess but also his talents as a musician and songwriter. The Alan Parsons Project released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" (1976), "I Robot" (1977), and "Eye in the Sky" (1982). These albums showcased Parsons' ability to seamlessly blend intricate musical arrangements with innovative production techniques. In 1975, Alan Parsons, along with Eric Woolfson, formed The Alan Parsons Project, a progressive rock band that allowed Parsons to showcase not only his engineering prowess but also his talents as a musician and songwriter. The Alan Parsons Project released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" (1976), "I Robot" (1977), and "Eye in the Sky" (1982). These albums showcased Parsons' ability to seamlessly blend intricate musical arrangements with innovative production techniques. Parsons' production style is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a keen ear for sonic perfection. His work often involves creating aural landscapes that elevate the listening experience, incorporating elements of progressive rock, symphonic music, and electronic soundscapes. The Alan Parsons Project's albums, in particular, are known for their conceptual themes and sonic coherence. Beyond his work with Pink Floyd and The Alan Parsons Project, Parsons has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and skilled producer. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of music production technology has also been a hallmark of his career. In addition to his success in the studio, Alan Parsons has received recognition for his achievements, including Grammy Awards and nominations. His influence extends beyond his direct contributions to specific albums, as he has inspired countless aspiring sound engineers and producers to pursue excellence in their craft.Parsons' production style is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a keen ear for sonic perfection. His work often involves creating aural landscapes that elevate the listening experience, incorporating elements of progressive rock, symphonic music, and electronic soundscapes. The Alan Parsons Project's albums, in particular, are known for their conceptual themes and sonic coherence. Beyond his work with Pink Floyd and The Alan Parsons Project, Parsons has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and skilled producer. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of music production technology has also been a hallmark of his career. In addition to his success in the studio, Alan Parsons has received recognition for his achievements, including Grammy Awards and nominations. His influence extends beyond his direct contributions to specific albums, as he has inspired countless aspiring sound engineers and producers to pursue excellence in their craft. |
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Record Label Information: Arista 201 100 (206100) |
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Album Packaing: This album includes the custom sleeve with lyrics, album details and photos |
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Vinyl Record Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record |
| Year and Country 1984 Made In Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: ALAN PARSONS PROJECT AMMONIA AVENUE |
Mel Collins ( full-name: Melvyn Desmond Collins ) is a British saxophonist, flautist and session musician. He is best known for playing in bands like: "Alan Parsons Project" , "Bad Company" , "Dire Straots" , "Eric Clapton" , "King Crimson" .
Track Listing of: ALAN PARSONS PROJECT AMMONIA AVENUE |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
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Record Label Details: © Copyright ℗ Sound Copyright
The Alan Parsons Project was a British progressive rock and pop rock band active from 1975 to 1990. The band was formed by audio engineer and producer Alan Parsons and songwriter and arranger Eric Woolfson. Over the course of their career, the Alan Parsons Project released ten studio albums, which combined elements of rock, pop, classical music, and electronic music.
One of the defining characteristics of the Alan Parsons Project was the use of intricate musical arrangements and complex harmonies. The band's songs often featured a wide range of musical instruments, including keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, and horns. The lyrics were often introspective and thought-provoking, and dealt with a variety of themes such as love, life, and society.
Despite the fact that the Alan Parsons Project never performed live, they were still able to achieve a significant level of commercial success. Their 1977 album, "I Robot", which was inspired by Isaac Asimov's science fiction stories, became a hit in both the UK and the US. The album's title track was a top 40 hit, and helped to establish the Alan Parsons Project as a major player in the progressive rock scene.
Another album that helped to solidify the Alan Parsons Project's place in the music world was "Eye in the Sky", which was released in 1982. This album was one of the band's most successful, and featured the hit single of the same name. The song was a huge hit, reaching the top 10 in the US, and the album was certified Platinum. The album's title track remains one of the Alan Parsons Project's most recognizable and enduring songs.
In addition to their commercial success, the Alan Parsons Project was also highly regarded by critics and fans alike. The band's intricate arrangements and sophisticated production techniques were seen as groundbreaking, and they influenced a generation of musicians who followed in their wake. The band's music continues to be popular today, and their albums remain staple of classic rock radio stations.
In conclusion, the Alan Parsons Project was a pioneering and influential band that helped to shape the progressive rock genre. Their complex arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics set them apart from their contemporaries, and their music continues to be enjoyed by fans and music lovers today. Despite the fact that they never performed live, the Alan Parsons Project remains one of the most successful and beloved bands of their era.