Master Hits: The Alan Parsons Project CD

Master Hits: The Alan Parsons Project buy CD music Prior to Lovedrive's recording, the Scorpions' lineup had a major change when their lead guitarist, Uli Jon Roth, quit the group (not to mention, the rock genre was rapidly changing). With this in mind, the band not only highlighted the album with the licks and riffs of three guitarists (Rudolf Schenker, Michael Schenker, Matthias Jabs), but they also dramatically changed their style to sound more like that of Van Halen. This change is quite welcome; not only are the performances more unpredictable, but the lyrics and melodies are better written. In fact, some of the Scorpions' most classic songs, such as "Loving You Sunday Morning," "Holiday," and "Coast to Coast" are found on Lovedrive, which makes it one of their finest. ~ Barry Weber Recorded at Dierks Studios, Cologne, Germany between September & December 1978. Personnel: Rudolf Schenker (vocals, guitar); Klaus Meine (vocals); Michael Schenker, Matthias Jabs (guitar); Francis Buchholz (bass guitar); Herman Rarebell (drums). Recording information: Dierks Studios, Cologne, Germany (09/1978-12/1978). Scorpions: Klaus Meine (vocals); Rudolf Schenker, Matthias Jabs (guitar); Francis Buchholz (bass); Herman Rarebell (drums). Additional personnel: Michael Shenker (guitar). Remastered

Master Hits: The Alan Parsons Project CD music YEAR OF THE CAT is the 1976 pop breakthrough album of British folk-rock singer-songwriter Al Stewart, produced by prog-rock icon Alan Parsons and featuring the hit "On the Border" and the smash title track. Al Stewart had found his voice on Past, Present & Future and found his sound on Modern Times. He then perfected it all on 1976's Year of the Cat, arguably his masterpiece. There is no overarching theme here, as there was on its two immediate predecessors, but the impossible lushness of Alan Parsons' production and Stewart's evocative Continental narratives give the record a welcome feeling of cohesion that keeps the record enchanting as it moves from "Lord Grenville" to "Midas Shadow" to "Broadway Hotel," before it ends with the haunting title track. Along the way, Stewart doesn't dwell too deeply in any area, preferring to trace out mysteries with his evocative lyrical imagery and a spinning array of self-consciously sophisticated music, songs that evoke American and European folk and pop with a deliberate grace. This could be unbearably precious if it didn't work so well. Stewart is detached from his music, but only in the sense that he gives this album a stylish elegance, and Parsons is his perfect foil, giving the music a rich, panoramic sweep that mimics Stewart's globe-trotting songs. The result is a tremendous example of how good self-conscious progressive pop can be, given the right producer and songwriter -- and if you're a fan of either prog or pop and haven't given Al Stewart much thought, prepare to be enchanted. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine Digitaly remastered edition of the most popular album of Stewart's long career. This special edition CD includes 3 tracks more than the original LP release: an extra live version of "On The Border", the studio track "Belsize Blues" as well as 'Story Of The Songs', a narrative about the tracks on 'Year Of The Cat' recorded by Al with guitar & piano. U.K. remaster adds three extra songs. CD contains 3 bonus tracks. Recorded at Abbey Road, London, England & Davlen Sound Studios, Universal City, California in 1976. Includes liner notes by Thane Tierney. Personnel: Al Stewart (guitar, keyboards); Peter White , Tim Renwick (guitar); Bobby Bruce (violin); Phil Kenzie (alto saxophone); Don Lobster, Peter Wood (keyboards); Stuart Elliot (drums, percussion, background vocals); Marion Driscoll (triangle); David Pack, Tony Rivers & The Castaways (background vocals). Recording information: Davison Sound Studios, Universal City, CA; EMI Abbey Road Studios, London, England. Photographer: Rob Brimson. Personnel: Al Stewart (vocals, keyboards); Tim Renwick, Peter White (guitar); Graham Smith (harmonica); Phil Kenzie (alto saxophone); Peter Wood, Don Lobster (keyboards); George Ford (bass); Stuart Elliot (drums, percussion); Marion Driscoll (triangle); David Pack, Tony Rivers, John Perry (background vocals).