ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD - 12" Vinyl LP Album

"The Turn of a Friendly Card," released in 1980 by The Alan Parsons Project, epitomizes the 1980s music scene. Fusing progressive rock with pop, the album showcases the era's technological innovations in its intricate production. Its narrative explores risk and reward. With critical acclaim, standout tracks like "Games People Play," it remains a symbol of the European music landscape. The 12" vinyl LP format preserves the album's nostalgic charm for collectors.

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

Front Cover Photo Of THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - The Turn Of A Friendly Card

"The Turn of a Friendly Card" Album Description:

The Alan Parsons Project's "The Turn of a Friendly Card" is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of the 1980s music scene. Released on November 1, 1980, this album represents a pivotal moment in the band's career and stands as a testament to the musical innovation of the era.

The 1980s were marked by a diverse range of musical styles, from the synth-pop of Duran Duran to the rock anthems of Bon Jovi. Against this backdrop, The Alan Parsons Project carved out its niche with a unique blend of progressive rock and pop sensibilities. "The Turn of a Friendly Card" exemplifies the band's ability to seamlessly merge intricate instrumentation with catchy melodies, creating a sound that resonated with a broad audience.

The production of the album reflects the technological advancements of the time. The use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments was becoming more prevalent, and The Alan Parsons Project embraced these tools to craft a rich and layered sonic experience. The meticulous attention to detail in the production is evident in every track, with a balance of lush arrangements and crisp sound quality that was characteristic of the best recordings of the 1980s.

The album's narrative unfolds like a concept piece, exploring themes of risk, reward, and the unpredictable nature of life. The title track, "The Turn of a Friendly Card," is an epic composition that weaves a musical tapestry, showcasing the band's compositional prowess. Other standout tracks, such as "Games People Play" and "Time," further demonstrate the lyrical depth and thought-provoking content that set The Alan Parsons Project apart.

In the European music landscape of the 1980s, where genres collided and experimentation was encouraged, "The Turn of a Friendly Card" found its place as a critical and commercial success. The album's release was met with acclaim from both fans and critics alike, solidifying The Alan Parsons Project's status as one of the era's most influential and enduring musical acts.

Producers:

  Produced by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson

Music Genre:

  Rock, Pop

Album Production:

  Engineered by Alan Parsons

Record Label Information:

  Ariola/Arista Records 203 000 (203000)

Vinyl Record Format:

  12" Vinyl LP Record  

Year and Country:  

1980 Made In Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: ALAN PARSONS PROJECT THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD
Track Listing of: ALAN PARSONS PROJECT THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD

    Tracks:
  1. May Be A Price To Pay vocal: Elmer Gantry (4:52)
  2. Games People Play vocal: Lenny Zakatek (4:17)
  3. Time vocal: Eric Woolfson (5:05)
  4. I Don't Wanna Go Home vocal: Lenny Zakatek (4:54)
  5. The Gold Bug instrumental (4:28)
  6. The Turn Of A Friendly Card:

THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - The Turn Of A Friendly Card High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - The Turn Of A Friendly Card
Front Cover Photo Of THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - The Turn Of A Friendly Card

 

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 )

Photo Of The Back Cover THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - The Turn Of A Friendly Card
Photo of album back cover THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - The Turn Of A Friendly Card

 

Close up of record's label THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - The Turn Of A Friendly Card Side One:
Close up of record's label THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - The Turn Of A Friendly Card Side One

 

THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - 1970-1980s Vinyl Albums Discography

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.