Ammonia Avenue

From Prime Time to the title track in the end, this album keeps the listener in trance. Mesmerizing music.

I have to admit that I am possibly biased because I am a real fan of the Alan Parsons Project and buy all new releases, however, I rarely leave reviews so the fact that I am doing so here says something!I would have bought the Box Set anyway but was particularly interested in the 5.1 Blu-ray. I am not disappointed the box arrived this week, the packaging is stunning, the book and the facsimile press pack, poster etc. adds interest. The Blu-ray 5.1 mix is simply fantastic. Obviously fans of the Project will enjoy this but for those that are not this album (and possibly Eye in the Sky) would be a good start for people who wanted an good example of Parsons' work. I have revisited the album today and had forgotten how good it actually is.£85 is a lot to pay for the box so I'd suggest that people interested download or preview a few tracks, on this album Ammonia Avenue would be worth a listen to start with and Old and Wise, to follow from Eye in the Sky. I think people will be pleasantly surprised! Personally I have always found it odd that Parsons did much better in the US and Mainland Europe than in their own country (the UK). If anybody gets into them though, there is a huge body of music to explore.

After purchasing this installment in the excellent Alan Parsons Project reissue programme, I realised quite how much I'd under-rated this album when it first appeared back in 1984. The seventh Project outing was markedly different from its predecessors but, whilst I still don't think it's the Project's best album, it's an enjoyable listen and has some real high-points. Please note that four stars is a judgement relative to other APP albums - considered more broadly, all APP albums are emphatically five-star material. No one has done this sort of thing better.The first five APP albums were innovative, leading-edge progressive rock. 'Eye in the Sky' was slightly more commercial, and this trend continued with 'Ammonia Avenue', which moved more into the pop/rock mainstream. The Project was evolving from progressive rock into a pop/rock band - and, in my opinion, did this better than anyone else.An immediately noticeable feature of 'Ammonia Avenue' was that the nine tracks included a string of catchy, rocky cuts, any one of which could have been a hit single. 'Prime Time' was perhaps the most commercial-sounding APP track to date (which is in no way a criticism - I love it). 'Let Me Go Home' is a typically gutsy vocal performance from Project stalwart Lenny Zakatek. 'One Good Reason' packs a real punch through great percussion and Eric Woolfson's finely-crafted vocals. 'Don't Answer Me' (featuring Woolfson again) is another catchy cut. 'Dancing on a Highwire' struck me at the time (and still does) as being the best track on the album, with Colin Blunstone excellent on lead vocals. 'You Don't Believe' is another rocker, with Zakatek again belting out a great gutsy vocal. 'Pipeline' is a typically classy APP instrumental.For me, the two slower tracks don't quite measure up to the standard set by these rockers, but no matter - 'Ammonia Avenue' is a great collection of songs.The reissue is welcome, featuring subtle remastering and the customary fascinating set of bonus tracks which, via rough mixes, demos and guide vocals, give a great insight into the production process. A departure from the earlier albums, then, but an outstanding collection of great songs by one of rock music's all-time great acts.

I have two previous albums by this band, one excellent, the other not of the same standard. This one was back towards the excellent standard. Well worth the purchase price.

This is probably their most radio friendly album. A strictly AOR selection particularly attractive to USA audiences in the mid 80s, this album has the professional engineering hallmarks of Parsons. 'Prime Time',the Spectoresque 'Don't Answer Me', 'Dancing On A Highwire' and the title track are the four/five star standouts. It is no coincidence that these feature either the late Eric Woolfson or Colin Blunstone on lead vocals. I usually find other Parsons vocalists pretty bland and they usually get the average material to perform. Consequently, despite some really classy stuff, the inconsistency of the album drops the rating to a 3.

I'm trying to convince myself it sounds better. The typical 'bright' Parsons rendition is well portrayed.

A superb album, especially liked the extra tracks. The remaster does sound a bit harsh, although The original recording was an early example of digital mastering

Originally bought this by chance as a tape cassette in the middle '80's in Pretoria.Played it to death in my white 320i until the summer heat + wear & tear stretched it beyond tolerance.Took a few days to arrive but straight out in the car, volume up a bit.Forget tubular bells, I was around when it came out.This is real car music.

Had this on a 'll. So glad it's out again. Loved it.

Recieved my Box in excellent condition!

Bought this to make a compilation...has some good tracks.Regards Ian

This was very interesting, still a good album.

Another masterpiece from Music On Vinyl!

One of the best albums from one of the most underrated bands: ballads to touch the heart and songs to make you feel good.

What's there to say, really? This is a great album. It has something for everyone, in classic APP fashion. The only thing it LACKS is a very, very depressing song at the end of the album. As in Pyramid, Eve, Eye.But no reservations, this is just a brilliant album.

Great album and great sound.